Enforcement Support Officer - L3 Compliance Investigator Apprenticeship

DVSA

Exeter, Plymouth

Closes in 16 days (Monday 9 March 2026)

Posted on 20 February 2026

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Summary

This role offers a chance to gain frontline experience in roadside operations, developing specialist skills while playing an active role in improving safety across the transport industry. You won’t just observe, you’ll learn on the job building professional confidence, communication skills, and public-facing experience.

• Wage:

  £26,607 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Pay will be reviewed annually in line with the civil service remit

• Training course: Public sector compliance investigator and officer (level 3)
• Hours: You will work a 37-hour week Monday - Friday. Hours will be agreed with your line manager between 7am and 7pm.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 22 June 2026

• 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

An Apprentice Enforcement Support Officer you will: 

• Drive DVSA’s Accredited Stopping Officer vehicles
• Support our teams in identifying, intercepting, and stopping commercial vehicles that may not be meeting safety or environmental standards
• Provide helpful, accurate information to customers and stakeholders
• Assist with quality assurance tasks and complaint investigations
• Gather and share on-the-ground intelligence to help target non-compliant vehicles and operators
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are fit for use
• Assist with administrative tasks

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

• Exeter Test Station, Grace Road West, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, EX2 8PU
• Ernesettle Lane, Plymouth, PL5 2EY

Training

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

Training provider

CENTRAL TRAINING ACADEMY LIMITED

Training course

Public sector compliance investigator and officer (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Application of technical knowledge Progresses and resolves technical queries by applying the relevant legislation and powers. Apply relevant organisational policies to all elements of work Effectively applies relevant Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation and identifies the potential impact on investigations, the role and the organisation.
• Analysing and Interpreting Data Gather, examine and analyse customer records/data/information from a number of sources to identify potential inaccuracies, anomalies and non-compliance. Uses an investigative approach to establish the facts. Identifies, collects, retains and disseminates evidence in a correct and lawful manner. Handles sensitive information securely. Ensure all records relating to investigations are accurate and comprehensive.
• Commercial/Sector Insights Delivers effective risk management and compliance by recognising and applying relevant insight knowledge regarding the business types within their sector (including how businesses are structured, managed and (if appropriate) financed.
• Team Working and Collaboration Maintains effective, professional working relationships both internally and externally across organisations. Builds and maintains new partner/stakeholder relationships with those involved in investigations to achieve progress on objectives, key initiatives and shared interests.
• Decision Making Uses effective problem solving techniques to make well-informed judgements/decisions Uses information from a range of sources to determine the appropriate course of action, escalating decisions to senior managers when appropriate.
• Workload management Applies organisational quality standards in order to deliver effective outcomes. Plans and prioritises activity accordingly in line with organisational key performance indicators. Co-ordinates the structure and sequence of workload activities to effectively manage competing demands
• Assessing Compliance Risk Applies knowledge of customer's business and activities to identify risk Identifies the proximity/extent of risk and address risks with an appropriate response to bring cases/investigations to conclusion. Uses organisational risk assessment methodologies as tools to support compliance/investigation Plans and undertakes interventions that target and are proportionate to the identified risk Uses reflective and independent thinking to identify the logical connection between business policies and compliance regulations Thinks creatively to generate solutions to unique compliance issues.
• Communication Presents fact based evidence to customers/third parties in ways that they can understand in order to progress case/issue. Drafts concise, clear and accurate reports; writes clear and concise letters, e-mails and other items of correspondence Recognises all stakeholders (both internal and external) and demonstrates appropriate professional communication and engagement methods Recognises discrepancies and gaps in information and uses a range of questioning techniques to clarify and extract as much detail as possible
• Negotiation and Conflict Management Uses diplomacy and tact appropriately to mediate and reconcile different points of view or resolve problems Manages conflict and handles dissension calmly and confidently Explains and defends their point of view; thinks clearly and rapidly under pressure and uncertainty Demonstrates confidence and resilience when faced with tough situations (for example when dealing with external agencies such as regulators)
• Leadership Demonstrates drive and enthusiasm for developing own compliance capability and that of others Engages with and inspires others to be the best Communicates goals clearly and instils in others a desire to assist in implementing them
• Problem Solving Identifies problems, devises alternatives, evaluates alternatives and then implements the most viable solutions Combines innovative and analytical thinking to address problems and identify solutions Demonstrates tenacity and persistence to resolve the problem to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned
• IT Skills Uses appropriate organisational technology with confidence to meet the diverse needs of customers and stakeholders
• Application of technical knowledge Progresses and resolves technical queries by applying the relevant legislation and powers. Apply relevant organisational policies to all elements of work Effectively applies relevant Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation and identifies the potential impact on investigations, the role and the organisation.
• Analysing and Interpreting Data Gather, examine and analyse customer records/data/information from a number of sources to identify potential inaccuracies, anomalies and non-compliance. Uses an investigative approach to establish the facts. Identifies, collects, retains and disseminates evidence in a correct and lawful manner. Handles sensitive information securely. Ensure all records relating to investigations are accurate and comprehensive.
• Commercial/Sector Insights Delivers effective risk management and compliance by recognising and applying relevant insight knowledge regarding the business types within their sector (including how businesses are structured, managed and (if appropriate) financed.
• Team Working and Collaboration Maintains effective, professional working relationships both internally and externally across organisations. Builds and maintains new partner/stakeholder relationships with those involved in investigations to achieve progress on objectives, key initiatives and shared interests.
• Decision Making Uses effective problem solving techniques to make well-informed judgements/decisions Uses information from a range of sources to determine the appropriate course of action, escalating decisions to senior managers when appropriate.
• Workload management Applies organisational quality standards in order to deliver effective outcomes. Plans and prioritises activity accordingly in line with organisational key performance indicators. Co-ordinates the structure and sequence of workload activities to effectively manage competing demands
• Assessing Compliance Risk Applies knowledge of customer's business and activities to identify risk Identifies the proximity/extent of risk and address risks with an appropriate response to bring cases/investigations to conclusion. Uses organisational risk assessment methodologies as tools to support compliance/investigation Plans and undertakes interventions that target and are proportionate to the identified risk Uses reflective and independent thinking to identify the logical connection between business policies and compliance regulations Thinks creatively to generate solutions to unique compliance issues.
• Communication Presents fact based evidence to customers/third parties in ways that they can understand in order to progress case/issue. Drafts concise, clear and accurate reports; writes clear and concise letters, e-mails and other items of correspondence Recognises all stakeholders (both internal and external) and demonstrates appropriate professional communication and engagement methods Recognises discrepancies and gaps in information and uses a range of questioning techniques to clarify and extract as much detail as possible
• Negotiation and Conflict Management Uses diplomacy and tact appropriately to mediate and reconcile different points of view or resolve problems Manages conflict and handles dissension calmly and confidently Explains and defends their point of view; thinks clearly and rapidly under pressure and uncertainty Demonstrates confidence and resilience when faced with tough situations (for example when dealing with external agencies such as regulators)
• Leadership Demonstrates drive and enthusiasm for developing own compliance capability and that of others Engages with and inspires others to be the best Communicates goals clearly and instils in others a desire to assist in implementing them
• Problem Solving Identifies problems, devises alternatives, evaluates alternatives and then implements the most viable solutions Combines innovative and analytical thinking to address problems and identify solutions Demonstrates tenacity and persistence to resolve the problem to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned
• IT Skills Uses appropriate organisational technology with confidence to meet the diverse needs of customers and stakeholders

Training schedule

Level 3 Public Sector Compliance Investigator and Officer Apprenticeship Standard:

• The apprenticeship will be delivered online by Central Training Academy
• This role is due to start in June/July 2026, and we will be looking to onboard successful applicants then
• You will initially complete your training as an Enforcement Support Officer before your apprenticeship enrolment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 3)
• Maths (grade 3)

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Passion for learning
• Driving competence
• Adapting to change

Other requirements

If you currently hold or are working towards a similar qualification of the same level or higher, then you will not be eligible to apply for this vacancy.

About this employer

We are the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and we are 1 of the 5 executive agencies that make up the Department for Transport. We employ about 4,600 people across Great Britain to help us achieve our mission of keeping Britain moving, safely and sustainably. Our work affects millions of people and thousands of businesses. Most importantly, our work saves lives. We make sure colleagues have the skills to meet the needs of Britain’s road users.

Company benefits

You will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

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

• During this apprenticeship there will be opportunities to apply for promotion to Traffic Examiner
• Once employed as a Civil Servant you will also have access to internal vacancies across all departments

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DVSA

Russell Simmons

russell.simmons@dvsa.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000004271.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Monday 9 March 2026)

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