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My pronouns are: she/her

'I am passionate about education and training and about developing practitioners, leaders and other professionals so they can be the best version of themselves and excel in their roles.


I am a changemaker, a positive advocate for education, an honest and no nonsense leader who is motivated to empower others to fulfil their goals and ambitions.   My work is centred around the power of collaboration, action and reflection.  I have helped many organisations advance their Leadership and Quality Development activities through practical and impactful approaches. 


I act as coach, mentor and critical friend for leaders and managers, looking at individuals as well as teams holistically to achieve agreed targets. I believe that high levels of challenge and support are essential for outstanding performance and achievement.   I am an Investment in Excellence facilitator, a motivational speaker and I deliver webinars nationally.


With over 30 years of experience in the Education and Skills sector, I  have worked in many senior leadership positions in Colleges, Adult Education, large Independent Training Providers and Universities  covering a wide range of programmes and delivery types.  I am specialist in the delivery to 16-18 learners, adult learners and apprentices on government-funded programmes (Apprenticeships, Bootcamps, SWAPs, AEB) and non-accredited RARPA programmes.


My career started as a lecturer and I am still a keen practitioner, always looking for innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, working closely with colleagues to develop a coherent curriculum, appealing resources and clear plans for optimal delivery.  I always seek to enhance colleagues' practice through in depth conversations, supportive observations and sharing of ideas.

I plan and deliver inspirational staff development to cover all aspects of Leadership and Management and Teaching, Learning and Assessment.


My commitment to the education sector over my career have led me to become the Chair of the Society for Education and Training management board and I now serve as observer for the the Education and Training Foundation. I  work across various projects with trusted organisations and I am a real networker and can introduce you to other consultants and organisations to support your growth or support your company's business needs.


I am an experienced Ofsted and Skills development Scotland nominee as well as specialist in the Matrix standard assessment and Leaders in Safeguarding audit. I lead and manage quality assurance and improvement projects for independent providers, universities and colleges, impacting directly on learners' experience and results, on colleagues' performance and buy-in and consequently on company overall outcomes. I rigorously analyse, plan and monitor quality activities and shape continuous and sustainable improvement arrangements at all levels. I prepare organisations for quality audits and inspections to achieve the required outcomes and also can support post inspection or audit to bring about swift changes through focused action plans. 


I created BVDE Quality Solutions because I want to make a difference in a positive and collaborative way.  Get in touch so we can work out the best solution for you and your teams. 


I can't wait to hear from you and start on your change journey!


Speak soon

Barbara 



Other trusted  consultants

BVDE Quality Solutions also works with  dedicated and highly skilled professionals who are totally focused on your needs and on how to help you achieve the best for your company.  It means you get one team of consultants working together across all aspects, liaising effectively together and working in the same direction at all times. 


Talk to me if you require experts in: 

IQAs, EQA and IEPA activities and support

Mergers and bid writing

Operational performance

Quality assurance systems

E-learning platform

EPAO register

Ofsted preparation and deep dives

English and maths delivery

SEND support for learners and employers (incl. dyslexia assessment)

Safeguarding leads

Style and Mid-Life Coach

Wellbeing advice and training including corporate yoga

Recruitment

Green agenda and sustainability experts (GRI/ISO)

Will writer

The Pacific Institute accredited Blue Print toolset partners and Invent your Future programme


Talk to me about your requirements.  You set the agenda and, with trusted colleagues, we provide you with bespoke support to make it happen. 

 



Recommendations

(first published on LinkedIn)

"It has been a pleasure to closely work with Barbara over the last 2 years as part of Compass Groups Apprenticeship partnership with Babington. As quality colleagues we have developed a strong quality focused partnership that truly is focused on implementing the 'best in class' apprenticeship experiences for every Compass Group apprentice. Barbara's natural exuberance combined with her in-depth quality knowledge and sector experience really make working with Barbara a joy! In our pursuit of making a difference, we have forged a wonderful working relationship whereby an honest, transparent and incisive approach to all quality themes of strength and development are thoroughly discussed, ensuring we achieve real impact in the quality of our apprenticeships. It's a real pleasure to work with you Barbara"

Barry Rotherham, Apprenticeship Quality and Compliance Manager at Compass Group UK & Ireland

"I have known Barbara for about four years since she put herself forward to join our Advisory Group. From the first time I met her I was really impressed with her passion, drive and knowledge. Over the past four years Barbara has been instrumental in steering our work in her role as the Vice Chair of the SET Management Board. Barbara is creative and able to seek solutions across a range of challenging situations. All of my team respects Barbara and she is a fun and engaging person to work with"

"I have worked with Barbara at two organisations and I can honestly say it is such a pleasure as she brings enthusiasm, great ideas, has turned organisations round and is very knowledgeable within her field. She has always been well-respected and I certainly cannot recommend her enough to prospective clients."

Louise Ward, Interim Apprenticeship and Early Careers Manager, Birmingham City Council

"I've worked with Barbara for almost a decade. Her knowledge of quality assurance in particular is excellent and I know her curriculum development skills are also very good.

Barbara has the ability to recognise the challenge a learner or employer is facing and to propose a viable, sustainable, and practical, value adding solution.
Barbara is also a people person - her coaching skills are valued and she's created an excellent network of stakeholders in the work based learning sector which she uses to access information and inform her decision making."

Dominic Binks, Director of Business Development, Highfield

"Dr Barbara is a forward-thinking and intelligent Quality Director who has lots of knowledge in the Quality sector. I found Barbara a highly knowledgeable Director who goes above and beyond to keep everyone motivated and focused. She is a visionary, result-driven, experienced, and efficient team player. I enjoyed working with her on the various projects we took on, and it was an enriching experience for me."

Bita Mofidian, Head of Operation IT and Digital, Remit Training

"Barbara is an expert in adult education and a long-standing advocate of student-centred learning which underpins her approach to education quality. She has been a leading voice on the revised professional standards for FE teachers and trainers published by the ETF in 2022, and an advisor to the process for producing these. An influential member of the practitioner advisory group in the ETF and a strong change agent. "

Dr Paul Tully, National Head of Educational Governance, Education and Training Foundation

"Barbara was a key member in our advisory group which transformed the matrix Standard to ensure that it reflected best practice Information, Advice and Guidance Services. Key strengths include exceptional collaboration skills, the ability to ask insightful questions, her knowledge and experience and being very encouraging."

Roger Chapman, matrix and Trusted Standard Head of Service, The Growth Company

"I had the pleasure of working closely with Barbara throughout 2022 when she was the Quality Director at Babington, leading a very large quality and safeguarding team with ambition and passion. Barbara is highly experienced in her field of work and had a wealth of knowledge within the sector. Barbara is now extending this extensive knowledge into the sector through her own consultancy business and will be a real asset to any organisation seeking support in her specialisms."

Amanda Kennedy, Director of Apprenticeships

"Barbara was a wonderful person to work with. Her passion for quality, wellbeing and people were infectious.  Barbara was always at the forefront, making a difference in everything she did. Barbara was invited to be part of various groups within the Education sector, due to her knowledge and experience, that says it all.  Barbara will put your best interests at heart and ensure you get the best quality and results. She does this in a supportive and friendly way which makes her such a great person to work with."

Frances Williams, Head of People, Playtonic Ltd

"Barbara is an expert in the field of Quality and an outstanding practitioner. She has a learner centred approach and a wealth of experience. An asset to any training provider"

Alex Frost, Sales Director for Apprenticeships at Skills Training UK

"I worked very closely with Barbara for a number of years. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable and supportive with all quality related aspects of the sector. A vast understanding of Ofsted expectations and associated tools to support preparing for an inspection. We had a great working relationship and I would highly recommend."

Emmy Pidgeon, head of Apprenticeship Delivery, Babington

"Barbara has such a fantastic breadth of knowledge for all things apprenticeships and education.
Barbara supported me whilst we were building a new to business sector, she did it by providing guidance, supporting development within our team . Providing collaborative solutions which allowed us to excel in supporting our learners.
Barbara has a great ability to look at different perspectives and understand the ask clearly. It is a pleasure to know Barbara and to work with her has given me amazing insight and knowledge to progress into my new role."

Rachael Sheridan, Training Delivery Manager, NatWest Group

"Barbara is an quality expert with a breath of experience ,not only in her previous employment but also through her vast network connections. In the times we have worked together or networked I have always found her inspirational , with great ideas . She consistently balances this with a pragmatic approach and a clear focus. Highly recommended."

Gail Crossman, Quality Support consultant, Quality Matters Ltd

"I have previously worked with Barbara but due to that relationship and her knowledge and expertise, I have kept in touch and often sought advice and guidance. Barbara has a wealth of experience, perspective and credibility in the education space. Her connections and network are a credit to her and her ability to communicate and work with people. I have had the privilege to meet with her on a few occasions recently where she acted in an advisory capacity and I found her advice and perspective not only helpful but motivating and long may this continue!"

Sarah Owen, Head of  Apprenticeships Quality and Compliance, Kaplan

"I worked alongside Barbara for over a year at Capita. Her passion for quality apprenticeship delivery is infectious and she has an unrivalled ability to engage all colleagues in the quality assurance agenda. Her management of a recent Ofsted inspection was impeccable, and the successful result was a great demonstration of her abilities. I would highly recommend Barbara! "

Alex Ball, Senior Director - Sales Director at KPMG Learning Services

"Barbara is the most amazing, inspiring, supportive and solution focused manager that I have worked for within my career to date. Barbara has an extensive range of skills and knowledge across the educational sector including quality assurance, teaching and learning and professional development along with many more."

Rachael Aston, Assistant Principal at Sandwell College

"Barbara brings extensive experience from the education sector, as a practitioner and a professional advisor. Expect determination focused on supporting your team to improve. Adopting a holistic approach, Barbara values everyone's input and will warmly encourage buy in to your improvement goals."

Louise Jones, CFO Dudley College of Technology

"I have had the privilege of working with Barbara on several projects, and wholeheartedly recommend her work. Barbara is a real expert in FE quality. She always puts the learner first, and has a wonderfully positive 'can do' attitude to everything she tackles. With a deep understanding of the world of further education, she will be an asset to any organisation that she works with as a consultant."

Jackie Rossa, Education and quality consultant, teacher educator, creator of spaces to think, learn and grow, experienced senior leader and author

"I worked with Barbara for 3 years. As a professional personality, she is very supportive, collaborative, encouraging and strives for the high quality, in everything she does. Very trustworthy and passionate about quality aspects as well as driving improvements. Dr Barbara led the company successfully during Ofsted inspection. Highly recommend."

Brankica Evans, HR/L&D apprenticeships

"I worked with Barbara during her time as a Head of Quality at Capita and then a Director of Quality at Babington. With a joined focus on delivering the best in class apprenticeship experiences for employers, we have developed a strong partnership that was truly focused on implementing highest quality solutions. Barbara's natural passion for perfection, combined with her in-depth quality knowledge and sector experience really make working with her a joy! I would strongly recommend Barbara's support if you are looking to make a meaningful difference."

Yolanda Peck, Business Consultant Manager, Grant Thornton UK LLP

"I have worked with Barbara on a number of projects over the years and found her professionalism and respect to colleagues to be as good as I seen. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services. Barbara is able to create and deliver a plan with a positive learner journey at it’s core, while assuring the quality and compliance is monitored to guarantee a successful project. "

Phil Lambton, Partnership Director at the Skills Network

"Barbara is the epitome of quality and excellence, it runs through her. I worked with Barbara for a number of years and she taught me so much. We had a fantastic working relationship where operations and quality really came together.
Barbara is such a supportive person and really knows quality. She will be able to support you and your business to success. "

 Emma Smith-Brindley, Operations Director, ITP

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