Development Control Compliance Apprentice
Sunderland City Council
Sunderland (SR1 3AA)
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
Posted on 19 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to kickstart a career in the regulatory and compliance industry? Why not come and work for us whilst at the same time gain a qualification! We have a strong commitment to apprentices and training and you will be provided with unparalleled support throughout the duration of your programme.
- Wage
-
£16,939 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
First year - £8.78 per hour
Second year and beyond will then increase to £10.00 per hour if aged between 18-20 or £12.21 if aged 21and over
- Training course
- Public sector compliance investigator and officer (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (with the option to work flexibly)
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- 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
- Assisting colleagues with alleged breaches of planning control
- Administrative duties including property history searches, gathering evidence both desk-based research and from site visits, keeping up to date records of all inspections and actions undertaken on each case
- Supporting colleagues with ongoing investigations, drafting and serving formal notices, representing the authority on appeals against formal notices as well as attending Court to give evidence
- Handling day-to-day enforcement queries
- Preparing written reports in relation to each case for authorisation by the Compliance Team Leader or Development Control Manager
- Following a structured apprenticeship framework to complete a professional qualification
Where you'll work
City Hall
Plater Way
Sunderland
SR1 3AA
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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C or above)
- Maths (grade 4 / C or above)
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
- Team working
- Willingness to learn
- Able to multi-task
- Positive attitude
About this employer
Sunderland is a city full of ambition, and Sunderland City Council is a brilliant place to grow your career. We’re passionate about creating the best possible environment for our employees, communities, and local businesses to thrive. With around 2,500 employees delivering a wide range of services across the city, we offer opportunities at every level and in many different areas. Whether you’re just starting out in employment or looking for your next challenge, every role plays a vital part in helping us provide excellent services for the people of Sunderland. Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our city.
Company benefits
Access to Pension Scheme
26 days leave + bank hols
Statutory & organisational sick pay
3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work
Employee wellbeing support
Discounted public transport travel pass
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
Planning Officer.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CENTRAL TRAINING ACADEMY LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016536.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Friday 6 March 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.