Blue Lion Training Academy delivers a range of apprenticeship and commercial training programmes nationally, specialising in Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Audio Visual, Creative Media, Marketing and Business Services.
As part of its future growth strategy, Blue Lion Training Academy is building an innovative “Blue Lion Ecosystem” that brings together employers, industry specialists, coaches and learners to create one of the most exciting and connected apprenticeship delivery environments in the sector. The ecosystem is designed to support collaboration, innovation, professional development and real workplace impact across all programmes.
As part of its future growth strategy, Blue Lion Training Academy is builrding an innovative “Blue Lion Ecosystem” that brings together employers, industry specialists, coaches and learners to create one of the most exciting and connected apprenticeship delivery environments in the sector. The ecosystem is designed to support collaboration, innovation, professional development and real workplace impact across all programmes.
Due to continued growth and expansion, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Quality Manager to join the team and support the ongoing development of an outstanding quality culture across the organisation.
Role Overview
The Quality Manager will support the continued development of this model by helping to maintain outstanding standards in teaching, learning, assessment, compliance and learner experience across the organisation.
The Quality Manager will play a key role in maintaining and improving the quality of education, learner experience and compliance across apprenticeship provision. Reporting directly to the Head of Delivery & Designated Safeguarding Lead, the successful candidate will lead and coordinate quality assurance activities including OTLA activity, IQA sampling, learner progress monitoring and continuous improvement processes.
The role will work closely with Operations, Compliance and Curriculum teams to ensure apprenticeship programmes meet the requirements of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, Apprenticeship Accountability Framework, DfE funding rules and internal quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the organisation’s quality assurance activities across apprenticeship provision
- Conduct and oversee OTLA (Observation of Teaching, Learning and Assessment) activities, learning walks and developmental coaching feedback
- Complete Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) checks to ensure consistency, accuracy and compliance across learner evidence and assessment decisions
- Support the embedding and monitoring of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and Apprenticeship Accountability Framework standards across all programmes
- Ensure apprenticeship delivery complies with current DfE funding rules, compliance requirements and awarding organisation expectations
- Work collaboratively with the Operations & Compliance Manager to monitor learner progress, timely completion, learner engagement and achievement rates
- Monitor tutor performance, CPD completion and standardisation participation
- Support the delivery and organisation of standardisation meetings, quality forums and CPD sessions
- Produce quality reports, KPI updates and improvement actions for senior leadership meetings and board reporting
- Identify risks, trends and areas for improvement through quality monitoring activity and support improvement planning
- Ensure learner reviews, OTJ evidence, safeguarding documentation and quality records are accurately maintained within Bud and internal systems
- Monitor learner feedback, employer feedback and quality improvement actions to support continuous improvement
- Promote a culture of safeguarding, inclusivity, learner support and continuous improvement throughout the learner journey
- Support preparation for external audit, Ofsted inspection activity and funding assurance reviews
- Maintain the organisation’s Quality Calendar ensuring activities are completed within required timelines
- Collaborate with curriculum, operations and compliance teams to ensure a joined-up learner experience
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures
- Undertake and support ongoing CPD and professional development activity
- Delivery Of Quality Practioner training and support leaners through completion
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of apprenticeship quality assurance processes inc 2025 Ofsted Guidance
- Knowledge of Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and Apprenticeship Accountability Framework requirements
- Good understanding of DfE funding rules and apprenticeship compliance requirements
- Experience completing OTLA observations and/or IQA activity within apprenticeship provision
- Experience working within apprenticeship delivery, further education or work-based learning
- Excellent communication, coaching and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends and support quality improvement planning
- Confident using digital systems including Bud, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word and Outlook
- Ability to work collaboratively with operational, compliance and curriculum teams
- Professional and learner-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Good understanding of safeguarding, Prevent Duty and learner support within apprenticeship provision
- Awareness of Ofsted safeguarding and personal development expectations within further education and skills provision
- Knowledge and experience of a growing apprentice provision over multipule standards
Essential & Desirable Qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- IQA qualification preferred or willingness to work towards achieving one
- Teaching qualification desirable or willingness to work towards a recognised teaching qualification
- Experience within apprenticeship or further education provision essential
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Derby DE24 8GX
