Compliance Officer

Best Practice Network; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education is seeking a Compliance Officer to ensure adherence to ESFA funding rules within their apprenticeship programs. This role is crucial for maintaining operational excellence and involves conducting audits, collaborating with staff, and enhancing compliance processes. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, leveraging their analytical skills to drive continuous improvement. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, this organization offers a supportive workplace where your contributions will directly impact the education sector. If you're results-driven and passionate about compliance, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Healthcare Plan after probation

Free life insurance

Pension contributions after 3 months

25% off online learning resources

Flexible benefits after probation

Qualifications

• Experience in a back-office function focused on customer service.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating information and preparing reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular audits of documentation against ESFA funding rules.
• Provide training on compliance best practices to delivery staff.

Skills

Customer Service

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Continuous Improvement

Time Management

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft 365

BUD (learner management system)

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Best Practice Network provided pay range

This range is provided by Best Practice Network. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

About Us:

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We're a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the Role:

The Compliance Officer will ensure the Apprenticeships department operates in full compliance with the latest ESFA funding rules, safeguarding public funds while supporting the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship programmes. This role is integral to maintaining operational excellence, mitigating compliance risks, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of organisational processes. The Compliance Officer will play a key role in fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and upholding the organisation's commitment to quality assurance and improvement.

Main Duties:

• Auditing: Conduct regular audits of key documentation against the most recent ESFA funding rules using the apprenticeship delivery platform BUD and any other relevant systems.
• Collaboration: Work closely with administrative and operational staff to ensure enrolment, progression, achiever, and leaver paperwork is fully compliant.
• Process Improvement: Identify non-compliant documentation and implement corrective actions in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Training and Support: Provide guidance and training to delivery staff on compliance best practices and audit actions.
• Platform Management: Ensure BUD and any other learner management systems are updated with accurate, compliant evidence of programme eligibility.
• Audit Preparation: Support internal and external audits conducted by funding bodies and other stakeholders.
• Documentation Management: Maintain clear and organised records of compliance actions and ensure timely resolution of flagged issues.
• Reporting: Prepare and present compliance reports as required, highlighting key trends and areas for improvement.
• Knowledge Maintenance: Stay updated on ESFA funding rules and other relevant regulations, ensuring compliance practices remain current.

Job Responsibilities:

• Achieve daily, weekly, and monthly auditing targets to maintain compliance.
• Review and improve internal processes to enhance compliance rates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote best practices in funding compliance.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of compliance checks for all programme documentation.
• Share compliance updates and insights across departments to promote organisation-wide adherence.

Administration:

• Maintain and update compliance documentation against specified targets.
• Ensure all compliance actions for specific apprentices are recorded and tracked.
• Generate and distribute regular compliance reports as required.

Equality & Diversity:

• Support and promote equality and diversity to ensure opportunities for all students, visitors, and staff while eliminating discriminatory practices.

Safeguarding:

• Actively support and promote safeguarding to ensure the safety and well-being of students, visitors, and staff.

About You:

• Experience in a back-office function with a strong focus on customer service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially Outlook, Word, Excel (advanced level), and Teams.
• Commitment to continuous improvement (personal and organisational).
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating detailed information and preparing/presenting reports.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and remain focused under pressure.
• Experience working in a dynamic, change-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Tenacious, results-driven, and team-oriented.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade C or 4.
• Experience with government-funded programmes, including apprenticeships.
• Familiarity with ESFA funding rules and compliance standards.
• Previous experience in further education or a similar environment.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards and delivery platforms like BUD.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional duties related to the role as required.
• Actively participate in organisational initiatives aimed at improving compliance and operational effectiveness.

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Education

Industries

Education