At Best Practice Network, we believe every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education.
We support and develop the educational professionals who work alongside children and young people, empowering them to be the very best they can be. Through apprenticeships, professional development programmes and the Department for Education's 'Golden Thread' pathway-from trainee teachers to school executive leaders-we help transform lives through education.
We are a friendly, DfE-accredited and Ofsted-rated Outstanding training provider, recognised for our collaborative culture, adaptability and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the education sector.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a result of our continued growth across the UK and internationally, we are seeking an experienced Compliance Manager to lead apprenticeship funding compliance across our Q&T Practice, including Best Practice Network, Let Me Play, Eden Training Solutions and Thrive.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves, do their best work and thrive. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.
About the Role
As Compliance Manager, you will take ownership of apprenticeship funding compliance, audit readiness and data integrity across multiple providers, ensuring full alignment with Department for Education funding rules.
Acting as a key control point within the organisation, you will safeguard public funding through robust systems, effective processes and strong leadership of compliance teams.
This is a high-impact role with responsibility for driving consistency, reducing risk and embedding a system-led approach to compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a consistent funding compliance framework across all organisations.
- Manage and develop Compliance Officers, ensuring high standards, consistency and accountability.
- Oversee learner eligibility checks, both pre- and post-enrolment, ensuring evidence requirements are met.
- Ensure Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data accuracy and alignment with core systems, including BUD as the source of truth.
- Lead internal audits, manage audit outcomes and act as the key contact for external audits and inspections.
- Monitor funding risks, maintain compliance registers and implement effective controls.
- Ensure subcontractors and partners remain compliant with apprenticeship funding rules.
- Drive continuous improvement in compliance processes, systems and controls.
What Success Looks Like
- 100% eligibility compliance and audit-ready learner records.
- At least 99% ILR data accuracy aligned with source systems.
- No material funding errors identified through external audits.
- Strong, system-led compliance controls with reduced manual risk.
- A high-performing and effective compliance team.
About You
Essential
- Significant experience in apprenticeship funding compliance.
- In-depth knowledge of Department for Education funding rules and audit frameworks.
- Experience managing compliance or audit teams.
- Strong focus on data accuracy, governance and risk management.
- Confidence working with ILR, management information systems (MIS) and compliance platforms.
Desirable
- Experience with system-led compliance solutions, such as BUD.
- Experience working across multiple sites or providers.
Why Join Us?
- Lead compliance across multiple established providers.
- Play a pivotal role in safeguarding funding and reducing organisational risk.
- Shape and embed a robust, system-driven compliance model.
- Join a values-led organisation dedicated to transforming lives through education.
What We Offer
- 28 days' annual leave, increasing by one day for each year of service up to a maximum of 33 days, plus bank holidays.
- Health Cash Plan, including access to a private GP following successful completion of probation.
- Life insurance from day one, covering up to four times your salary.
- Employer pension contributions after three months.
- Flexible benefits package, including options to purchase additional annual leave, dental cover, enhanced healthcare, cycle-to-work schemes, gym memberships, electric vehicle schemes and payroll giving.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Three paid volunteer days each year, including two dedicated to education initiatives.
By joining us, you will become part of a community 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.
Additional Information
Employment offers are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in line with current legislation and guidance.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
