Funding Assurance - Clarity on Compliance, Confidence in Your Claims
Funding assurance is checking your compliance with DfE or devolved authority funding rules, whether it’s Apprenticeships, Adult Skills Fund, 16 to 19 study programmes or advanced learner loans.
What we review:
Compliance: How well you’re performing in the everchanging world of funding compliance.
Data: How robust your data submissions are.
Audit readiness: The state of data and documentation that support your funding claims.
Opportunities to improve: Clear, practical ways to strengthen compliance, efficiency and data quality.
Why you need funding assurance services
Compliance
We provide independent assessment of compliance against the funding rules and confirm where you have potential risks, enabling mitigation.
Insight
Plenty of providers have no knowledge of the assurance process. By engaging our funding assurance service you get firsthand experience of what to expect in terms of requirements, timeframes, evidence expectations and deadlines.
Professional growth
Our external experts identify ‘blind spots’ and suggest solutions and good practice to resolve improvement areas and efficiency.
Our Approach to Funding Assurance
We don’t just consult on funding assurance; we live it every day. Our team is composed of FE and skills sector veterans who have sat in your seat, managed ILRs, and navigated the high-pressure reality of a funding rule change. By combining this “front-line” experience with our status as a trusted DfE contractor, we provide an insider’s perspective that few can match. We believe in straight talking and practical solutions, cutting through the jargon to tell you exactly where your risks lie and how to fix them.
Our Goal...
Your funding assurance partner for stronger compliance and reduced risk of recovery.
- Lived Sector Experience: Every team member comes directly from the FE and skills sector, bringing firsthand knowledge of implementing processes and managing audits from the inside.
- Active DfE Insight: As current DfE contractors, we possess a unique, "live" understanding of the funding assurance process, ensuring our advice is always ahead of the curve.
- Direct, Transparent Advice: We pride ourselves on simple, "no sugar coating" messaging, identifying your risks clearly and providing the honest feedback you need to protect your funding.
Karl Bentley
Funding assurance expertise you can trust
With over 28 years in the FE and skills sector, I bring a unique “360-degree” perspective, having worked as a provider, within the funding body, and for nearly two decades in specialist audit. I have extensive experience in high-stakes reviews and managing complex ILR data.
As a Director at Validera, I lead our Funding Assurance practice, providing robust compliance services and bespoke training across all key funding streams. My approach is rigorous and data-driven, ensuring clients maintain absolute integrity and quality in their funding claims.
Outside of the office, I’m a dedicated record collector, a regular at punk and hardcore shows, and a passionate Coventry Blaze ice hockey supporter.
We’ll give you confidence your funding stands up to scrutiny
Sectors we specialise in
Public Sector
Providing independent assurance across the UK public sector, leveraging insider expertise to ensure compliance, transparency, accountability, and achieve Value for Money.
Regulated
We provide the high-level assurance required to navigate Regulatory frameworks, strengthening the control environment that protects your assets and stakeholder confidence.
Not-for-Profit / Third
We safeguard your mission and reputation by ensuring monies are accounted for, protecting trust through tailored audits that focus on front-line impact.
Corporate & Commercial
We transform risk into a competitive advantage for businesses, delivering senior-led insights that streamline operations, protect assets, and support confident, high-stakes decision-making.