Salary: £40,000.00
Hours: 37.5 hours a week (Monday-Friday)
Location: Office-based, Head Office, St Helens
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Compliance Manager to join our dynamic team, focusing specifically on ensuring the integrity and compliance of our apprenticeship provision and other government-funded programmes.
This is a critical role that requires a meticulous individual with a deep understanding of education funding regulations and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data accuracy and reporting.
Responsible to:
• Operations Director
Key Responsibilities:
Compliance & Risk Management
· Compliance Oversight: Lead on all aspects of compliance for our apprenticeship standards and other government-funded programmes (e.g., ASF,DWP etc.), ensuring adherence to all relevant DfE, Ofsted, and other regulatory body requirements.
·Funding Returns & Reporting: Take ownership of the preparation, submission, and accuracy of all funding returns, including ILR (Individual Learner Record) submissions, earnings claims, and other required reports, ensuring they are fully compliant with funding rules and guidance.
· Audit Leadership: Act as the primary lead for all DfE (Department for Education) funding audits, including preparing all necessary documentation, liaising with auditors, and addressing any findings promptly and effectively.
·Policy & Procedure Development: Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing compliance, mitigate risks, and promote best practices across all funded programmes.
· Risk Management: Identify potential compliance risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the financial security and reputation of the organisation.
MIS & Data Management
• Design, develop, and maintain MIS reporting frameworks to support compliance monitoring and business performance.
• Produce accurate and timely reports for senior management, highlighting risks, trends, and key metrics.
• Analyse data to identify compliance gaps, operational inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across systems and reports.
• Collaborate with IT and operational teams to enhance data collection, reporting tools, and system capabilities.
• Automate reporting processes where possible to improve efficiency and reduce manual errors.
• System Proficiency: Maintain expert proficiency in using PICS for all data input, validation, and reporting requirements, ensuring optimal use of the system's capabilities for compliance.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
• Prepare and present compliance and MIS reports to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Support strategic decision-making through data-driven recommendations.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on compliance requirements and reporting standards.
Process Improvement & Governance:
• Data Quality & Integrity: Implement and oversee rigorous data quality checks and validation processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of all learner and programme data.
• Guidance & Training: Provide expert advice, guidance, and training to internal teams (e.g., operations, enrolment, finance) on funding rules, compliance requirements, and best practices to ensure a consistent understanding and application.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of all changes to funding rules, regulations, and audit requirements, proactively identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments to maintain compliance.
• ·Stakeholder Liaison: Build and maintain strong working relationships with relevant external stakeholders, including the DfE, and other funding bodies.
Skills & Experience:
• Proven experience in a compliance management role within the education or training sector, with a strong focus on apprenticeship provision and government-funded programmes.
• Demonstrable expertise in DfE funding rules, regulations, and audit processes.
• Essential: Advanced proficiency and hands-on experience with PICS.
• Strong understanding of ILR requirements and submission processes.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to data management and reporting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• A relevant qualification in a related field (e.g., education, business administration, compliance) is desirable.
Special Considerations:
• The post is subject to an Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Application Process:
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will be invited to interview for this post.