Head of Compliance

Apprentify Ltd; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading compliance firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Compliance to oversee its compliance framework. The role entails ensuring adherence to government funding rules and audit standards while managing a comprehensive compliance data framework. Candidates should have substantial experience in apprenticeship compliance, ILR management, and government funding rules. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits including private medical insurance and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Hybrid working with collaboration days

Ongoing professional development

Access to mental health support

Qualifications

• Significant experience in apprenticeship compliance and ILR management.
• Strong understanding of audit processes and data validation.
• Experience in leading compliance functions.

Responsibilities

• Own compliance across the full learner journey.
• Monitor rule changes and provide actionable guidance.
• Lead monthly ILR submissions and data validation.

Skills

Apprenticeship compliance

ILR management

Government funding rules

Audit processes

Data validation

Job description

Overview

The Head of Compliance is a critical leadership role at the centre of Apprentify's operational performance. You will own the full compliance framework that underpins our funding, data integrity, audit readiness and financial accuracy. This role demands high standards, sharp decision‑making and an ability to anticipate risks before they arise. You will set the compliance strategy, drive accountability across all operational teams, and ensure Apprentify consistently exceeds government funding expectations. Your work directly protects revenue, strengthens QAR outcomes, and enables us to scale with confidence and precision. You will thrive in this role if you are a compliance expert who is analytical, detail‑focused and confident operating at a senior level. You bring strong knowledge of DFE/DWP funding rules, exceptional data accuracy, and the ability to translate complexity into operational clarity. You take ownership, enjoy problem‑solving, and bring a calm, structured approach to risk management.

Responsibilities

• Own compliance across the full learner journey, ensuring all activity meets government funding rules.
• Monitor rule changes and translate them into clear, actionable guidance for operational teams.
• Act as Apprentify's subject‑matter expert and escalation point for all funding compliance queries.
• Lead accurate and timely monthly ILR submissions, validation and error resolution (ILR & Data Management).
• Maintain high standards of data integrity through rigorous quality checks.
• Produce clear monthly ILR and performance reporting to inform operational decisions.
• Maintain and update employer contracts in line with funding rules and audit requirements (Contract & Employer Compliance).
• Resolve employer and stakeholder compliance queries and ensure all documentation is audit‑ready.
• Manage subcontractor compliance including due diligence, documentation and annual submissions (Subcontracting Oversight).
• Ensure subcontracting partners meet government funding requirements and quality expectations.
• Own the compliance data framework and monthly reporting cycle (Performance Reporting & Accountability).
• Highlight risks, trends and QAR performance, including R13/R14 validation checks.
• Lead internal/external audit readiness including PDSAT monitoring and sampling activity (Audit & Risk Management).
• Conduct root‑cause analysis and drive actions to reduce compliance risk across Operations.
• Provide Finance with accurate, timely updates on co‑investment, incentives, reimbursements and levy shortfalls (Financial Reconciliation).
• Ensure all funding‑related data is accurate, validated and compliant.
• Manage EPAO contracts and performance meetings, escalating risks and ensuring quality of EPA outcomes (EPAO Performance Management).
• Serve as the main point of contact for government funding groups, coordinating all regulatory communications and submissions (External Stakeholder Management).

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in apprenticeship compliance, ILR management and government funding rules.
• Strong understanding of audit processes, PDSAT, data validation and QAR performance.
• Experience leading compliance functions or acting as a senior compliance specialist.
• Ability to influence, challenge and guide stakeholders confidently across the business.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with subcontracting arrangements.
• Experience of leading compliance within a fast‑scaling provider.
• Strong rapport with DWP/DFE account managers.

What High Performance Looks Like in This Role

• Consistently audit‑ready, with accurate, timely ILR submissions and strong data integrity.
• Clear, confident rule interpretation, turning funding requirements into simple, actionable guidance.
• Proactive risk management, identifying issues early and preventing them from recurring.
• Strong cross‑functional influence, ensuring teams understand and deliver their compliance responsibilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset, strengthening processes, reducing errors and protecting revenue.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Private medical insurance.
• Birthday Leave + Volunteer Day.
• Hybrid working with regular collaboration days in our Wilmslow HQ.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support.
• A culture of high performance, innovation, and impact, where your contribution directly shapes Apprentify's success.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Access to mental health and wellbeing support.
• Regular company‑wide events and team socials.