Risk and Compliance Officer Apprentice Review

1. As an Analyst working within Risk & Compliance, I conduct thorough reviews of businesses to ensure that our records regarding the control and ownership are up to date and accurate, aligning with the information held on public sources. To ensure that the Bank knows their customers, as part of Customer Due Diligence, I identify and verify all Ultimate Beneficial Owners, owning 25% or more.

2. I have learned new skills and further developed my existing skills since undertaking my apprenticeship. I have strengthened my analytical skills due to cross- checking information for accuracy, identifying risks and establishing gaps in information. Furthermore, I have developed investigative skills as I am required to evaluate the full ownership of a business including those that have significant control. I check public sources to ensure the information the customer provides, and the information held internally, all matches. This reduces the risks of economic crime, as criminals find it difficult to gain entry to the banking system, to launder illicit funds.

3. I have enjoyed the programme. Having an opportunity to learn new skills and enhance my knowledge around financial services and economic crime has been invaluable. Due to the existence of the apprenticeship, I was able to learn a new role, in a new field, changing career direction without being discriminated against due to my age.

4. My programme is structured very well, although I feel it may be beneficial for the Knowledge statements and case studies to be completed earlier into the apprenticeship as these form the portfolio of work for final submission. Tasks have been set with deadlines attached to support with balancing studying and work.

5. I receive excellent support from my employer, they have taken the time to understand my learning needs and implement the appropriate support around my work and studies. They have authorised occasional time off at short notice to focus on my apprenticeship and supported with providing feedback on my work.

6. The training provider has implemented support from their learning and inclusion team which has been valued. They have supported around how I can best manage my work, make plans to keep on top of it and use tools to support with the condensing of my work.

7. My qualification has supported my role as I have learned skills around how to improve how I write and communicate. I have learned how to manage stress and my workload. These softer skills support with the management of my role overall. Furthermore, I have gained knowledge around financial services, Regulators and implications of breaching regulatory obligations, which has given me the background knowledge to understand why my role is so important and how crucial it is that I am diligent with each review I carry out.

8. There are extra-curricular activities to get involved in. Each smaller team conducts their own activities. Also, there are opportunities to give back to the community/Charities on an annual basis by taking part in a Day to make a difference. Other activities take place throughout the year that are revolved around specific events. There are a range of professional networks that focus on specific areas, to support with networking, peer support, gaining knowledge and inclusivity that one can tap into.

Yes

9. I would recommend Lloyds to a friend as I have found them to be a supportive and flexible employer, supporting around my individual needs and offering the flexibility I have required to manage both my work and apprenticeship. They give opportunities to support with individual growth as part of their mission to help Britain prosper.

I would advise an applicant to be open and up-front about any issues/concerns they have beforehand as the Bank are supportive and flexible. I would encourage being your authentic self as the Bank want to see who you are and know about you and not who you are posing to be in order to impress. The bank focus on strengths, therefore, I would advise that applicants think about their history of strengths leading up to their current ones and to talk about these and how they can be applied into the role/apprenticeship they have applied for.