Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - British Geological Survey (BGS)
Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 20 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG
Closing Date: 23:55, Sunday 4th October 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 19th October 2026
Start Date: November 2026
Positions Available: 1
Before applying for this position, please ensure the job description has been read in full, including information on eligibility requirements and the selection process.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has an exciting opportunity for a Business Administrator Apprenticeship to be based within our Risk & Assurance function. This small team is responsible for the development and operation of key aspects of BGS’ management systems including risk management, business continuity, external accreditations, internal audit programmes and provides important information to senior management and the BGS board.
You will help to ensure that these systems are well maintained and operating effectively by coordinating audits and other activities, collaborating closely with staff across the organisation to gather data and supervise progress, maintaining and updating records systems, and assisting with the preparation of regular management reports.
About the Department
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
About an Apprenticeship at UKRI
With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll relish the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst making a real difference in your role. Apprentice will be able to develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.
We will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!
We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion, with access to a dedicated UKRI Early Careers Network.
About the Role
The role will also include significant interaction with the BGS Environment Advisor and the BGS Health & Safety Team in coordinating with those aspects of the management systems.
Reporting to the Head of Risk & Assurance, your key responsibilities/duties will evolve over time as you develop your skills and capabilities, supported by BGS colleagues and through your apprenticeship. Typical duties can include:
- Administration of internal and external audits and assessments including scheduling, liaison with auditors, review of reports, follow-up of findings and actions.
- Assisting with the development and maintenance of BGS management system documentation.
- Assisting with regular risk and management system performance reports for Senior Management Board, BGS Board and NERC/UKRI or other external assurance review bodies.
- Helping with the operation of the BGS corporate risk register and reviewing risks and associated mitigating actions.
- Assisting with Business Continuity and Incident Response management, preparation of documentation and emergency scenario exercises.
- Coordination with other teams across BGS including those responsible for environment, safety, security and laboratory management systems.
- Responding to staff enquiries relating to aspects of the management and assurance systems.
- Ensuring positive health, safety and environment performance across the area of responsibility.
What You Will Learn
You will undertake professional development and training as part of a cohort of apprentices with Access Training, completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship. over 18 months. The first 15 months are known as the “practical period” where you will learn through a combination of on-and-off-the-job training with BGS and your Access Training tutor to develop the required Knowledge. You will also have 6-weekly one-to-one sessions with your tutor who will support you with implementing and developing the Skills and Behaviours, and building the portfolio of evidence.
In the final 3 months of your programme you will undertake and lead on a work-based improvement project as part of the independent End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment enables you to demonstrate the required Knowledge, Behaviours and Skills required to pass.
What We Are Looking For
To apply for this apprenticeship you will need to demonstrate within your CV and Covering Letter that you meet the following criteria. Evidence may be used from current or prior paid employment, voluntary roles or educational experiences.
Where indicated, this detail will be assessed at shortlisting (S), Interview (I), or both (S&I).
Essential:
- Achieved 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English (S)
- Excellent written communication skills as evidenced through your Covering Letter and CV (S)
- Attention to detail (S)
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work as part of a team (S&I)
- Ability to work to deadlines with a set timeframe (S&I)
- Competent user of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) (S&I)
- Excellent verbal communication skills (I)
- A demonstrable interest in the work of BGS and NERC (S&I)
- Experience of working in a customer or staff facing role (S&I)
- You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work at BGS (S&I)
Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to be considered for the apprenticeship programme you must:
- Have evidence of Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills)
- Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprenticeship start date and have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment. Please check your eligibility here.
- Have a valid and eligible residency status, the right to work in the UK, and be able to complete the full apprenticeship programme, including the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Applications from candidates with the listed time-limited visas will be considered on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with our apprenticeship training provider. Eligibility will be assessed to ensure that visa requirements align with the apprenticeship programme's duration and funding rules.
- Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject.
As part of our shortlisting process, we may be required to determine your eligibility to undertake the programme based on the information provided within your application. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if you have any questions.
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. Committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
- Annual salary progression throughout the apprenticeship, in line with UKRI policy.
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance! For further information on our benefits please visit: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Selection Process
As part of the application process, a CV and cover letter are required. The CV should include GCSE results, details of any other relevant qualifications and information on skills, experience or achievements relevant to the role.
If qualifications were obtained outside the UK, please attach a UK ENIC certificate of comparability to demonstrate the UK equivalent level.
In your cover letter (no more than one side of A4), please include:
- Your interest in BGS: Explain your motivation for working at BGS, and what attracts you to this role.
- Your interest in Risk & Assurance: What motivates you to work within the Risk & Assurance function at BGS?
- Why an apprenticeship is the preferred route: What is it about the apprenticeship that you feel best serves you in beginning a career in Business Administration?
We encourage applicants to be clear and specific about their motivations, and how their interests align with the work of BGS.
Interview
Applications will be reviewed against the essential criteria. Applicants who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to interview. The interview will be held on-site at BGS Nottingham.
Outcome
Following the interview stage, the panel will assess all candidates and determine the outcome. The successful candidate will receive a verbal offer in the first instance, followed by a formal offer letter.
All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application and any interviews as soon as practicable. Feedback will be provided to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to advise government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.
