Head of Compliance & Funding

About us 

Skern Training & Skills are part of the Inspiring Learning group offering learning experiences across the UK and internationally. Skern Training & Skills enjoy a varied portfolio of apprenticeships, training and development programmes, experiential outdoor learning courses, and sector specific qualifications. We aim to provide life changing adventures for customers delivering excellence in all its courses and services. We achieve this through the delivery of high-quality employer-led apprenticeships, supporting learners and employers in offering its considerable experience in training and development. 

Job Purpose

Skern Training & Skills (STS) is expanding its portfolio of courses and sectors, and as such we require a forward thinking, experienced individual to act as Head of Compliance & Funding and to lead the continuation of ambitious standards set in the Compliance and Funding (C&F) department.

As a confident professional, and excellent communicator, you will have the knowledge and skills to ensure STS remain compliant with all relevant funding rules and awarding body regulations. The Head of Compliance and Funding will join the Skern Training and Skills (STS) management team, leading on all aspects of the learning provision to meet contractual, funding and regulatory requirements. You will build on the outstanding framework, processes, platforms and team already in place. You will ensure all funding and regulation requirements by the DfE, Skills England, EFSA, and other FE sector awarding bodies associated with STS are met with robust tracking, data analysis and that preparations for audits are in place.

This role includes oversight of end-to-end learner compliance and funding requirements, strategic thinking, strong leadership and line management of the C&F team. You will lead with confidence and expertise, advising directors on sector funding changes and requirements. You will offer consultation, clarity and decision making to multiple departments on compliance and funding matters. 

The role, whilst remotely based, will require occasional travel to central and southern locations for team meetings. 

Key role responsibilities and accountabilities

• Deliver the STS compliance and funding strategy in line with STS and Inspiring Learning’s overall ethos, culture, and vison. 
• Lead the compliance and funding department, including administrators, reception and ILR data and audits specialists offering supportive, clear, and developmental line management to the team and management the internal systems. 
• Offer a learner-focussed approach enabling positive on-boarding, on programme and effective completions across STS programmes through clear, concise processes and checks aiming to minimise funding clawbacks, PEDs and withdrawals. 
• Work with other HODs and cross department stakeholders to ensure adherence to compliance and funding requirements, working with the STS directors to further develop strategy, implementation and impact. 
• You will be developing sub-contractual arrangements, interpretation and preparation for Skills England and the expected Growth and Skills Levy flexibilities.
• Oversee all required ILR submissions and end to end learner journey requirements, managing processes across STS FE platforms and systems, ensuring compliance with to ESFA/DfE funding rules. 

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience delivering successful compliance and funding outcomes within an apprenticeship or FE provision, preferably as part of an ITP. 
• Strength in leading, managing and supporting people and systems to meet deadlines and KPIs through the peaks and troughs of a business.
• Confident communicator (both verbal and written) with a personable and professional manner and the ability to interact and relate to all levels of stakeholders, both internal and external, and build strong working relationships. 
• You will be someone who thrives on detail, organisation and offer flexibility to keep up with developments across the training and development sector. 
• You will require strong experience and knowledge of compliance processes such as ILR, PDSATs, apprenticeship funding rules and, preferably, other devolved and non-devolved funding routes.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of a compliance and funding department, and ability to ensure all mandatory evidence is stored appropriately. 
• Ability to work with a complex and detailed workload, prioritising effectively and able to lead and communicate changes and decisions across departments. 

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

• Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualified 
• Experience working with AEB/ASF and other FE funding streams
• Current full driving license 

Behavioural competencies

• Board Thinker
• Honesty and Transparency
• Innovative & Adaptive
• Leading & Collaborating 
• Focused on Developing Performance
• Strong Communication Skills 

Why work for STS:

• Competitive salary of £35k to £40k depending on experience 
• Generous holiday allowance of 25 days & bank holidays 
• Flexible working opportunities
• Friendly and supportive team with regular social meet ups 
• A fulfilling career providing life changing adventures
• Career progression opportunities within the wider team

Interview process: 

• First stage: If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a telephone interview with Freya from our Recruitment Team. 
• Second stage: If successful, you will be invited to an interview via Teams with the Hiring Managers. Please note - there may be a need to schedule a second interview via Teams, so please be prepared for this invitation. 

For further information please contact a member of the recruitment team at [email protected] or alternatively visit our website https://www.skerntrainingandskills.com/

Ready? Apply today and join the Skern Training and Skills family!

Inspiring Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. We will conduct extensive background checks on all successful applicants. All team members in the Group are expected to follow the Inspiring Learning's safeguarding procedures. Any contracts offered are subject to satisfactory references, full employment history and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

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