Level 4
Governance Officer
An apprentice should choose the Level 4 Governance Officer apprenticeship with the CSA to develop high level expertise in governance, compliance and ethical decision making within a professionally respected, sector led organisation. Delivered by specialists who understand regulation, risk and oversight, the programme equips apprentices with the skills to interpret legislation, support boards and committees, manage assurance frameworks and embed strong governance practices. With apprentices at the heart of its approach, CSA offers a challenging, values driven curriculum, expert tutor support and real-world application in financial and regulatory environments, supporting progression into influential governance roles that strengthen organisational integrity and public trust.
Apprenticeship Outcomes
Outcome for Employers
Employers benefit from developing confident governance professionals who can support boards and committees, improve the quality of governance documentation and strengthen assurance arrangements. Apprentices apply learning directly in role, supporting effective meeting processes, clearer reporting and improved information flow. This contributes to stronger accountability, better oversight and more consistent governance practice across the organisation.
Outcome for Learners
Learners develop practical governance expertise, building confidence in committee support, documentation, policy handling and professional judgement. The apprenticeship supports progression into governance, secretariat or assurance roles, strengthening credibility and career prospects. Learners gain a clear understanding of how governance frameworks operate in practice and how their role contributes to effective decision making and organisational trust.
This occupation is found in small, medium, and large organisations within the public, private or third sectors. Governance officers are found in all sectors such as government, retail, food and drink, education, charities, and professional services and work in varied environments including in an office or remotely.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide and manage an organisation’s governance and governance operations-related services. These include reviewing and maintaining legal and compliance documents; filing returns with regulators (e.g., Companies House); and providing advice on internal and external governance requirements.
This is a technical and specialist role which interacts with senior levels within an organisation to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, which may include responses to climate change or other sustainability commitments. In addition, they manage the meetings of the governing decision-making body (e.g., board of directors, trustees, or governors; committees of the governing decision-making body), and the information flow to and from them.
Module 1: Organisational Structure & Governance in Theory
Module 2: Stakeholders & Governance in Practice
Module 3: Organisational Data and Information
Module 4: Law, Finance and Accounting for Governance Professionals
Module 5: Project Management & Personal Organisation
Module 6: Context and Reporting & EPA Preparation
Module 7: Systems and Processes & Framework Requirements and Planning
This apprenticeship is suitable for governance administrators, governance assistants, secretariat staff, committee support roles and employees involved in board, committee or decision-making administration. It is particularly relevant for organisations seeking stronger governance infrastructure, improved meeting processes and clearer documentation to support effective oversight and accountability.
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 |
Additional qualificationNone |
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+. |
Governance Officer apprenticeship testimonial
"The apprenticeship has helped me build an understanding of the company and processes which in turn has helped me fulfil my role better and take on more responsibilities. I have been able to feedback what I have learnt on the course and apply it to my role, and my confidence has developed through receiving positive feedback."
Laura Martin, Credit Limits International Ltd
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.