Degree Apprenticeships Operations Officer

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,511, £30,046. With potential progression once in post to £33,797 a year

Grade 6

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled, effective professional to support the development and delivery of Degree Apprenticeship (DA) provision (which may include other apprenticeship provision) at the University of Birmingham.

You will work closely with colleagues in Colleges and in other teams to ensure, collectively, that all reporting, contractual, funding, vocational assessment and other operational and compliance requirements are met.

You will be responsible for developing, maintaining and advising on a range of operational and quality assurance processes relating to DA provision and compliance with the requirements of external regulatory bodies, including Ofsted and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Data management and reporting will be a key feature of the role. You will also have responsibility for supporting institution-wide projects such as preparation for external audits and the introduction of new areas of provision.

Main Duties

Operations

•    To provide day-to-day professional services support for the management of DA programmes, working with a wide variety of internal stakeholders including Colleges of the University, Academic Services, HR, Finance, Business Engagement and Planning as well as academics across the institution and designated teams in partner organisations.

Compliance and Data

•    To maintain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the internal and external regulatory requirements relating to DAs (e.g. Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Ofsted and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), providing specialist advice and guidance to colleagues.

•    To be responsible for elements of internal and external reports and other data and compliance returns, including those being submitted as required to funding agencies, quality bodies and business partners. This will include:
o    working closely with colleagues responsible for oversight and submission of data returns;
o    identification and reconciliation of complex issues and queries;. 

Person Specification

•    Knowledge of the UK Apprenticeships agenda.

•    Ability to develop, implement and review operational processes that support the ongoing delivery of apprenticeship provision, meet internal and external regulatory requirements, and respond to stakeholders’ needs.
•    The ability to understand and manipulate complex data, with excellent attention to detail.

•    Good interpersonal skills and experience of working collaboratively, with a focus on customer service and the ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues at various levels of an organisation.

•    Effective communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to provide expert advice and guidance to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

•    Ability to identify problems and recommend appropriate solutions, taking into account relevant internal and external factors.

•    Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritising appropriately and using organisational skills in order to meet deadlines.

•    Excellent IT skills including experience of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and complex databases) and reporting tools, and the ability to learn how to use new systems quickly.

Desirable:

•    First degree (desirable) or equivalent experience.

•    Experience of compliance, quality assurance or regulation, with the ability to develop knowledge and understanding of new areas quickly and apply this in the higher

Informal enquiries can be made to Jo Luckett - [email protected]  

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community’