Early Engagement & Funding Coordinator

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We're a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

Main Duties

• Being the first point of contact to employers for all apprentice applications

• Confirming all eligibility requirements are met so applications can progress

• Ensuring all key contact, funding and invoicing details are logged on the candidate management system

• Servicing inbound enquiries generated from various channels and managing them through to completion. 

• Coordinating the initial application enrolment process with apprentices and their employers.

• Providing advice and support to employers regarding the Apprenticeship Levy, Incentives, and future funding reforms. 

• Guiding employers through the funding process - offering over the phone support and advice

• Maintaining The Apprenticeship Service account - ensuring all cohorts are up to date and accurate

• Supporting compliance colleagues with Government data deadlines

• Working with employers to ensure funds raised are secured within desired timeframes

• Supporting apprentices and their employers through change of employment processes

• Working closely with other departments and support staff to assist with coordination of applications. 

• Ensuring the business hits our ambitious conversion targets

• Any other duties

You will:

• Be reliable and hardworking

• Be professional with proven administrative, education, training and/ or customer service-related experience

• Possess an excellent customer service manner, both written and spoken

• Have the ability to organise, plan and prioritise time and tasks effectively whilst meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders

• Work well under pressure with the ability to deal with issues as they arise

• Be able to problem solve

• Be highly IT competent using MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint, experienced with databases and able to learn and manage new software programmes

• Be confident working with people at all levels

• Be open to change - actively looking for ways to improve systems and outputs for the team

• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail

• Knowledge of apprenticeship programmes would be an advantage

Our Benefits:

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan, once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days - 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining com