Q&T Practice Compliance Manager in Bristol

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

We're looking for an experienced Compliance Manager to lead apprenticeship funding compliance across the Q&T Practice, covering Best Practice Network, Let Me Play, Eden Training Solutions and Thrive.

You’ll take ownership of funding eligibility, audit readiness and data integrity, ensuring full compliance with DfE funding rules. Acting as a key control point, you’ll safeguard public funding through robust systems, processes and leadership of compliance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a consistent funding compliance framework across all organisations
• Manage and develop Compliance Officers, ensuring high standards and consistency
• Oversee learner eligibility checks (pre‑ and post‑enrolment) and evidence requirements
• Ensure ILR data accuracy and alignment with core systems (BUD as source of truth)
• Lead internal audits, manage audit outcomes, and act as key contact for external audits (DfE/Ofsted)
• Monitor funding risks, maintain compliance registers, and implement controls
• Ensure subcontractor and partner compliance with funding rules
• Drive continuous improvement in system controls and compliance processes

What Success Looks Like

• 100% eligibility compliance and audit‑ready learner records
• 99% or greater ILR data accuracy aligned to source systems
• No material funding errors in external audits
• Strong, system‑led compliance controls with reduced manual risk
• Effective, high‑performing compliance team

About You

• Strong experience in apprenticeship funding compliance
• In‑depth knowledge of DfE funding rules and audit frameworks
• Experience managing compliance or audit teams
• Strong data accuracy and risk management focus
• Confident working with ILR, MIS and compliance systems
• Experience with system‑led compliance (e.g., BUD)
• Multi‑site or multi‑provider experience

Why Join?

• High‑impact role safeguarding funding and reducing risk
• Opportunity to shape a robust, system‑driven compliance model
• 28 days holiday and an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to a maximum of 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 four times 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.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.