WorkplaceHero

FE Support

Support for Further Education providers

We help Further Education and Skills providers improve outcomes through quality assurance, learner insight, governance support and real-world sector expertise.

Our team have over 30 years of experience in Further Education and the wider skills sector, our consultancy and provider support offer is built on a strong foundation of practical expertise and lived experience.

Our consultants have led quality and compliance across both large PLCs and agile SMEs, colleges and HE, bringing a clear, grounded perspective on what it takes to deliver brilliant learning experiences at scale, and achieving Outstanding outcomes during inspection.

We have deep knowledge of apprenticeship and adult learning delivery, governance, and quality assurance, as well as a proven track record in designing and supporting government-funded programmes such as Apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps. From curriculum design to regulatory readiness, we understand the real-world challenges faced by providers and how to overcome them.

Our services

If you require a service that isn't listed, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Curriculum Development, Review & Implementation

Build high-impact, evidence-informed curriculums aligned to learner needs, employer expectations and the inspection framework. From audits to lesson walkthroughs, we offer practical, actionable insight.

  • Curriculum audits and deep dives
  • Intent, implementation and impact alignment
  • Scheme of work and mapping support
  • Collaborative curriculum coaching with team leads

Coaching & Mentoring

Tailored 1:1 and small group coaching for staff in quality, leadership, compliance, curriculum and governance roles - supporting reflective practice, strategic clarity and confident decision-making.

  • 1:1 or small group coaching packages
  • Focus areas tailored to role and confidence
  • Support with decision-making and accountability
  • Standalone or part of a retainer

CPD Courses

Build real confidence, clarity and consistency across your team. Sessions on teaching and learning, curriculum, safeguarding, mental health, digital delivery and leadership.

  • Half-day, full-day and bespoke sessions
  • Online or in-person
  • Optional follow-up and reflective tools
  • CPD logs and attendance certificates

Governance, Scrutiny & Challenge

Support providers not only in the boardroom, but broadly across the whole organisation - structure, scrutiny, training and ongoing escalation routes.

  • Attendance at up to 6 meetings per year
  • Strategic coaching with quality leads/nominee
  • Review of governance structure and documentation
  • Board reporting, agendas and minutes support
  • Two CPD courses for your team included

Interim Leadership

Need to fill a gap within your senior team? Seamless embedding, expert and unbiased feedback, and someone who has led training providers to Outstanding overall effectiveness.

  • From 1 day per week/month up to full time
  • Expert mentoring for your teams
  • Quality leadership and governance experience
  • Toolkits shareable with you and your teams

Monthly QA Retainer

For organisations that value consistent, responsive support. A fixed monthly fee for priority access to expert consultancy - strategy, compliance, staff development, bid support and troubleshooting.

  • Set number of consultancy hours each month
  • Priority email and phone support
  • Regular check-ins to stay aligned
  • Templates, resources and sector insights

Post-Inspection Support

Just come out of a monitoring visit or full inspection? We help you plan next steps, break down the evidence base, coach your teams and get on the road to Good, Secure or Strong.

  • MV and full inspection follow-up
  • Inspection report and evidence breakdown
  • Practical recommendations to improve
  • Coaching for teaching, quality and leadership teams

Quality Assurance Review

A comprehensive 5-day review giving providers a clear, evidence-based picture of strengths and areas for improvement, aligned to the Education Inspection Framework.

  • Staff and learner deep dives
  • Curriculum and intent review
  • Quality processes and policy audit
  • Custom survey and analysis
  • Full written summary with recommendations

Safeguarding Effectiveness Review

A focused two-day evaluation of how effectively safeguarding is embedded across your organisation - statutory compliance, culture and practical implementation.

  • Policy and process review
  • Staff and learner interviews
  • Safer recruitment and referral pathway checks
  • PREVENT duty and training audit
  • Written summary with strengths and risks

Self-Assessment & QIP

Clear, evidence-informed SARs and QIPs that go beyond compliance, capturing what's working, what needs to improve, and how impact will be measured.

  • SAR and QIP review or co-development
  • Impact-focused coaching for leaders
  • Alignment to EIF and funding body expectations
  • Practical templates and examples

Nominee Training

Taking up your role as nominee for the first time, or leading an inspection and want extra encouragement? Coaching and training to lead inspections with confidence.

  • 1:1 nominee coaching
  • Confidence, skills and knowledge for inspection
  • Real-world FE and Skills experience
  • Practical tools and templates

Why work with us?

We understand pressure

WorkplaceHero isn't built on theory - it's built on experience. We've led organisations through full inspections, rapid improvement journeys and restructures. Our advice is grounded, not generic - calm, focused support that gets results.

Strengthen people & process

We focus on long-term capability, not dependency. Our consultancy and CPD help your staff lead with more confidence, understand the why behind compliance, and build systems that work in day-to-day delivery.

High standards

Everything we do is grounded in professionalism, honesty and trust. We don't overpromise and we never underdeliver. Practical, respectful advice that reflects the realities of FE - no jargon, no judgement.

Testimonials

Hear what others have to say about working with our team.

"Graham's ability to identify risk, communicate it with integrity, and drive focused improvement has had a measurable impact across the business."
Finance Manager, Large PLC FE Provider

Fancy a chat?

Book a no-obligation initial consultation with one of our FE experts, or share your requirements using the form below.

Book a chat