Compliance Officer - Bristol - Best Practice Network

Description

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.

Main Purpose of 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

• Auditing: Conduct regular audits of key documentation against the most recent ESFA funding rules using the apprenticeship delivery platform BUD and any other relevant systems.
• Collaboration: Work closely with administrative and operational staff to ensure enrolment, progression, achiever, and leaver paperwork is fully compliant.
• Process Improvement: Identify non‑compliant documentation and implement corrective actions in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Training and Support: Provide guidance and training to delivery staff on compliance best practices and audit actions.
• Platform Management: Ensure BUD and any other learner management systems are updated with accurate, compliant evidence of programme eligibility.
• Audit Preparation: Support internal and external audits conducted by funding bodies and other stakeholders.
• Documentation Management: Maintain clear and organised records of compliance actions and ensure timely resolution of flagged issues.
• Reporting: Prepare and present compliance reports as required, highlighting key trends and areas for improvement.
• Knowledge Maintenance: Stay updated on ESFA funding rules and other relevant regulations, ensuring compliance practices remain current.

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.

Administration

• 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.

Equality & Diversity

• Support and promote equality and diversity to ensure opportunities for all students, visitors, and staff while eliminating discriminatory practices.

Safeguarding

• Actively support and promote safeguarding to ensure the safety and well‑being of students, visitors, and staff.

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.
• 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.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties related to the role as required.
• Actively participate in organisational initiatives aimed at improving compliance and operational effectiveness.
• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare 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.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• 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.