Strategic oversight of compliance

• Develop and implement a structured internal audit framework to identify and resolve compliance risks before they bite.
• Ensure our compliance infrastructure is resilient to changes in funding rules and audit requirements.
• Lead the development of compliance strategies that maintain regulatory adherence and operational efficiency.
• Support the launch and ongoing development of the Audit & Risk Committee, ensuring compliance data is structured and informs decision-making.

Data management and reporting

• Manage the collection, validation and reporting of apprenticeship data, in line with DfE funding rules.
• Ensure timely, accurate ILR submissions, with robust validation processes behind them.
• Use validation tools including PDSAT to keep the ILR error-free and spot data quality risks ahead of funding claims.
• Oversee off-the-job hours and functional skills data to meet DfE evidence requirements and minimise audit risk.
• Analyse apprenticeship performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Keep up to date with DfE funding guidance and Ofsted requirements, and advise the team on what needs to change.
• Work with colleagues across the business to improve data processes and reporting.

Compliance and regulatory oversight

• Ensure all apprenticeship delivery complies with funding rules, Ofsted regulations and our own internal policies.
• Conduct internal audits and compliance checks to minimise funding risk and protect data integrity.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on compliance, funding and data accuracy.
• Monitor learner and employer records against DfE funding and audit requirements.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, funding bodies and regulatory agencies.
• Support Ofsted inspection readiness — collating compliance evidence, contributing to self-assessment, and preparing data summaries for inspection teams.

Systems and process improvement

• Work with the Operations Director on developments that improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Identify process improvements with the operations teams that strengthen compliance and data integrity.
• Ensure PICS is fully optimised for how we actually work, improving data entry accuracy and reporting.
• Build our data analytics capability to support compliance reporting and performance forecasting.
• Develop Smart Assessor as a key source for learner progress, making sure delivery staff record accurately and on time.
• Contribute to our Power BI dashboards and the BPIF Training Data Hub, so compliance and performance data is accessible and actionable.

Stakeholder engagement

• Mentor and support colleagues to embed a culture of data accuracy and compliance awareness.
• Make sure compliance best practice is understood across the organisation, through training and development.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen compliance processes and data reporting.

Financial compliance and forecasting

• Work closely with the Operations Director on accurate funding claims and financial forecasting.
• Minimise funding clawbacks and financial risk through robust compliance monitoring.
• Support financial reporting by keeping compliance data structured and accessible for decision-making.

Essential

• Proven experience in a data or compliance management role within apprenticeships or further education.
• Strong knowledge of DfE funding rules, ILR data submissions and Ofsted compliance requirements.
• Practical experience using PICS (or an equivalent MIS), PDSAT, FRM and ILR quality assurance.
• Sound understanding of off-the-job hours, functional skills data and co-investment compliance.
• A high level of attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and turn them into something usable.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to lead internal audits, implement process improvements and manage relationships with external funding bodies.

Desirable

• Experience with Smart Assessor or an equivalent e-portfolio and progress tracking system.
• Experience supporting or preparing evidence for Ofsted inspections in a training provider.
• Experience managing or mentoring a small compliance or data team — or a willingness to take on line management as we grow.

If you meet most of the essential list but not all of it, we’d still rather hear from you than not.