The Role Of The Responsible Officer (RO): Beyond The Job Title
If you’re a Responsible Officer or are stepping into the role for the first time, you’ll know it’s about far more than fulfilling regulatory duties. You're a key link between your organisation and the regulator, and play a central role in protecting standards, ensuring quality, and maintaining trust.
At the recent AO-Forum, Innovate Awarding’s Director of Compliance and Responsible Officer, Lesley Sharp, joined professionals from across the sector to explore what this role really demands, and why it matters more than ever.
Defined in regulation but shaped by day-to-day leadership, the RO role is critical to ensuring that Awarding Organisations (AOs) and End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) remain compliant, confident and fit for purpose.
In this blog, we unpack what the role involves in practice and share ten practical tips to help you strengthen your approach, lead with clarity, and build a culture of compliance across your organisation.