<p>Overview Business Support Officer (Apprenticeship Funding and Compliance) – contractual title Apprenticeship Business Support Officer. Permanent, full time.Employment details Full time hours at the University are 35 per week, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00.Organisation Chief Operating Officer, Apprenticeship Business Management. Your line manager: Renata Dzwonkowska, Apprenticeship Funding and Compliance Manager.Place of work Time split between Horizons, Reading office and home. Up to 30 days per year spent at Horizons on core days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Working from home requires an environment suitable for remote work.Role summary The Apprenticeship Business Support Officer ensures University compliance with funding and regulatory requirements, supporting apprentices, employers and internal teams to deliver outcomes. You will work within the Apprenticeship Business Management (ABM) team providing technical and administrative support to internal and external stakeholders, supporting smooth apprenticeship operations.You will support the completion and management of allocated elements of apprenticeship business operations, including change of circumstance processes, contribute to robust audit and compliance practices, mitigate funding risk, and deliver high-quality customer service.Responsibilities Oversee and manage allocated aspects of apprenticeship business operations, including changes of employer, apprenticeship, pathway, personal circumstances, and items such as APC, gateway, End Point Assessment and completions, workshop provision, etc.Contribute to activities that mitigate loss of funding.Contribute to financial governance and reporting; draft apprenticeship agreements and liaise with finance; arrange co-investment terms and liaise with apprentices and employers for agreement.Liaise with Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers, Apprenticeship Outcomes Managers, Business Development, Employers and Apprentices to provide guidance on changes of circumstance and ensure compliance with funding rules.Contribute to development and continuous improvement of lean administrative systems in collaboration with stakeholders.Use digital and analytical skills with attention to detail to track and report apprenticeship activity; highlight anomalies when necessary.Use systems such as SITS, PICS, ACE 360, Apprenticeship Service account, e:Vision, dashboards, process spreadsheets and other required systems to complete activities.Work with employers and EPA Organisations to provide APC, gateway and EPA data to support timely completions of change of circumstance activities.Support integration of the University\'s apprenticeship provision into wider operations.Support OFSTED and DfE/ESFA activities and action plans.Commit to regular CPD training to stay up to date with apprenticeship funding rules and processes.Administrative duties Act as first point of contact for apprenticeship change of circumstance enquiries; screen, allocate and prioritise emails, calls and correspondence and take appropriate action.Process requests and issue documentation related to changes of circumstance.Invoice requisition and processing.Assist with accurate data entry and data maintenance to facilitate reporting; maintain clear Excel reports.Request data from internal teams to collate reports and accurate statistics.Support administration of apprenticeship-related surveys.Undertake other duties of a similar nature within the scope of the post as required.Other important features Line management: None. Budget responsibility: None.Contact points: Admissions and Enquiries, Business Development, Student Engagement, Apprenticeship Outcomes, Employers, Apprentices, EPAOs.Person specification Legend: E = Essential, D = Desirable. How assessed: A = Application, I = Interview, T = Test/other assessment.Pre-employment screening will include verification of qualifications, identity, right to work, basic criminal record check and three years of employment history.Qualifications and training GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C or 4 or above.Further education level qualifications (acceptable at D/A level).Degree level qualification (acceptable at D/A level).Previous experience Experience in business support, administration, compliance or customer-focused roles.Experience with DfE/ESFA-funded programmes.Experience in education or higher education settings.Skills and attributes Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.Effective organisation and time-management skills.Clear, professional written and verbal communication.Proficient IT skills with MS Office and relevant systems; ability to learn new systems.Proactive, solutions-focused mindset.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.Understanding of apprenticeship funding rules (desirable).Other requirements Alignment to the University\'s core values of Passion, Integrity, Excellence and Support; commitment to positive student outcomes. Willingness to undertake mandatory online training (Data Protection, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Prevent, EDI).Pay and benefits Salary: £27,000 to £28,000 per annum.Holiday: 26 days plus bank/public holidays, rising to 28 with service, plus up to five paid closure days; holiday year 1 August–31 July. Holiday buy/sell scheme available. Pension: auto-enrolment into People\'s Pension; life assurance provided. Other benefits include family-friendly policies, wellbeing support, travel schemes, parking considerations, health benefits, and access to Microsoft 365 and learning platforms.Applications – considerations Informal discussion: Renata Dzwonkowska at 0118 467 2039 or email (omit links). For other enquiries: HR at 0118 467 2454/2433 or email. Applications should mention any internal recommendations where applicable.Closing date and next steps Closing date: 17 February 2026 at 17:00. Late applications will not be considered. Some applications may be reviewed before the closing date.Interview details Interviews will likely be conducted via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, with possible in-person interviews at Reading or London offices. Two-stage interview process expected; you may meet a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Dates to be advised.Note for internal candidates If you are an existing employee, please inform your current line manager of your application.</p><p>#J-18808-Ljbffr</p> Salary: GBP 22700 - 23800 per year