Public sector compliance investigator and officer
Level 3 · AdvancedBusiness and administration 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Public Sector Compliance Investigator and Officer ensures that individuals, businesses, and organisations follow the rules and regulations set by public bodies such as local councils, licensing authorities, or regulatory agencies. Apprentices gather evidence, conduct inspections, and take proportionate enforcement action. This role can progress to senior compliance, enforcement, or regulatory management positions within the public sector.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Relevant legislation and how it applies to your regulatory area
Investigation techniques, evidence gathering, and record-keeping
Risk-based approaches to compliance and enforcement
Interview skills and how to conduct formal interviews under caution
Report writing and preparing cases for legal proceedings
Professional ethics and impartiality in public sector regulation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out planned and reactive inspections of premises or activities
Gather and document evidence in line with legal requirements
Interview members of the public and businesses about potential breaches
Issue notices, cautions, or penalties where rules have been broken
Advise people and businesses on how to achieve compliance
Prepare written reports and case files for managers or prosecutors
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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