Sophie Hayter

As Senior Talent Development Partner at N I am responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive talent development programme for apprentices, graduates, students, and team members requiring specialised training. I play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce, creating meaningful pathways for our talent, and equipping team members with essential skills whilst ensuring commercial focus. In summary my role is to lead our efforts in developing and supporting talent while ensuring the safety and growth of our workforce.

Key responsibilities and tasks:

● Design, implement, and oversee our apprenticeship and graduate strategy

● Develop outreach strategies to attract talent, including partnerships with educational institutions ● Coordinate student work experience placements, offering a practical introduction to our industry ● Provide guidance and mentorship to our talent offering career development advice and support

● Act as a point of contact for apprentices, graduates, and students to address concerns and facilitate their integration into the workforce

● Monitor the effectiveness of early careers and specialist training programs, collecting and analysing data to drive improvements

● Design and deliver training on specialist topics including safeguarding and first aid ● Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice

● Regularly assess and adapt our offerings to meet evolving industry needs

● Collaborate with cross-functional teams and various departments, to ensure seamless integration of early career participants into the workforce

● Build relationships with external partners, educational institutions, and community organisations to enhance recruitment efforts

● Oversee the daily management of the apprenticeship account

● Manage and forecast levy spend effectively, generate additional levy funding from third parties ● Work closely with training partners to ensure the smooth running of programmes ● Ensure all learner data is accurate, and undertake termly audits

● Provide monthly apprenticeship reports that monitor achievement, completion, and learner progression, ensuring that quotas are not exceeded

● Be the point of contact for Nursery Managers concerning all matters linked to programmes ● Provide updates to key stakeholders across the business, such as Nursery Managers and Regional Directors

● Keep abreast of updates and changes linked to relevant regulatory bodies and organisations. ● Attend industry events and conferences to stay informed about the latest developments ● Take the lead on National Apprenticeship week, showcasing and celebrating learner progress ● Ensure all information on the company's intranet is up to date and accessible for all stakeholders ● Work in partnership with training providers to address any possible concerns and find solutions ● Role model N values while coaching, guiding, proactively and openly resolving problems, developing and succession planning your team

To lead quality monitoring and compliance processes for apprenticeship provision, liaising with External Quality Assurance organisations, providing advice and updates to managers as required. • To monitor quality metrics including; achievement rates, end point assessment and equality information so that these are in line with, or above, internal KPIs. To intervene and take supportive action with Curriculum Managers as necessary. • To work with leaders and managers to conduct quality monitoring and evaluation activities on apprenticeship programmes, accurately evaluating programme performance and designing robust action plans to support timely improvements as required • To work in collaboration with the central Quality Improvement Team to support deep dive activities • To maintain and use professional and specialist knowledge of apprenticeship delivery requirements to support on-going improvements and compliance, advising managers as required • To support the monitoring and development of portfolio systems and provide training to tutors and learners where necessary • To support with and update progress on the apprenticeship quality improvement plan • To monitor tracking and learner portfolios, ensuring high quality evidence of apprentices developing new skills, knowledge and behaviours as they progress • To work in collaboration with the quality team to plan and deliver bespoke support, training and improvement programmes to apprenticeship teams in need of improvement, ensuring that outcomes and the overall apprentices' experience improve.

As a Development Quality Assurer, my role was to monitor and evaluate assessment activities, ensuring compliance and identifying risks. I conducted sampling interventions, evaluate evidence, and prepared comprehensive IQA reports. I contributed to improving training programs by identifying themes and participating in Quality Development initiatives.

My responsibilities included:

• Conducting thorough sampling interventions throughout the learner journey to monitor assessment activities, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Evaluating assessment evidence meticulously for validity and reliability, preparing comprehensive IQA reports and sharing insights with stakeholders.
• Identifying sampling themes indicating risk or good practice, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with ESFA regulations through diligent sampling activities.
• Providing support to learners with catch-up plans and maintaining clear communication with Vocational Trainers.
• Promptly escalating areas of non-compliance and proficiently managing end point assessment referrals.
• Processing APA and RPL components accurately and contributing to Quality Development initiatives.

• Devised and coordinated learning and development activity, aligned with key priorities and objectives.
• Delivered instruction across various topics, integrating audio-visual presentations and training materials.
• Produced training and supportive materials tailored to organisational needs.
• Facilitated high-quality workshops to a variety of learners both at college and commercial premises
• Formulated training and development programmes to meet the needs of the employer stakeholders
• Adapted session delivery to meet specific needs of professional learners within different environments.
• Developed effective training materials, modules and teaching aids.

• Taught and assessed a variety of learners including apprentices and adult learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Provided one-to-one tutorials and workshops, offering verbal and written feedback to support learners in achieving required standards in areas such as safeguarding, equality, diversity, and professional development.
• Promoted literacy, numeracy, and IT skills among learners.
• Utilised online portfolio systems for assessment and Internal Verification, managing candidate sign-ups and completion of enrolment paperwork.
• Navigated funding rules and learner eligibility criteria effectively.
• Monitored other verifiers' work as Lead Internal Verifier, implementing a rating system and organizing standardization meetings.
• Used Microsoft Word and other software tools proficiently to create documents and clear communications.
• Organised awarding body external verification visits and led weekly classes, developing schemes of work and lesson plans tailored to diverse learner needs.
• Employed various teaching methods and assessments to ensure effective learning outcomes.