Research Quality and Compliance Apprentice

Summary

Northumbria University is recruiting a Research Quality and Compliance Administrator Apprentice to support the Research Quality and Compliance team with a range of administrative and organisational tasks and responsibilities. You will develop key skills in administration, communication and teamwork in an exciting and supportive environment.

Wage

£23,492 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday typically 09:00 to 17:00 (16:30 on a Friday).

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Support the Research Quality and Compliance team with administrative tasks, including data entry and document management.
Assist with the coordination of meetings and events, including scheduling and taking notes.
Contribute to preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2028.
Draft internal communications and liaise with colleagues across the university.

Where you'll work

Pandon Buildings
Camden Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1XE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

SMART TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT LIMITED

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Your training plan

37-hour week.

Monday to Friday, typically 09:00 to 17:00 (16:30 on a Friday).

Could also include hybrid working.

More training information

Join the dynamic and collaborative Research Quality and Compliance team that is part of the wider University Research and Innovation Service. Our team covers research quality, environment, ethics and integrity, due diligence, research systems management and preparation for the University's Research Excellence Framework submission.

Training and support will be provided by our specialist Apprenticeship training provider, Smart Training & Recruitment.

IMPORTANT: in order to meet the eligibility criteria for an Apprenticeship in England, you must be able to demonstrate at least three years UK residency, or hold a valid visa that meets the exceptions to this rule.

Please note, as part of the Initial Assessment process, all qualifications will be verified by theLearning Records Service (LRS) via the Education & Skills Funding Agency.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade 5/6 Grade B)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Initiative

About this company

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, a generous holiday entitlement, continued commitment to your learning and development and more.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Potential opportunity to stay within the team as an administrator.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SMART TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT LIMITED

Kevin Richardson

kevin2.richardson@northumbria.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000331001.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Tuesday 29 July 2025)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents