Programme Coordinator (Early Engagement & Funding)

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.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Funding Manager, the Programme Coordinator's role is to process apprenticeship applications and ensure they are funded in a timely manner.

Programme Coordinators will work closely with their team, Enrolment Coordinators and the Sales teams to ensure an outstanding end-to-end experience for participants. Cross-team collaboration is encouraged.

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 and funding details are logged on the Candidate Management System
• Servicing inbound enquiries generated from various channels and managing them through to completion
• Process apprenticeship applications and ensure they are funded in a timely manner
• 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
• Working with employers to ensure funds raised are secured within desired timeframes
• Working closely with other departments and support staff to assist with coordination of applications. 

Responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries through various platforms including Zendesk, email and phone calls
• Ensure that enquiries are acknowledged and dealt with promptly, efficiently and courteously
• Process programme applications to ensure completeness and eligibility
• Pre-empt withdrawals and deferrals, offering support, alternative provision, and manage/ track them when they occur
• Take ownership of and provide visibility into the progress towards KPIs
• Role model values including working collaboratively, striving for excellence, working with integrity and undertaking continual learning
• Adhere to Best Practice Network and Supporting Education's policies and standards

About You:

• Be reliable, hardworking and professional
• Have proven 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
• Work well under pressure with the ability to deal with issues as they arise
• Be highly competent using MS Office and Teams
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
• Highly numerate and literate
• Creative, innovative and able to solve problems

Our Benefits:

• 28 days holiday (pro-rata) PLUS bank holidays

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.