Compliance Officer

Supporting Education Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Health cash plan

Life insurance

Pension contributions

Flexible benefits

Learning & development

Volunteer days

Job summary

Eden Training Solutions in Wakefield is seeking a Compliance Officer to ensure the Apprenticeships department fully complies with ESFA funding rules and safeguards public funds. You will support high-quality apprenticeship programmes while driving process improvements and building a culture of accountability.

This role collaborates with internal teams and funding bodies, conducts regular audits, provides guidance to staff, and maintains accurate compliance records.

Qualifications

• Experience in a back-office function with focus on customer service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating detailed information and reports.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, change-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Tenacious, results-driven and a team player.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Achieve daily, weekly and monthly auditing targets for compliance.
• Review and improve internal processes to boost compliance rates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote best practices in funding compliance.
• Ensure timely processing of compliance checks for programme documentation.
• Share compliance updates and insights across departments.
• Support external funding audits, inspections and due diligence exercises.
• Maintain and update compliance documents against targets.
• Generate and distribute regular compliance reports.

Skills

Back-office experience

Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel,TE

Analytical skills

Deadline driven

Change oriented

Communication skills

Teamwork

GCSE Maths & English

Education

GCSE Maths & English (C/4)

Tools

BUD apprenticeship platform

Job description

About us

Eden Training Solutions is a leading apprenticeship provider in the early years sector and part of the Supporting Education Group. With a Grade 2 (Good) Ofsted rating and Gold Standard for Leaders in Safeguarding, we're committed to excellence. Recognised in the Sunday Times Top 10 Best Companies to Work For, we've built a culture where people thrive. Our vision is to help individuals Reach their Potential through high-quality, fully funded training that transforms futures.

About the job

To 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

• Conduct regular audits of key documentation against the most recent ESFA funding rules using the apprenticeship delivery platform BUD and any other relevant systems.
• Process Improvement: Identify non-compliant documentation and implement corrective actions in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Provide guidance and training to delivery staff on compliance best practices and audit actions.
• Ensure BUD and any other learner management systems are updated with accurate, compliant evidence of programme eligibility.
• Support internal and external audits conducted by funding bodies and other stakeholders.
• Maintain clear and organised records of compliance actions and ensure timely resolution of flagged issues.
• Analyse compliance data and prepare reports that identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement, supporting informed decision-making.
• Stay updated on ESFA funding rules and other relevant regulations, ensuring compliance practices remain current.
• Support compliance assurance activities across all Quality & Training business units, ensuring consistency of funding compliance practice, evidence requirements and audit outcomes.
• Identify emerging compliance risks, trends and recurring themes, escalating concerns and recommending appropriate mitigation actions.
• Work collaboratively with administrative, operational, quality and support teams to ensure compliant learner journeys, effective resolution of compliance issues and continuous improvement of processes.
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of compliance policies, procedures, guidance documents and audit frameworks.

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.
• Support the delivery of organisational compliance assurance plans and improvement activities across Quality & Training.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive compliance culture, promoting accountability, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Support preparation for external funding audits, inspections and due diligence exercises.
• Provide feedback, coaching and guidance to operational teams to improve compliance performance and reduce funding risk.
• Share best practice and lessons learned across businesses to drive consistency and continuous improvement.
• 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.

Other Duties

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

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge/Qualities

Essential Criteria:

• 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.

Desirable Criteria:

• 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.

Our Benefits:

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash 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
• 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
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days - 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.