Level 3
Compliance & Risk Officer
We have used our extensive industry expertise to design this business-critical apprenticeship programme, supporting organisations to meet legal, regulatory and internal control obligations.
Compliance and Risk Officer apprentices develop the knowledge and professional judgement required to operate effectively in regulated environments. The programme is particularly relevant to financial services, governance, risk and compliance teams, enabling early-career professionals to build confidence, apply learning directly in the workplace and progress into specialist compliance or risk roles.
Apprenticeship Outcomes
Outcome for Employers
Employers benefit from developing capable compliance and risk practitioners who understand regulatory requirements, internal controls and professional conduct. Apprentices apply learning directly in role, supporting monitoring, reporting and risk identification while improving consistency, documentation quality and assurance maturity across the organisation.
Outcome for Learners
Learners gain a strong foundation in compliance and risk frameworks, developing confidence, professional judgement and ethical awareness. The apprenticeship supports career progression into specialist compliance, financial crime or risk roles while building credibility through recognised professional qualifications.
Many organisations have to meet a wide range of compliance and risk requirements set out in legislation. To meet these requirements employers will have dedicated risk and compliance departments that are experts in the relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. They provide proactive support and guidance to the business areas to ensure that the organisation meets this wide range of requirements, balanced against achieving appropriate customer outcomes. We draw on industry expertise to offer the Apprenticeship Levy funded Level 3 Compliance & Risk Officer Apprenticeship Standard to employers looking for a costeffective way to upskill new or existing employees on a career pathway in this business-critical area. The programme covers the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to carry out the role including:
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Drawing on technical expertise to provide high quality, ethical input and advice to the business. Identifying and managing compliance and risk related problems that emerge.
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Analysing data to identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
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Maintaining records and producing reports. Working on review and audits to check that policies are being correctly applied.
Specific technical knowledge required for different roles are covered by flexible specialist options. We also work in close partnership with the International Compliance Association (ICA) to help employers and apprentices integrate one of the following mandatory qualifications* with the apprenticeship programme:
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Certificate in Compliance
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Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering
The apprentice can apply for the appropriate level of professional ICA membership aligned with this level of qualification.
Module 1: Organisational structures, the external environment and a culture of compliance
Module 2: Risk and compliance framework
Module 3: Products, services and ethical considerations - Introduction to Project Management
Module 4: Systems, processes & storing information, Introduction to research.
Module 5: Polices & procedures, best practice & audits (including complaint handling)
Module 6: Personal skills & CPD with EPA preparation
Module 7: Mock Assessment followed by gateway to end point assessment
This apprenticeship is for early career or developing staff in compliance and risk roles, including compliance officers, financial crime and AML teams, monitoring staff, risk analysts, and operational colleagues with control responsibilities, who support regulatory adherence, internal controls, and risk management within regulated organisations.
An award-winning learning and development specialist and an Approved Apprenticeship Training Provider, CSA Learning supports firms and employers to train, improve and assess their workforces in our specialist areas including credit, debt collection, compliance, counter-fraud, trading standards and governance.
CSA provides employers with training to reskill existing staff, as well as a means of introducing new employees to your company and sector. Our tutors are all specialists in their fields, with learner feedback consistently highlighting the exceptional standard of workshop delivery.
| Key Information |
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Length of CourseTypically 14 months plus up to 5 months end point assessment |
Number of Modules7 |
QualificationICA Certificate in Compliance ICA Certificate in Anti Money Laundering |
Funding£11,000 (No cost if Levy funded) We will work with you to maximise Apprenticeship Levy funds and access any other support or incentives that are available to fund the programme. |
CSA blended learning deliveryTutor led interactive workshops delivered via Teams, with face to face delivery available for groups of 8+ |
Apprenticeship testimonial
As soon as I started in the new apprentice role, my mindset switched from that of a student to that of a young professional and it kick-started what has so far been a hugely rewarding and successful career. I have been fortunate enough to progress into a Risk Analyst role, where working in a fast-paced environment means no two days are the same. I would highly recommend both a career in the collections and debt purchase sector and apprenticeships to those looking for a rewarding job where they can make a real difference to people’s lives while fast-tracking their own career in a professional, innovative industry.”
Phoebe Backhouse, Risk Analyst at Lowell
Our track record
of our apprenticeship employers state that their staff come out of our apprenticeships more skilled than when they went in.
of our apprenticeship employers believe that our ability to provide the right training at the right time is a key strength.
of our apprentices highlight our ability to prepare them for success in their future careers.
Access additional funding when hiring an apprentice
Receive a hiring payment of up to £2000
From 1 October 2026, eligible non-levy paying employers may be able to receive a hiring payment of up to £2,000 when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24.
The payment forms part of the Government's plans to increase the number of young people starting apprenticeships and can help reduce the cost of recruitment while supporting future workforce development.
Commonly asked questions
If you still have any questions please reach out to us and we will be happy to help.
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What apprenticeship funding is available to businesses?
Apprenticeship funding in England is available to all employers, regardless of size. The amount an employer contributes depends on whether they pay the Apprenticeship Levy, the age of the apprentice, and whether levy transfer funding is used.
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What is the Apprenticeship Levy?
The Apprenticeship Levy applies to employers with an annual pay bill of over £3 million. These employers must contribute 0.5% of their payroll into a digital apprenticeship account, which can be used to pay for apprenticeship training and end point assessment.
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How can levy paying employers use their funds?
Levy paying employers can:
1. Use levy funds to pay for apprenticeship training and end point assessment by funding apprentices of any age or level
2. Transfer up to 50% of unused levy funds to other employers (such as SMEs) – see transferring levy FAQ
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What happens if all of the funds in the digital account have been spent?
If all of the levy funds in the digital account have been spent the employer contributes to 25% of the remaining training costs, and the government contributes 75%, up to the funding band (see question on funding bands).
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Are any apprenticeships fully funded for employers?
Yes. Apprenticeship training is 100% government funded where the apprentice is aged 16–21, or, aged 22–24 and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or has been in local authority care.
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What are the apprenticeship funding bands?
Each apprenticeship standard has a funding band, which sets the maximum amount the government will contribute towards training and assessment. Funding bands range from £1,500 to £27,000. Employers agree the final price with the training provider and any cost above the funding band must be paid by the employer.
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What is levy transfer funding?
Levy transfer funding allows large employers to transfer unused levy funds to other organisations.
The transfer can cover up to 100% of training and assessment costs (within the funding band).
This is particularly beneficial for SMEs and is widely used to support apprenticeships across supply chains and sectors
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Are there any employer incentive payments?
Yes. For some apprenticeship standards, including foundation apprenticeships, employers may be eligible for incentive payments of up to £2,000. Eligibility depends on the apprenticeship standard and the age of the apprentice.