About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking as Apprenticeship Compliance Manager to join our Directorate of Student and Academic Services (SaAS), supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University.
In this role, you will lead the University’s apprenticeship regulatory compliance and monitoring activities. You will manage apprenticeship contracting processes and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, including the DfE and Ofsted. Working closely with operational teams and Academic Leads for Partnerships and Apprenticeships, you will maintain high standards of regulatory compliance across all apprenticeship delivery and contractual arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure apprenticeship compliance monitoring activities are completed to ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
- Manage apprenticeship contracting processes with employers and funding bodies.
- Coordinate and prepare for Ofsted inspections.
- Lead on funding audits and other external audits related to apprenticeships.
- Work closely with operational teams and Academic Leads for Partnerships and Apprenticeships to ensure compliance in apprenticeship delivery and administration.
- Develop and maintain processes and documentation relating to apprenticeship compliance.
- Monitor apprenticeship performance data and report compliance status to senior management.
- Provide training and guidance to staff on apprenticeship compliance matters.
- Provide handbooks and guidance for apprentices and employers on apprenticeship requirements and compliance matters.
- Liaise with external regulators and funding bodies on compliance and contract issues.
- Identify and resolve issues or risks related to Apprenticeship compliance in a timely manner.
- Investigate and resolve compliance issues or breaches as they arise.
- Keep abreast of developments in Apprenticeship regulations and guidance and ensure the university’s practice remains current.
- Produce reports, papers and presentations, as required.
- Support continuous improvement in compliance processes and standards, reporting to senior management and contributing to strategic planning.
- Supporting University events such as enrolment, graduation, open days, and clearing as required.
Essential Requirements
- Experience of managing apprenticeship compliance within a regulated environment.
- Experience managing an effective and high performing team.
- Strong knowledge of apprenticeship contracting and funding requirements.
- Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or equivalent regulatory audits.
- Good understanding of apprenticeship delivery and administration processes.
- Proven ability to develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
- Strong analytical skills to monitor compliance data and identify risks.
- Effective communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external regulators.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a compliance context.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience working in an apprenticeship or education compliance role.
- Knowledge of apprenticeship funding and regulatory frameworks.
- Familiarity with higher education apprenticeship delivery.
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of the Directorate of Student and Academic Services, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Adele Lee at adele.lee@bcu.ac.uk.
Interviews for this role are planned to take place on the 5th of June 2026.
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
Closing Date: 21 May 2026
Department: Management
Salary: £44,131 to £51,182 per annum
Permanent