Apprenticeship Quality Manager

About Us:

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We're a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the Role:

Best Practice Network is seeking an experienced and dedicated Apprenticeship Quality Manager to oversee and enhance the quality of our Early Years, Playworker and Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programmes. In this role, you will be responsible for line managing a team of Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) to ensure that all apprenticeships meet the highest standards of delivery and compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership, tutors, and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and ensure that our programmes align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Management:

• Line manage, mentor, and support a team of Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) to ensure effective quality assurance across TAPY apprenticeship programmes.

• Set objectives and KPIs, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback to the IQA team.

• Lead recruitment, training, and professional development for the IQA team to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

• Responsible for new Tutor's induction and upskill of unqualified tutors.

• Lead on apprentice transfers from other providers supporting CAPs and the Sales team to ensure all transfers and recognition of prior learning comply with ESFA funding rules.

• Supporting the Sales team for new business opportunities with organisation's bids and tender propositions.

• Ensure IQA's are managing Safeguarding concerns as they arise and report monthly on trends and issues at the Monthly Safeguarding and Operations meetings.

• Manage, track and report apprentice maternity agreements, returns and SPLIT / KIT days.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Work with the Centre Manager, Performance Managers and Tutors to prepare External Quality Assurance (EQA) visits to ensure full compliance and no sanctions.

• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of the quality assurance strategy for apprenticeship programmes, achieving quality KPIs and reporting and tracking of all quality metrics.

• Ensure the IQA team are completing gateway checks timely, addressing any errors with tutors and PMs.

• Setting up and implementing a calendar of standardisation meetings with the IQA team, ensuring areas of improvement and good practice are disseminated to all tutors.

• Ensure that all assessments are valid, reliable, and conducted in line with regulatory and awarding body and JCQ requirements.

• Monitor and analyse data on assessment outcomes to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

• Ensure the Quality Improvement Plan is regularly reviewed and updated.

• Lead the Observations of Teaching, Learning, Coaching and Assessment (OTLCA) strategy, evaluate outcomes and ensure actions are tracked on the QIP.

• Ensure that any potential compliance issues are communicated directly to the CAPs and Apprenticeship Finance teams to protect any delays in ESFA funding.

• Lead, record and manage informal complaints with support from Performance Managers and the Centre Manager. Liaise with the Quality and Compliance Director for any formal complaints that are raised via BPN's Complaints and Appeals Policy.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of apprenticeship assessment plans in line with IfATE changes and updates.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Ensure IQAs are actively involved in Tutor 121's to input on quality improvement feedback from sampling, learner and employer feedback and support tutor development and CPD, ensuring all tutors have an up-to-date CPD plan.

• Collaborate with other key stakeholders to ensure a cohesive approach to quality across all apprenticeship pathways.

• Liaise with awarding organisations, regulatory agencies, and external auditors to ensure compliance and address any quality-related issues.

• Represent the organisation in external quality assurance forums and networks to stay informed of best practices and emerging trends.

• Support the compliance team with compliance checks through periods of high demand.

Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with the Curriculum Manager to ensure all programmes are written to ensure outstanding content and delivery.

• Develop and implement strategies for the continuous improvement of apprenticeship delivery and assessment processes.

• Drive innovation in quality assurance practices, incorporating feedback from learners, employers, and staff.

• Review company policies, procedures, and documentation at yearly reviews, including the Employer and Apprenticeship Handbooks.

• Support external and internal audits and inspections (ESFA, Ofsted, Awarding Organisations)

• Maintain the Quality SharePoint site so it is up to date and cohesive.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Produce regular reports on the quality of apprenticeship delivery and assessment, including analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required quality assurance documentation and records.

About You:

Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in quality management within the apprenticeship or vocational education sector.

• Proven experience, knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Sector

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality assurance processes related to apprenticeships.

• Experience in line managing and developing a team, preferably in an educational or training environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making.

• Relevant qualifications in education, training, or quality assurance (e.g., IQA, EQA, or equivalent).

• Experience working with awarding bodies and regulatory agencies.

• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms used in apprenticeship delivery and assessment.

• Good level of IT skills, Microsoft 365 applications including Excel

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about quality and committed to ensuring the highest standards of delivery.

• Proactive, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Collaborative, with a team-oriented approach and the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism, with a strong commitment to upholding the values and reputation of Best Practice Network.

• Flexibility to travel and full UK driving licence.

Best Practice Network is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Our Benefits:

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.

BPNINDEED