Risk & Compliance Graduate Programme

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in them not being considered.

Location: London

Start date: September 2027

Salary: £35,000

Duration: 2-year graduate programme

Spot the Risk and Shape the Strategy

Looking for a graduate role that combines critical thinking, data analysis and problem solving?

Join Howden’s Risk and Compliance graduate programme and discover how global businesses make informed decisions, stay ahead of emerging risks and meet complex regulatory requirements.

Our Risk and Compliance team protects our business by identifying potential risks, putting safeguards into place to reduce them and ensuring we operate effectively and responsibly. If you are curious about how businesses respond to uncertainty, solve complex problems and balance risk with opportunity, this could be the perfect place to start your career.

Our Graduate Programme will build your technical and professional skills while giving you real responsibility from day one. You'll work directly with industry experts, gain exposure to key business decisions and build the foundations for a successful career in risk and compliance.

What you’ll be doing?

Over two-year years, you’ll rotate across four specialist teams, spending six months in each area to build a broad understanding of risk and compliance. You’ll work alongside colleagues from across our key divisions, which may include Howden Group, Howden Re, Specialty, Retail and DUAL, giving you extensive exposure to the insurance industry and a wide range of business areas.

This graduate programme offers a direct pathway into a permanent role. Please note, permanent offers are not guaranteed and are allocated based on performance and business need.

In each rotation, you’ll:

• Study towards a Level 4 ICA Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk and Compliance.

• Identify and assess risks across the business.

• Support risk assessments and governance activities.

• Analyse data and present insights to stakeholders.

• Collaborate with teams to promote risk and compliance best practice.

• Monitor emerging risks and regulatory developments.

• Help implement new tools and processes that improve risk management.

What are we looking for?

No experience is required; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

You’ll be:

• A recent or soon-to-be graduate from any degree background.

• Someone who enjoys analysing data and has meticulous attention to detail.

• A critical thinker who thrives on solving problems.

• Able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally and be comfortable presenting to individuals at all levels.

• Able to communicate complex topics to non-technical audiences that aids decision making.

• Intellectually curious and enjoy problem solving.

• A team player who thrives on collaborating with others.

• Proactive and enjoy taking ownership of the tasks assigned to you.

To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Application process

Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know! 

1. Online application form – no CV required: We believe you'remore than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.

2. Online gamified assessment: These games will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!

3. Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.

4. Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day!

Why should you apply?

At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll join a permanent role from day one and take part in our structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your technical, commercial and professional growth. 

You'll also benefit from: 

• £35,000 salary and generous pension scheme.

• Opportunity to complete fully funded professional qualifications, such as the ICA.

• Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate development programme.

• Early responsibility and exposure to live transactions involving some of the world's leading banks and financial institutions.

• The opportunity to build an international network and work alongside experienced professionals from banking, legal and finance backgrounds.

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.

• Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.

• 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.

Ready to apply?

Follow our TikTok pages: @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, and explore our Connectr hub to discover more about Howden, our culture, and the insurance industry. You'll find resources to help you prepare for our recruitment process and understand which career path could be the best fit for you.

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.