Gareth Andrew Hopkins
Swansea
Summary
A seasoned professional with expertise in Learning & Development Strategy & Transformation, Workforce Planning & Organisational Development, and Executive Stakeholder Engagement. Demonstrates a strong track record in Quality Assurance & Compliance across NHS, FE, and Apprenticeships sectors. Skilled in Leadership Development & CPD Frameworks and Data-Driven Performance Improvement, with a proven ability to lead national-scale programmes and projects. Committed to advancing organisational goals through strategic workforce planning and the delivery of high-quality apprenticeships, ILM, and professional qualifications.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
National Training Manager / Lead
NHS Professionals Academy
2025.04 - 2025.11
- Led national workforce development initiatives across NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems, driving improvements in clinical training, leadership capability, and professional standards.
- Key Achievements:
- Designed and delivered national training strategies aligned to NHS priorities, improving workforce capability and development consistency.
- Co-developed education components of the UK Government Return to Practice programme, contributing to over 350 nurses re-entering the NHS workforce.
- Implemented organisation-wide Quality Assurance frameworks, ensuring compliance, consistency, and measurable quality improvements.
- Introduced a Clinical Educator Observation Framework and CPD policy to enhance teaching standards and professional development.
- Developed a national Train the Trainer programme to scale capability and standardisation across multiple sites.
- Used KPI analysis and performance data to optimise learning impact and delivery models.
Head of Department – Business Services & Apprenticeships / Training Manager
TSW Training
2023.06 - 2023.12
- Held full responsibility for operational delivery and strategic growth of leadership, management, and business services training provision.
- Key Achievements:
- Led and developed a team of 12 trainers, improving delivery quality and achieving KPI and performance targets.
- Operated at board level, contributing to organisational strategy and long-term workforce development planning.
- Designed and launched an ILM-accredited Mentoring Programme, delivered on time and within budget with full IP ownership.
- Established strategic partnerships with organisations including Legal & General and Glamorgan Cricket to develop tailored training pathways.
- Conducted organisational learning needs analysis to align provision with industry demand and maximise ROI.
Leadership & Management Trainer / Assessor
XR Training
2023.02 - 2023.06
- Delivered Level 4 and 5 Leadership & Management apprenticeship programmes across South Wales.
- Supported learners to achieve qualification outcomes and apply leadership skills in the workplace.
Sports Injury Rehabilitator
Self-Employed
2015.01 - 2021.01
- Delivered specialist rehabilitation and performance programmes.
Centre Quality Assurance Reviewer
Pearson/Edexcel
2011.01 - 2016.01
- Assured centre compliance with quality and safeguarding standards.
Higher Education Manager / Lecturer
Bridgend College
1999.01 - 2014.01
- Provided strategic leadership for Higher Education provision, managing a team of 30 staff.
- Led curriculum development, quality assurance, and budget management.
Education
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma - Organisational Learning & Development
2023.01 - 2024.01
MSc - Human Resource Management
Swansea University
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education
University of Wales, Newport
D32/33/34 Assessor & Verifier Awards - undefined
Pearson
MSc - Football Rehabilitation
Edge Hill University
Postgraduate Diploma - Coaching Science
UWIC
BA (Hons) - Sport & Leisure Studies
University of Warwick
Skills
- Learning & Development Strategy & Transformation
- Workforce Planning & Organisational Development
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement
- Quality Assurance & Compliance (NHS / FE / Apprenticeships)
- Leadership Development & CPD Frameworks
- Data-Driven Performance Improvement
- Programme & Project Leadership (National Scale)
- Apprenticeships, ILM & Professional Qualifications
Certification
- Associate Member – CIPD
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Emergency First Aid at Work (Valid to 2028)
- Safeguarding, Prevent, GDPR & Autism Awareness (Certified)
REFERENCES
Available on request
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Advanced user of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Timeline
National Training Manager / Lead
NHS Professionals Academy
2025.04 - 2025.11
Head of Department – Business Services & Apprenticeships / Training Manager
TSW Training
2023.06 - 2023.12
Leadership & Management Trainer / Assessor
XR Training
2023.02 - 2023.06
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma - Organisational Learning & Development
2023.01 - 2024.01
Sports Injury Rehabilitator
Self-Employed
2015.01 - 2021.01
Centre Quality Assurance Reviewer
Pearson/Edexcel
2011.01 - 2016.01
Higher Education Manager / Lecturer
Bridgend College
1999.01 - 2014.01
MSc - Human Resource Management
Swansea University
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education
University of Wales, Newport
D32/33/34 Assessor & Verifier Awards - undefined
Pearson
MSc - Football Rehabilitation
Edge Hill University
Postgraduate Diploma - Coaching Science
UWIC
BA (Hons) - Sport & Leisure Studies
University of Warwick