Risk and Assurance Apprentice

We will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion, with access to a dedicated UKRI Early Careers Network.

About the Role

The role will also include significant interaction with the BGS Environment Advisor and the BGS Health & Safety Team in coordinating with those aspects of the management systems.

Reporting to the Head of Risk & Assurance, your key responsibilities/duties will evolve over time as you develop your skills and capabilities, supported by BGS colleagues and through your apprenticeship. Typical duties can include:

• Administration of internal and external audits and assessments including scheduling, liaison with auditors, review of reports, follow-up of findings and actions.
• Assisting with the development and maintenance of BGS management system documentation.
• Assisting with regular risk and management system performance reports for Senior Management Board, BGS Board and NERC/UKRI or other external assurance review bodies.
• Helping with the operation of the BGS corporate risk register and reviewing risks and associated mitigating actions.
• Assisting with Business Continuity and Incident Response management, preparation of documentation and emergency scenario exercises.
• Coordination with other teams across BGS including those responsible for environment, safety, security and laboratory management systems.
• Responding to staff enquiries relating to aspects of the management and assurance systems.
• Ensuring positive health, safety and environment performance across the area of responsibility.

What You Will Learn

You will undertake professional development and training as part of a cohort of apprentices with Access Training [https://www.accesstraining.org/], completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship [https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeship-standards/st0070-v1-0]. over 18 months. The first 15 months are known as the “practical period” where you will learn through a combination of on-and-off-the-job training with BGS and your Access Training tutor to develop the required Knowledge. You will also have 6-weekly one-to-one sessions with your tutor who will support you with implementing and developing the Skills and Behaviours, and building the portfolio of evidence.

In the final 3 months of your programme you will undertake and lead on a work-based improvement project as part of the independent End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment enables you to demonstrate the required Knowledge, Behaviours and Skills required to pass.

What We Are Looking For

To apply for this apprenticeship you will need to demonstrate within your CV and Covering Letter that you meet the following criteria. Evidence may be used from current or prior paid employment, voluntary roles or educational experiences.

Where indicated, this detail will be assessed at shortlisting (S), Interview (I), or both (S&I).

Essential:

• Achieved 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English (S)
• Excellent written communication skills as evidenced through your Covering Letter and CV (S)
• Attention to detail (S)
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work as part of a team (S&I)
• Ability to work to deadlines with a set timeframe (S&I)
• Competent user of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) (S&I)
• Excellent verbal communication skills (I)
• A demonstrable interest in the work of BGS and NERC (S&I)
• Experience of working in a customer or staff facing role (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work at BGS (S&I)

Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to be considered for the apprenticeship programme you must:

1. Have evidence of Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills)
2. Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprenticeship start date and have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment. Please check your eligibility here [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-and-assessment-plan-guidance-2026-to-2027].
3. Have a valid and eligible residency status, the right to work in the UK, and be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme, including the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Applications from candidates with the listed time-limited visas [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fmedia%2F6a68cabe229c578debc1a78c%2FFunding_Rules_2627_Version_3_Final.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CRemi.Adelakun%40ukri.org%7Cceb13022fcfc472fc9e608df08145dc5%7C8bb7e08edaa44a8e927efca38db04b7e%7C0%7C0%7C639238555753691758%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=unWG0syD8D5x%2Bem7ccO4vjzveXaRDUwXddo7r2xC4LI%3D&reserved=0] will be considered on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with our apprenticeship training provider. Eligibility will be assessed to ensure that visa requirements align with the apprenticeship programme's duration and funding rules.
4. Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject.

As part of our shortlisting process, we may be