Amanda Russell
Tring,Hertfordshire
Summary
Senior programme leader in higher education with extensive experience in apprenticeship delivery, academic governance and quality assurance. Full accountability for a multi-level portfolio, including end-to-end program delivery, management of assessment lifecycle and learner readiness for gateway.
Proven track record of leading high-performing teams in complex, dynamic environments, ensuring academic integrity and consistent assessment standards. Strong expertise in Ofsted frameworks, awarding body requirements and data-driven quality improvement, combining strategic leadership with operational excellence to deliver high-quality, learner-centred programmes.
Energetic employee well-versed in strong communication and organisation skills. Seeks solutions to problems and applies extensive analytical knowledge to findings. Strong collaboration skills, calm under pressure, with thorough attention to detail.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Apprenticeships Program Management
Ashridge, Hult International Business School
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
2022.12 - Current
- Leads apprenticeships program planning and delivery
- Team leadership in a high-pressure environment
- Responsible for academic governance, quality assurance & academic readiness for learners to move to Gateway
- Oversees assessment lifecycle (marking, moderation, external examiner boards and ratification)
- Responsible for academic data Integrity & reporting
- Collaborates with stakeholders, faculty and registry
- Partners with progression, employer and compliance teams
- Drives for continuous improvement & delivery innovation
Senior Learning & Development Manager
Openreach plc
London and Leeds
2016.01 - 2022.12
- Partnered with senior stakeholders across a workforce of 20,000+ engineers to develop and deliver large-scale technical training solutions
- Delivered leadership development programmes for 1,000+ operational managers
- Developed and implemented a 12-week induction programme, onboarding 3,000+ engineers annually
Senior Product Manager
BT plc & Openreach plc
London
2006.01 - 2016.12
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and deliver regulated telecommunications products
- Worked with Ofcom and major communication providers to ensure product excellence, compliance and commercial success
Product Management & Product Development
BT plc
London
1988.09 - 2005.12
Product management and product development roles across different divisions of BT, including secondment in Rome and Kuala Lumpur to support overseas projects and gain international business experience.
Volunteer Project Manager - Borneo
Raleigh International
London
2003.01 - 2003.05
Oversees career sabbatical, leading groups of British and Malaysian young adults on sustainable development projects in a remote rainforest location in Borneo. Responsible for their personal development, safety and wellbeing.
Education
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - European Business Studies (with German)
Swansea University
1984.09 - 1988.06
Skills
- Significant experience in higher education apprenticeship delivery
- Programme leadership and development
- Student centric
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Resourcefulness
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
Affiliations
- Parkrun
- Pickleball
- Cycling
- Skiing
Accomplishments
Winner of 'Ashridge Hero' award (2026), Hult Core Values 'Passion' award (2025), Ashridge 'Nothing Is Impossible' award (2025)
Timeline
Head of Apprenticeships Program Management
Ashridge, Hult International Business School
2022.12 - Current
Senior Learning & Development Manager
Openreach plc
2016.01 - 2022.12
Senior Product Manager
BT plc & Openreach plc
2006.01 - 2016.12
Volunteer Project Manager - Borneo
Raleigh International
2003.01 - 2003.05
Product Management & Product Development
BT plc
1988.09 - 2005.12
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - European Business Studies (with German)
Swansea University
1984.09 - 1988.06