Ethics and Independence School Leaver Programme

A bit about us 
Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO. 

Our Ethics & Independence Apprenticeship Scheme is designed for individuals who want to build a career at the intersection of professional ethics, regulation, and audit independence. You will gain hands-on experience in supporting our Ethics & Independence team 

And a bit about the team 

We safeguard the firm’s reputation, ensure compliance with professional standards, and help our people make the right decisions in complex situations. 

All you need to bring is curiosity, a problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to doing things right. You will work towards a level 3 qualification in Compliance & Risk and, when you complete the programme, a permanent role is waiting for you. 

As for you 
You’re curious, resilient, and ready to learn. You bring logical thinking, a data mindset, and a collaborative approach. We’ll help you build your communication skills and confidence so you can thrive in any team.  

Join us in our London office but one thing to note: you’ll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to.  

Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time in the office matters; for your learning, for building relationships, and for being part of our culture. 

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need: 

• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A-B. (or equivalent, for example, BTech extended diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You’ll be asked to provide evidence if you’re successful in securing an offer 

• GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. You’ll also need to provide evidence if successful 

• Commitment to balance study and professional work 

• The right to work in the UK  (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements for sponsorship set by the Home Office. Applications from candidates who have their own legal right to work within the UK must cover the duration of their 3-year training contract and employment) 

How the interview process will go 
We want you to know what to expect, so here’s the typical process: 

1. Online application form. 

2. Online assessments (with the option to sit these in our office, where we can provide a laptop and space if you don’t have access to one). 

3. Video interview. 

4. Virtual assessment centre. 

5. Final interview in-person. 

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share resources to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a person. 

Before you go 
We’ve got 18 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well-being, flexible about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work. 

Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you. 

Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO. 

Apply now. 

Our firm is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.