At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead apprenticeship data management and ensure compliance with funding rules.
- Company: Join Bedford College, a supportive environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and strong data management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29316 - 34394 £ per year.
Location: Bedford College – Cauldwell Street Campus
Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £29,316 and £34,394 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, People's Pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term – Full Time – Fixed until 30 April 2027
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role: We are currently seeking a Registry Strand Lead in Apprenticeships to join our Apprenticeships department at The Bedford College Group.
As a Registry Strand Lead, you play an important role in the success of our students through:
- Apprenticeship Data & ILR Compliance – Lead the management of apprenticeship data, ensuring ILR accuracy, timely updates and full compliance with DfE funding rules across the learner lifecycle.
- Enrolment, DAS & Curriculum Records – Oversee enrolments, curriculum set‐up and DAS processes, ensuring accurate learning aims, programme structures and prompt resolution of data mismatches.
- Data Quality, Reporting & Funding Assurance – Monitor funding and data reports (FRM, PDSAT, DSAT, Power BI), identify risks, resolve issues and optimise funding while minimising audit exposure.
- Audit, Processes & Continuous Improvement – Prepare audit‐ready learner records, support compliance checks, recover missing documentation and implement process improvements based on audit and data findings.
- Leadership, Collaboration & Governance – Lead registry support for apprenticeships, manage workloads and staff, provide guidance to teams, and uphold safeguarding, EDI, data protection and professional standards.
About you:
- Qualifications & Technical Data Expertise – Level 3 qualification with GCSE English and maths (Grade 4+), strong knowledge of apprenticeship funding rules, MIS systems and advanced Excel/data manipulation skills.
- Apprenticeship Compliance, ILR & Funding Knowledge – Proven experience working with ILR data, funding methodologies and compliance regulations, ensuring accurate data, audit readiness and adherence to data protection standards.
- Analytical, Problem‐Solving & Process Improvement – Highly analytical with outstanding attention to detail, able to investigate data issues, identify risks, challenge processes and implement evidence‐based improvements.
- Communication, Customer Focus & Team Leadership – Strong communicator able to provide clear guidance and deliver customer‐focused solutions, contribute positively to teams and support leadership of Registry staff when required.
- Professionalism, Organisation & Flexibility – Highly organised, able to meet deadlines under pressure, committed to safeguarding, EDI and College values, with a flexible approach to work and willingness to operate across multiple sites.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: 20 May 2026
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on the trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Safeguarding our Students: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Registry Strand Lead - Apprenticeships - Maternity Cover in Bedford employer: Bedford ESOL
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and access to various college courses, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives in the vibrant community of Bedford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registry Strand Lead - Apprenticeships - Maternity Cover in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Bedford College or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture. We love candidates who align with our vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around data compliance and leadership. We want to see how you handle challenges and lead teams, so be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a nice touch!
We think you need these skills to ace Registry Strand Lead - Apprenticeships - Maternity Cover in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Registry Strand Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data management, be sure to emphasise your experience with ILR data, funding methodologies, and any relevant MIS systems. We want to see your analytical prowess shine through!
Demonstrate Team Spirit:We value teamwork here at StudySmarter, so don’t forget to mention your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in a leadership capacity.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While professionalism is key, we also appreciate a bit of personality! Let your passion for education and commitment to student success come through in your writing. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford ESOL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on apprenticeship funding rules and ILR compliance. Familiarise yourself with the specific data management systems mentioned in the job description, as well as any relevant legislation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about it.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss examples of how you've tackled data issues or improved processes in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, especially in compliance or audit situations. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and analytical mindset.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Since the role involves leading teams and collaborating with others, be ready to share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or led a project. Highlight how you value teamwork and how you can contribute positively to the college's vision of inclusivity and support.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisational values outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around student-centred approaches and continuous improvement. This will demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit for the organisation.
