Team Leader Supervisor – Level 3

Who is this for:

This programme is intended for more junior members of staff, who are in their first Leadership/Management position.  They probably have limited experience of leading and managing and  no formal training.  We  focus all of our L&M programmes clinically and they are intended for clinicians and managers working in clinical settings.  We have delivered this programme to Foundation, SAS and Trust grade doctors and Band 6 & 7 Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals. 

Why this programme:

The programme aims to develop the soft skills that are not necessarily taught and developed through clinical training pathways.  The programme is practically focused and designed for those starting their leadership and management journey. Learners will focus on developing L&M skills in the workplace and developing the foundations of L&M to support their future progression.  Critically it focuses on the multi-disciplinary teams and how even junior members of these are leaders.  The programme addresses the well-researched correlation between clinical leadership and patient outcome. 

Using the apprenticeship system allows you to draw down the funding from your apprenticeship levy (see link here for details) and offers protracted training over a year, that seeks to not only cement knowledge and then engrain skills and behaviours. 

Why us:

AC Training has been in existence since 2009.  In the past 8 years we have worked extensively with over 20 NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations around the UK to support the development of clinical leadership and management.  We have delivered this particular programmes for the past 7 years to a variety of audiences.   

How is the programme delivered:

The Programme is delivered over 12 months. This is the taught period of the course. At the end of this period there is a 3 month window to complete the assessment, which consists of a presentation and an interview by an external assessor. 

The programme is delivered in three principal ways: 
  1. Monthly Workshop Teaching: Over the course of the year, there will be a series of workshops focused on leadership in clinical practice. These are clinically orientated and will be interactive. Learners’ attendance at these will support their progress through the course. The programme launch will typically be delivered in person and subsequent workshops will be delivered online. Remote workshops will be delivered over half days. Learners are expected to attend these workshops and will need a microphone and camera for the remote sessions.
  2. Individual Training: Each learner will be allocated an individual leadership coach. They are responsible for guiding them through the programme, delivering 1-2-1 training, observing you in the workplace and giving objective feedback. They have significant experience in the delivery of leadership and management and can help relate the theory to the clinical reality.
  3. Resources and Activities: Learners will have access to a series of online resources and related activities. The resources are there to offer them an opportunity to read into the theory. The associated activities have been written, in order to place the theory into a clinical context. The activities can be completed individually or with their coach as a focus for a learning discussion.

What is covered in the programme:

The following topics form the core of the content: 

  • Leading & Managing People 
  • Team building 
  • Self-awareness & management 
  • Building Relationships 
  • Communication 
  • Operational Management 
  • Project Management 
  • Finance 
  • Decision making 

What is the commitment: 

The principle commitment from you, employer, is time. Time for your learners to undertake the workshops and coaching sessions and also time for them to get into the material and do the work required to successfully complete the course.  We also ask line managers to take an active interest in their learner’s progression and attend quarterly review meetings with the learner and their skills coach to enable them to feed into the apprentices progress. 

The workshop teaching is deliberately kept to a manageable level but learners do need to attend these. In addition to the workshop training, learners and their leadership coach will meet either individually or in a small group (no more than 3 or 4) once a month. These meetings will typically take place remotely via Zoom/Teams and last approximately 2 hours. Finally, the skills coach will need the learner to do a bit of reading into the resources and complete the activities linked to this. This can be done whenever they have the time, and they should factor in about 2 hours per week for this.  

All of this work contributes to their ‘Off the Job’ Training quota.  If you click here then you can find out all about this: Off the Job Training. If you are interested in signing up one or more of your team onto this programme, we will ask you to committing to supporting them with the necessary time to complete the programme. 

What does it cost:

The programme is funded through the government apprenticeship system and all large employers pay into this already.  The price for the programme is £5,000 and all of this is taken form your apprenticeship levy there are no other charges. If your organisation does not pay into the apprenticeship levy, e.g. a GP surgery, you can still put your team on the programme but your organisation would need to contribute £250 to the cost of the training. 

There are a couple of things to be aware of: 

Eligibility:

The programme utilises government funding through the apprenticeship system and comes with some eligibility criteria.  

The following are eligible: 

  • British or EU Citizens
  • Anyone who has a valid work permit for the UK and has been resident in the UK for 3 years or more
  • Must have a contract covering the duration of the programme.  
Functional Skills:

So in short, your learner needs to have proof that they have passed English and Maths GCSEs (or equivalent) to complete the programme.  If they don’t have these, can’t find their certificates or took your GCSE equivalents overseas, then all is not lost.  They can still do this programme, however they must commit to completing their Functional Skills assessments prior to the end of the programme.  We will support them with this.  If they fall into this category, click here for a bit more information: Functional Skills.  To answer the most frequent question – even if they have a degree, we still need to see their English and Maths GCSE certificates.   

Team Leader Supervisor – Level 3

Who is this for?

This programme is intended for those on their first step into leadership and management (L&M).  You probably have limited experience of leading and managing and almost certainly little or no formal training.  All of our L&M programmes are clinically focused and intended for clinicians and manager working in a clinical setting.  We have delivered this programme to Foundation, SAS and Trust grade doctors and Band 6 & 7 Nurses and Allied Healthcare Professionals.

Why this programme?

The simple answer is the course aims to make you a better clinician or clinical manager. We recognise that there is limited clinical leadership and management training either in the undergraduate curriculum or beyond and the programme seeks to fill the gap.

The course aims to give you on-the-job training in the soft skills that you will use throughout your career, to support and optimise your clinical work. The programme is practically focused and designed for those starting their leadership and management journey. You will focus on developing L&M skills in the workplace and developing the foundations of L&M to support your future progression. The programme addresses the well-researched correlation between clinical leadership and patient outcome.

Why us?

AC Training has been in existence since 2009.  In the past 8 years we have worked extensively with over 20 NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations around the UK to support the development of clinical leadership and management. 

How is the programme delivered?

The Programme is delivered over 12 months. This is the taught period of the course. At the end of this period there is a 3 month window to complete the assessment, which consists of a presentation and an interview by an external assessor. 

The programme is delivered in three principle ways:
  1. Monthly Workshop: Teaching Over the course of the year, there will be a series of workshops focused on leadership in clinical practice. These are clinically orientated and will be interactive. Your attendance at these will support your progress through the course. The programme launch will typically be delivered in person and subsequent workshops will be delivered online. Remote workshops will be delivered over half days. You are expected to attend these workshops and you will need a microphone and camera for the remote sessions.
  2. Individual Training: Each of you will be allocated an individual leadership coach. They are responsible for guiding you through the programme, delivering 1-2-1 training, observing you in the workplace and giving objective feedback. They have significant experience in the delivery of leadership and management and can help relate the theory to the clinical reality.
  3. Resources and Activities: You will have access to a series of online resources and related activities. The resources are there to offer you an opportunity to read into the theory. The associated activities have been written, in order to place the theory into a clinical context. The activities can be completed individually or with your coach as a focus for a learning discussion.

What is covered in the programme?

The following topics form the core of the content: 

  • Leading & Managing People 
  • Team building 
  • Self awareness & management 
  • Building Relationships 
  • Communication 
  • Operational Management 
  • Project Management 
  • Finance 
  • Decision making 

What is the commitment?

Unlike some programmes, this is an apprenticeship so it does require you to commit to a year of training and an assessment at the end.  We understand you are busy people and the aim is that programme can be completed with the minimum amount of additional work.  

The workshop teaching is deliberately kept to a manageable level but you do need to attend these. We will need some more of your time to ensure you are able to complete the programme. In addition to the workshop training, you and your leadership coach will meet either individually or in a small group (no more than 3 or 4) once a month. These meetings will typically take place remotely via Zoom/Teams and last approximately 2 hours. Finally, we need you to do a bit of reading into the resources and complete the activities linked to this. This can be done whenever you have the time and you should factor in about 2 hours per week for this. 

All of this work contributes to your ‘Off the Job’ Training quota.

What does it cost?

In short it doesn’t cost you anything.  The programme is funded through the government apprenticeship system and all large employers pay into this already.  If you work for a smaller organisation e.g. a GP surgery, you can still take the programme but your organisation would need to contribute £250 to the cost of the training. 

There are a couple of things to be aware of: 
Eligibility: 

The programme utilises government funding through the apprenticeship system and comes with some eligibility criteria.  

The following are eligible: 

  • British or EU Citizens
  • Anyone who has a valid work permit for the UK and has been resident in the UK for 3 years or more.
  • Must have a contract covering the duration of the programme.
Functional Skills:

So, in short, you need to have proof that you have passed your English and Maths GCSEs (or equivalent) to complete the programme. If you don’t have these, can’t find your certificates or took your GCSE equivalents overseas, then all is not lost. You can still do this programme, however you must commit to completing your Functional Skills assessments prior to the end of the programme. We will support you with this. To answer the most frequent question – even if you have a degree, we still need to see your English and Maths GCSE certificates.

Join Our Team – Level 6 Skills Coach

  • Location – remote
  • Salary – £32-36k depending on experience
  • Hours – Full time or part time Monday to Friday

Due to continued expansion, Always Consult is looking to recruit an experienced individual to support the delivery of the Career Development Professional apprenticeship and a range of vocational qualifications up to Level 6.

The applicant must have an assessor qualification and a careers qualification to Level 6.

We work to support the development of careers knowledge and skills for practitioners, to ensure individual client needs are met and to raise the profile of the profession and its value to society.

What is important is that you bring an innovative mindset, a passion to support and develop people, and a strong background in career development. Along with that you will bring a strong desire to be part of our mission to deliver vital training to this profession.

Even more than that, because we have such a great team of people here, it’s vital that you share our company values.

Our learners are all over England, and you will sometimes need to travel, but mainly your work will be home-based with a fair amount of flexibility.

Why Always Consult?

  • You will be joining a well-established training provider
  • Centre status for ILM, OCR, NCFE and BIIAB
  • You will be joining a brilliant, highly motivated team who are supportive and ambitious
  • Staff events including summer conference
  • 26 days annual leave, plus additional monthly leave, plus bank holidays and holiday purchasing scheme
  • Birthday and Christmas Eve off
  • Laptop and phone provided
  • Company pension scheme
  • Flexible / remote working
  • Excellent work life balance promoted by Senior Leadership
  • Investment in your personal development and CPD
  • And more!

The role is on a full or part-time (three days per week minimum) basis and covers caseloads across England and you will mainly work remotely.

If you like what you’re hearing, or even if you’re not sure, go ahead, send your CV and a quick note explaining what you can bring to this role and what you will need from us in return.

Previous applicants need not apply. Closing date for applications – Monday 29th January.

Email: support@ac.training

View the full Job Description here: Job Description

We’re looking for a talented and experienced Level 6 Skills Coach to join our team

  • Location – remote
  • Salary – £32-36k depending on experience
  • Hours – Full time or part time Monday to Friday

Due to continued expansion, Always Consult is looking to recruit an experienced individual to support the delivery of the Career Development Professional apprenticeship and a range of vocational qualifications up to Level 6.

The applicant must have an assessor qualification and a careers qualification to Level 6.

We work to support the development of careers knowledge and skills for practitioners, to ensure individual client needs are met and to raise the profile of the profession and its value to society.

What is important is that you bring an innovative mindset, a passion to support and develop people, and a strong background in career development. Along with that you will bring a strong desire to be part of our mission to deliver vital training to this profession.

Even more than that, because we have such a great team of people here, it’s vital that you share our company values.

Our learners are all over England, and you will sometimes need to travel, but mainly your work will be home-based with a fair amount of flexibility.

  • Why Always Consult?
    • You will be joining a well-established training provider
    • Centre status for ILM, OCR, NCFE and BIIAB
    • You will be joining a brilliant, highly motivated team who are supportive and ambitious
    • Staff events including summer conference
    • 26 days annual leave, plus additional monthly leave, plus bank holidays and holiday purchasing scheme
    • Birthday and Christmas Eve off
    • Laptop and phone provided
    • Company pension scheme
    • Flexible / remote working
    • Excellent work life balance promoted by Senior Leadership
    • Investment in your personal development and CPD
    • And more!

The role is on a full or part-time (three days per week minimum) basis and covers caseloads across England and you will mainly work remotely.

If you like what you’re hearing, or even if you’re not sure, go ahead, send your CV and a quick note explaining what you can bring to this role and what you will need from us in return.

Previous applicants need not apply. Closing date for applications – Monday 29th January.

Email: support@alwaysconsult.com

View the full Job Description here: Job Description

Paula Manaton

Paula Manaton: Functional Skills Lead and Leadership & Management Skills Coach

Hi, I’m Paula, the Functional Skills lead at AC Training and also a Skills Coach for the Team Leader Supervisor Level 3 qualification. I’ve been working in education for 30 years. My degree is in Education, English, and Drama. While I no longer act as a hobby, I do love to visit the theatre.

My job at AC Training consists of teaching Maths and English and also working with apprentices undertaking the TLS3 qualification through one-on-ones and workshops. On average, I have around ten one-on-ones and run two workshops a week—lots of talking on Teams and Zoom, with the occasional face-to-face! Our learners are central to everything I do. I try to make them feel comfortable and included in all my lessons and workshops, and hopefully, they’re not afraid to have a go—especially with the tricky maths questions!

At work, nothing makes me happier than when a learner passes their Maths, English, or apprenticeship.

Careers and Personal Development

Personal Development & Wellbeing

AC Training supports personal development and well-being through coverage and discussion at reviews and by offering ten modules which cover a range of thought-provoking topics for professional people.

The modules are as follows:

  • Assessing your strengths, interests & values
  • Time management essentials
  • How to overcome your fear of failure
  • Setting goals that actually work
  • Getting it done-self motivation
  • Communication fundamentals
  • Stress management
  • The benefits and power of regret
  • How to change for the better
  • Finding meaning and pleasure through life experience

In addition, apprentices have access to mental health support through The Business of Mindfulness and can develop cognitive understanding through Cognassist.

Learners also have access to monthly inputs through the ‘Hot Topics’ activities which facilitates access to current and relevant societal topics which impact on behaviour and professional practice.

Career Development

AC Training supports career development through a range of activity.

  • Coverage and discussion by skills coaches at sign-up/induction, reviews and exit interviews.
  • Provision for 16–18-year-old and SEND learners, of mandatory career development meetings, with a qualified careers adviser.
  • Provision of career development meetings for all other apprentices, through self or skills coach referral, with a qualified careers adviser.
  • Delivery of webinars and focused workshops on a range of topics e.g. CV writing, on-line applications, job search, accessing current and relevant labour market intelligence and using social media for networking.
  • Apprentices also have access through the Prospects web page to professional guidance on CV completion, interview techniques and enhanced job search processes.
  • Support of meaningful employer engagements to build apprentices knowledge of opportunities and the world of work.
  • Support of apprentices through networking with a range of organisations including the Careers and Enterprise Company, Careers Hubs and Combined Authorities.
  • Support of apprentices in building labour market intelligence through the above activities.
  • Signposting to careers events e.g. National Apprenticeship Week.
  • Delivery by guest speakers on relevant careers topics e.g. AI and its impact on the world of work.
  • Evaluation of destinations data and sharing with learners, skills coaches and SLT.

The above options allow for a structured careers programme which supports apprentices’ individual needs, next steps for their career and personal development and clarity about the range of options available.

The career development programme is structured into an annual calendar and is coordinated by Ian Bedelle – Careers Lead and Commercial Director.

AC Training continues to develop and evaluate its provision, supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company, through plans during 2025 to use Compass + and the Careers Impact internal leadership review.

National Health Service (NHS) – Management Pathway

Team Leader/Supervisor, level 3

Operations Department Manager, level 5

Example Future Job roles:

  • Project Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Ward Manager
  • Clinical Lead
  • Medical Director

Further Education and Training:

  • Degree or Senior Leader Apprenticeship
  • ILM Leadership & Management Levels 6 and 7
  • Bespoke courses-Project Management

Enhanced impact:

  • Support with CV writing, Interview preparation & Job Search
  • Professional body membership-differing levels
  • Access to professional career development guidance support

Coaching & Mentoring – Coaching Pathway

Coaching Professional, level 5

Example Future Job roles:

  • Life Coach
  • Career Coach
  • Higher Education (HE) Specialist
  • Department Manager

Further Education and Training:

  • Career Development Professional Apprenticeship
  • ILM Coaching & Mentoring Level 7
  • Bespoke courses-Motivational Interviewing Approaches

Enhanced impact:

  • Support with CV writing, Interview preparation & Job Search
  • Professional body membership-access to resources library, podcasts & webinars
  • Access to professional career development guidance support

Career Development Sector – Career Development Professional Pathway

Career Development Professional, level 6

Example Future Job roles:

  • Careers Leader
  • Career Coach
  • Workplace Development Consultant
  • Department Manager

Further Education and Training:

  • Masters Degree
  • Career Leader Training
  • Bespoke courses-Motivational Interviewing Approaches

Enhanced impact:

  • Support with CV writing, Interview preparation & Job Search
  • Professional body membership-access to resources library, podcasts & webinars
  • Access to professional career development guidance support

Community Coach – Coaching Pathway

Community Activator Coach, Level 2

Community Sport and Health Officer, Level 3

Community Sports Coach, Level 4

Sporting Excellence Professional, Level 3

Example Future Job roles:

  • Community Activator Coach
  • Head Coach
  • Lead Coach
  • Coaching Professional
  • Sport and Health Officer
  • Community Project Coach
  • Activity Leader
  • Community Worker
  • Outreach Officer
  • Sports Coach

Further Education and Training:

  • Community Sport & Health Officer, Level 3
  • Sports Coach, Level 4 (Elite, School or Community)
  • Coaching Professional, Level 5

Enhanced impact:

  • Support with CV writing, Interview preparation & Job Search
  • Professional body membership-access to resources library, podcasts & webinars
  • Access to professional career development guidance support

CV, INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES AND JOB SEARCH SKILLS

(Click on the images below to link to more content at www.prospects.ac.uk)

HOW AC TRAINING MEETS THE UPDATED (NOVEMBER 2024) GATSBY BENCHMARKS

AC Training has adopted the Gatsby Benchmarks as the foundation and measure of the organisations approach and coverage for career development.

Gatsby Benchmark

The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks are:

  • A stable career programme
  • Learning from careers and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each student
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers
  • Encounters with employers and employees
  • Experiences of workplaces
  • Encounters with further and higher education
  • Personal guidance

Coverage of the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks by AC Training  (click the headings on the left):

Apprenticeships – Information for Learners

Course Specific Information

Please click on buttons below:
Career Development Professional – Level 6
Coaching Professional – Level 5
Community Activator Coach - Level 2
Community Sport and Health Officer – Level 3
Operations Departmental Manager – Level 5
Sporting Excellence Professional – Level 3
Sports Coach – Level 4
Team Leader Supervisor – Level 3

We put in the hard work to make learning as easy as possible.
Source: https://www.vpnsrus.com/, via Wikimedia Commons

Please click on buttons below:
Functional Skills
Off the Job Training
End Point Assessment
Careers and Personal Development

Apprenticeships – Information for Employers

Course Specific Information

Please click on buttons below:
Career Development Professional – Level 6
Coaching Professional - Level 5
Community Activator Coach - Level 2
Community Sport and Health Officer – Level 3
Operations Departmental Manager – Level 5
Sporting Excellence Professional – Level 3
Sports Coach – Level 4
Team Leader Supervisor - Level 3

Power your career up to the next level with AC Training’s innovative apprenticeships.

Other Apprenticeship Information

Please click on buttons below:
Apprenticeship Levy
Commitment and Line Manager Support
Functional Skills
Off the Job Training
End Point Assessment

Accredited Qualifications

We have a proven track record of providing a range of accredited qualifications for professionals through leading awarding bodies, including BIIAB, ILM, NCFE and OCR. 

These cover Advice and Guidance, Assessor and Verifier, Career Development, Coaching and Leadership and Management. 

They range from Level 3-7 and offer progression opportunities. 

We pride ourselves on the exceptional support and comprehensive feedback provided to learners to ensure reflective practice, knowledge and skills development. 

Learners are supported by skilled assessors with coaching and developmental feedback. Learners have access to a wide range of research resources on an e-portfolio platform. 

Workshops and other blended learning approaches are offered to focus and enhance the learning experience.  

Workshops and learner support is mainly through virtual platforms but can include face-to-face activity.

Qualifications delivered by AC Training:

(Click on titles for more information)

The professional qualification for career development practitioners which meets the Career Development Institute and Gatsby Benchmark requirements.Timescale – 18 months
More Information

For practitioners involved in enhanced guidance with clients, negotiation and referral.
Timescale – 12 months
More Information
For practitioners involved in sharing information, signposting and providing support to clients through initial assessment and advice.
Timescale – 9 months
More Information
For practitioners involved in enhanced guidance with clients, negotiation and referral.
Timescale – 12 months
More Information
For individuals involved in supporting learners in a classroom and/or workplace with planning and assessment. The Certificate covers both options with the Award being split into two options based upon setting worked in.
Timescale – 6-9 months
More Information
For individuals supporting the quality assurance processes within an organization including support and/or management of assessors.
Timescale – 6-9 months
More Information

These qualifications are ideal for individuals who have management responsibilities but no formal training and are serious about developing their abilities. They particularly support practising team leaders seeking to move up to the next level of management, and managers who need to lead people through organisational change.
Timescale – 6-9 months
More Information

The Level 4 Award and Certificate qualifications are designed for new and aspiring middle managers. These qualifications help learners to really get to grips with their role, gain comprehensive business knowledge, and develop the technical skills they need to lead effectively at this level.
Timescale – 12 months
More Information
The Level 5 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Leadership and Management are designed for practising middle managers, helping them to develop their skills and experience, improve performance and prepare for senior management responsibilities.
Timescale 12-18 months 
More Information
This qualification is designed for senior managers who are new in their roles, or middle managers who are preparing for promotion. It provides a valuable bridge towards level 7 qualifications, as learners can carry unit achievement forward to level 7.
Timescales 12-18 months
More Information
This qualification is designed for senior / strategic leaders and managers seeking to sharpen their strategic leadership capability, enabling them to deliver successful outcomes for their organisation. It is suitable for leaders who want to make the best use of resources, develop commercially viable propositions, innovate, optimise performance and drive impact.
Timescales 12-18 months 
More Information
These qualifications are for learners at all levels who want to develop their knowledge and skills in effective coaching within an organisational context. They are ideal for both new and existing coaches.
Timescale – 6-9 months
More Information
The Certificate and Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring are ideal qualifications for managers with significant responsibility for coaching and mentoring as part of their day-to-day role. They are also designed to develop learners planning to move into a development role or start a career as a freelance coach and mentor.
Timescale – 12-18 months
More Information
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End Point Assessment

End point Assessment (EPA) is an assessment of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours acquired by an apprentice during their apprenticeship.  

The assessments have been formulated by employers within the respective industry and are administered by independent entities referred to as Endpoint Assessment Organizations (EPAOs). At Always Consult we partner with DSW Consulting and Suffolk County Council  

Every apprenticeship encompasses a detailed plan for the end-point assessment, outlining how the apprentice will be assessed against relevant criteria, utilizing appropriate assessment methods. 

The exact detail varies from one standard to the next however, each will require at least a submission of a portfolio of evidence, gathered during the learning period, mandatory proficiency in English & mathematics, and then the main assessment with an independent assessor from the EPAO. 

Each apprentice must complete an End Point Assessment with an End point assessment organisation which will cover the two following areas.   

Team Leader / Supervisor Level 3 
  • Professional discussion underpinned with a portfolio of evidence. 
  • Presentation with questions and answers

Grades: Pass, Distinction or Fail 

Operational Departmental Manager Level 5 
  • Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.  
  • Project proposal, presentation, and questioning  

Grades: Pass, Distinction or Fail 

Careers Development Apprenticeship Level 6 
  • Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.  
  • Project written assignment.  

Grades: Pass, or Fail 

Upon successful completion of all components of their EPA the apprentice will receive their apprenticeship certificate.