Spearheading the Compliance Team, Naimah championed the Eleventh Hour Group to Elite Status on the Priory Group compliance audit at 99.12%. On top of this, due to her strong leadership and the diligence of her team, EHG were also awarded Platinum Status on the HTE Framework audit at 99.84%. Two of many fantastic achievements! Naimah’s colleague Kayleigh, who was directly involved in the successes of both audits, praised Naimah for her leadership, clarity and drive for excellence.
At Eleventh Hour Group we pride ourselves on ensuring the highest standards in recruitment and safeguarding both for candidates and clients. Spearheading our Compliance team is Naimah, our Compliance Manager, whose leadership and meticulous approach help maintain the integrity and efficiency of our operations. Naimah’s approach to leadership is one of compassion, quality and care – this radiates through and is evident in the relationships she builds with her team, and their proactive approach to finding solutions, innovating and seeing the inflection points on every project they undertake.
Naimah supporting the Compliance Team and the Temporary Staffing Department
Driving Excellence at Eleventh Hour Group
Naimah’s career began within the Recruitment industry prior to joining EHG. When starting here at EHG, Naimah operated within the compliance team as a Senior Compliance Officer having already spent several years in Compliance. Since then, Naimah has been internally promoted to Compliance Manager and remains a crucial asset to the team. Naimah’s team thrive under her leadership. Annie Lawson, Compliance Officer reports directly to Naimah. She explained, ‘having a job you enjoy is great, but having amazing coworkers you can consider as friends is something to revel in. Naimah leads with a lot of integrity. She works incredibly hard, has high expectations and sets the tone for us all, yet she values us and we function well as a team because there is a lot of mutual respect and trust.’
Now, Naimah explains that she revels in working directly with the CEO and Operations Director. ‘It’s great to work with, and learn first-hand from industry experts. The mentoring and coaching I receive help to shape the way I lead my team.’ Naimah prides herself on her approachability and her drive for continuous improvement. Aspects that are part of the shared culture of EHG.
Naimah is evidently a trusted, committed and well respected member of the EHG team. Graham Lipman, EHG’s Operations Director explained that some of her many core capabilities are her knowledge, her commitment to quality and her capacity to mitigate risks. These are all aspects that are evident for all to see. Naimah is greatly respected, and it shows; this is particularly evident with the productivity outcomes, and feedback from external bodies, such as with audits.
So, what does it take to manage compliance and spot inflection points in a fast-paced recruitment environment?
Naimah’s Role
A typical day can be so varied. Lots of opportunities and challenges can arise and whilst they cannot always be predicted, Naimah is forward thinking and able to quickly adapt to change. For Naimah, her leadership revolves around having presence and being centred around the growth of her team. ‘Being unified with my team is crucial. I answer questions, provide guidance, and make sure work is delegated effectively to reduce pressure. Whilst I am a positive person, I also try hard to spot negatively impacting factors that might emerge. The current climate really calls for us to look ahead, possibly more so now than a decade ago. And rightly so – we support organisations and people working with some of the most vulnerable people in the country. We do well because we care, and we see the humanity behind the numbers.’ Where possible, Naimah, will reduce unnecessary pressures on the team by delegating work packages across the teams, and checking in with processes, refining and enhancing where necessary. It is obvious from the outset that Naimah’s team, and the wider organisation, have a great deal of respect for her as a leader.
‘Compliance can be described as a moving target,’ Naimah explains. ‘Industry regulations evolve, client needs shift, and new challenges emerge daily. This means staying ahead of training needs, refining processes, and maintaining 100% compliance across all candidates. Every month brings something new, but our goal remains the same: excellence, quality and precision.’ A mantra that Naimah and her team embody, stemming from the Strategic Leadership team and deeply rooted and upheld with the team who are deeply committed to what they do, and how they need to evolve.
Leadership in Compliance: Driving Performance & Culture
Managing a high-performing compliance team requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands strategic leadership. Naimah balances efficiency with a culture of psychological safety. She is dedicated to ensuring her team feels supported while still delivering high standards, spotting threats, mitigating risks and always maintaining exceptional quality.
Naimah’s key strategies include:
- One-to-one coaching and performance reviews to keep individuals on track.
- Aligning KPIs with business-as-usual (BAU) tasks, ensuring they are both challenging and achievable.
- Listening to the CEO and Operations Director’s leadership training to refine her own management style.
- Fostering accountability through open communication, problem-solving, and performance evaluations.
‘We forecast challenges, mitigate risks, and always aim for continuous improvement,’ Naimah explains. ‘Motivating my team and understanding what drives them is just as important as ensuring compliance.’ Her sincere nature must also be applauded. Naimah sets the bar high, but her approach is cohesive, community-focused and committed to continuous improvement, whilst always respectful of everyone in the team. Naimah is a true champion committed to the excellence of all and is greatly respected because of this.
Maintaining the Highest Compliance Standards
Elite Status on the Priory Group compliance audit at 99.12%
EHG were also awarded Platinum Status on the HTE Framework audit at 99.84%
In the recruitment sector, compliance is non-negotiable. At Eleventh Hour Group, we adhere to the HTE Framework, ensuring that each candidate meets the 70 key compliance checks before placement. ‘Attention to detail is everything,’ says Naimah. ‘Investigative skills, seamless communication, and a strong rapport with candidates make all the difference.’
Naimah’s capacity to mitigate risk is both intuitive and systematic. She maintains clear protocols including real-time updates and continuous CPD to ensure the team is always well-informed. ‘Keeping up with industry changes is a team effort. It requires a systematic approach to ensure we are always acting on up-to-date information and streamlining processes’:
- Real-time regulatory updates are shared across the team.
- Training is immediate to keep everyone up to speed. This might be a formal training session, or sharing updated requirements in real-time through coaching or mentoring methods.
- Automation supports compliance but is always backed by human oversight.
Streamlining Processes Without Compromising Quality
Efficiency is key in recruitment, but never at the expense of compliance. Naimah ensures:
- Cross-functional training, so all relevant team members can step in when needed.
- Proactive forecasting, using technology to flag expiring documents.
- A hands-on approach, ensuring automation is reliable but always checked by the team.
‘Technology is a great tool, but it’s not infallible,’ she says. ‘We use automation for reporting and forecasting, but compliance still relies on the people behind the process.’
Collaboration and Impact
Naimah’s role isn’t just about managing compliance; it’s also about elevating Eleventh Hour Group’s reputation. ‘Strong compliance doesn’t just protect us; it enhances our standing in the industry.’ Recent audits, including achieving Platinum Level for the Priory Group’s HTE Framework Audit. An achievement indicative of the level of detail and care spearheaded by Naimah and implemented by the whole team. Precisely why Eleventh Hour Group has Elite Status on the Priory Group compliance audit as well as Platinum Status on the HTE Framework audit.
Collaboration & Impact
It is also about elevating, and protecting Eleventh Hour Group’s reputation. ‘Strong compliance doesn’t just protect us; it enhances our standing in the industry,’ she says. Recent audits have demonstrated a marked uplift in performance, something she credits to the dedication of her team and the new leadership’s strategic vision.
She also works closely with recruiters to ensure a seamless candidate journey. ‘It’s about making compliance as smooth as possible. Being clear in communication, having detailed checklists, and providing ongoing support make all the difference.’
Looking Ahead: The Future of Compliance
Eleventh Hour Group’s Compliance Team (from L-R James, Annie, Naimah and Kayleigh).
The world of compliance is constantly evolving, with automation and regulatory changes shaping the future. Naimah is already preparing for:
- Advancements in digital compliance tools to streamline processes further.
- Changes to regulations that will impact healthcare recruitment.
- Higher compliance benchmarks that will continue to set Eleventh Hour Group apart from competitors.
‘At Eleventh Hour Group, we don’t just meet compliance standards, we exceed them. Whether it’s hands-on training instead of just online courses, or proactive problem-solving, we’re always pushing for better.’
Advice for Candidates: Navigating the Compliance Process
For candidates looking to streamline their compliance journey, Naimah is here to support. Naimah has some key advice for candidates navigating the complexities of compliance:
- Communicate. Ask questions if you’re unsure. We’re always here to support you, and we are happy to guide you on any of the areas you’re unsure of. Reach out. The team is always here to help.
- Prepare your documents. Double-check them against the checklist. Please ensure your documentation is up-to-date. We will only accept up-to-date documentation., and it must be the original version. Our compliance includes checking dates and authenticity of all documentation you send.
- Be proactive. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete compliance steps. The faster we have your documentation, the faster we can secure roles that are best suited to you.
Naimah’s commitment to her team, clients and candidates is exceptional and it stems from a place of psychological safety – a recurrent theme of Eleventh Hour Group. For Naimah, she understands the value in having someone there at the end of the phone, to de-mystify the complexities of compliance. Someone who can address misconceptions candidates might have and expedite the process for clients and candidates alike. ‘Compliance can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide candidates every step of the way. We are solution focused and we aim to solve issues before they arise. We are all here to support our clients and our candidates, so you can spend the time doing what you do best: caring for people who need you the most.’
