Apprenticeship Compliance Manager

We are seeking an Apprenticeship Compliance Manager to join our Directorate of Student and Academic Services (SaAS), supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University. In this role, you will lead the University’s apprenticeship regulatory compliance and monitoring activities. You will manage apprenticeship contracting processes and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including the DfE and Ofsted. Working closely with operational teams and Academic Leads for Partnerships and Apprenticeships, you will maintain high standards of regulatory compliance across all apprenticeship delivery and contractual arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure apprenticeship compliance monitoring activities are completed to ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
• Manage apprenticeship contracting processes with employers and funding bodies.
• Coordinate and prepare for Ofsted inspections.
• Lead on funding audits and other external audits related to apprenticeships.
• Work closely with operational teams and Academic Leads for Partnerships and Apprenticeships to ensure compliance in apprenticeship delivery and administration.
• Develop and maintain processes and documentation relating to apprenticeship compliance.
• Monitor apprenticeship performance data and report compliance status to senior management.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on apprenticeship compliance matters.
• Provide handbooks and guidance for apprentices and employers on apprenticeship requirements and compliance matters.
• Liaise with external regulators and funding bodies on compliance and contract issues.
• Identify and resolve issues or risks related to Apprenticeship compliance in a timely manner.
• Investigate and resolve compliance issues or breaches as they arise.
• Keep abreast of developments in Apprenticeship regulations and guidance and ensure the university’s practice remains current.
• Produce reports, papers and presentations, as required.
• Support continuous improvement in compliance processes and standards, reporting to senior management and contributing to strategic planning.
• Supporting University events such as enrolment, graduation, open days, and clearing as required.

Experience

• Experience of managing apprenticeship compliance within a regulated environment.
• Experience managing an effective and high performing team.
• Strong knowledge of apprenticeship contracting and funding requirements.
• Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or equivalent regulatory audits.
• Good understanding of apprenticeship delivery and administration processes.
• Proven ability to develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor compliance data and identify risks.
• Effective communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external regulators.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a compliance context.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience working in an apprenticeship or education compliance role.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship funding and regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with higher education apprenticeship delivery.

Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: Skilled Worker Visa. The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.