Apprenticeship Compliance Officer

About this role

*Job Title*– Apprenticeships Compliance Officer

Professional 2C - £38,220

Permanent

*Location*- WMFS HQ

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is seeking a detail-oriente d Apprenticeships Compliance Officer. You will ensure our Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship provision meets all Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funding rules.

You will manage compliance across the entire apprentice journey - from recruitment and onboarding, to gateway, end-point assessment (EPA), and final achievement.

What we're looking for

With experience in an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) or similar quality-focused role, within apprenticeships or further education, you will possess a teaching or IQA qualification. You will have proven experience managing Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data submissions and using e-portfolio systems.

With expert knowledge of DfE/DWP apprenticeship funding rules and Ofsted regulatory frameworks, you will be able to demonstrate your proven track record of auditing and identifying compliance risks, whilst driving improvements.

You will have excellent communication skills which you will use to deliver briefings on policy changes as well as to collaborate effectively with internal delivery teams and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• *Regulatory oversight:*maintain deep knowledge of DfE/DWP funding rules, Ofsted requirements, and the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework
• *Framework management:*lead an effective apprenticeship compliance framework for the Level 3 Operational Firefighter programme
• *Evidence and auditing:*oversee accurate evidence collection, including eligibility checks, individual training plans (ITPs), progress reviews, and off-the-job (OTJ) hours
• *Data integrity:*manage ILR data entry, validation, and submission, alongside tracking via the e-portfolio system
• *Quality assurance:*support observation of practice, standardisation, moderation, and financial claim accuracy alongside finance colleagues
• *Audit readiness:*ensure all evidence is robust and accessible, to support inspections, audits, and external reviews
• *Reporting and advice:*Analyse performance data to produce management reports, and act as the lead advisor on compliance for managers, trainers, and assessors.

Diversity

West Midlands Fire Service prides itself on being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

• flexible and agile working arrangements
• on-site free gym facilities
• free parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility, including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to

• enhanced family leave benefits, including 52 weeks fully paid maternity and adoption leave
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• wellbeing programmes
• ‘ blue light’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services.

To apply

Please submit your curriculum vitae, with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role.

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Sillina Griffiths by email at sillina.griffiths@wmfs.net

About compliance & regulatory roles for ex-police

Compliance, AML and regulatory roles. Working to PACE, RIPA and CPIA is a stronger regulatory grounding than most civilian applicants can offer — firms increasingly recognise this.