Risk and Assurance Apprentice

UK Research and Innovation

Nottingham (NG12 5GG)

Closes in 16 days (Sunday 4 October 2026)

Posted on 14 September 2026

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Summary

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has an opportunity for an Apprenticeship within our Risk & Assurance function who are responsible for the development & operation of BGS’ management systems i.e. risk management, business continuity, external accreditations and internal audits.

• Wage:

  £19,514 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Salary to rise annual throughout the apprenticeship

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Friday.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 2 November 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 8 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

You will help to ensure that these systems are well maintained and operating effectively by coordinating audits and other activities, collaborating closely with staff across the organisation to gather data and supervise progress, maintaining and updating records systems, and assisting with the preparation of regular management reports.

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.

Where you'll work

British Geological Survey
Nicker Hill
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG

Training

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

Training provider

ACCESS TRAINING (EAST MIDLANDS) LTD

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.

Training schedule

You will undertake professional development and training as part of a cohort of apprentices with Access Training, completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship 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.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4/C)
• Maths (grade 4/C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

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

Other requirements

As part of the application process, a CV and cover letter are required. The CV should include GCSE results, details of any other relevant qualifications and information on skills, experience or achievements relevant to the role.

If qualifications were obtained outside the UK, please attach a UK ENIC certificate of comparability to demonstrate the UK equivalent level.

In your cover letter (no more than one side of A4), please include:

• Your interest in BGS: Explain your motivation for working at BGS, and what attracts you to this role.
• Your interest in Risk & Assurance: What motivates you to work within the Risk & Assurance function at BGS?
• Why an apprenticeship is the preferred route: What is it about the apprenticeship that you feel best serves you in beginning a career in Business Administration?

We encourage applicants to be clear and specific about their motivations, and how their interests align with the work of BGS.

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

• Have evidence of Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills)
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 required to determine your eligibility to undertake the programme based on the information provided within your application.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.  

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

About this employer

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

http://ukri.org (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

https://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri/index.html

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

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Potential for ongoing employment opportunities upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACCESS TRAINING (EAST MIDLANDS) LTD

apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000053241.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Sunday 4 October 2026)

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