Claire Buckland
What’s my background?
I have 20 years’ experience and expertise in work-based learning and specifically funding learning. My specialist expertise in Apprenticeships has been acquired from: working in independent training providers, a learning and development consultancy, FE Colleges and Universities; delivering and assessing apprenticeships; managing quality assurance; creating innovative programmes; developing strategies; creating new standards on trailblazer groups; mapping existing learning and development content to apprenticeship standards; applying for funding and working in partnership with governing bodies, funding bodies, awarding organisations and other strategic partners. so I know and understand the system from all sides – employers, providers and educators.
I have introduced higher and degree apprenticeships through partnering with employers in retail, manufacturing, security, automotive, logistics, leisure and public sector organisations. I have become a ‘go to’ person for guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy writing articles in HR Director magazine, Professional Manager Magazine; BBC interview for Inside Out and speaking at local and national events such as the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition. I was the first Higher Education Lead Independent Apprenticeship Assessor for the Chartered Management Institute, and I sit on the CMI West Midlands board as the Apprenticeships Champion. I have other Independent Assessor roles and was a judge on the Employee Experience awards this year.
What is my specialty?
I am an expert in all things apprenticeships. So, if you’re looking to:
- Launch a new apprenticeship programme
- Understand how to make more of your levy ‘pot’
- Evaluate, assess or change your current apprenticeship provider(s)
- Accredit or map your graduate programme across to a higher apprenticeship standard
- Develop your own ‘earn whilst you learn’ degree apprenticeship
- Utilise your levy funding to upskill your existing management population
- Simplify or streamline your existing processes and programmes
- Train or brief line managers on apprenticeships
- Refresh your early careers strategy
- Develop your apprenticeships offer for employers
- Outsource elements of your development programme design and delivery
I would love to help you be successful and achieve your goals.
Life loves
- Family - including my dog, Coco
- Food - cooking and eating
- Fresh Air - especially lakes and mountains
Pet peeves
- Not doing what you said you would do - be honest and act with integrity.
- People who can't be kind or pleasant
- Litter - there's no excuse, find a bin!
Louise Buck
What’s my background?
After returning to education as a mature student when my daughters were 2 & 4 (now 28 & 30!!) I have worked for over 25 years in Higher Education in a variety of roles but always focused on helping students and graduates to realise their aspirations, building strong high performing teams and improving institutional processes and results. For the last 13 Years, I developed my career at Lancaster University firstly as Head of Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations in the Management School (LUMS) before becoming their first Director of Employability. During my time at Lancaster I ensured graduate employability became an integral part of the university experience and their graduate prospects league table ranking improved from 80th to 3rd in the UK.
What is my specialty?
I have a BA Hons in Business Studies (first), MBA (merit) and I am a ILM level 7 executive coach. I am also a MBTI qualified practitioner. I have lots of experience developing careers education for both on-line and face to face delivery and have been an external examiner for Manchester University, Staffordshire University and the University of Central Lancashire. As a Member of AGCAS and ISE I published articles in Phoenix and presented at many conferences as well as chairing and contributing to AGCAS task groups.
I have a vast knowledge of the internal and external HE environment and I am told I am successful because I am able to see the bigger picture, taking a targeted approach to develop employability strategies that are institutionally inclusive and that produce results. As a qualified coach and experienced leader I have an excellent track record working with teams to increase motivation and results. My coaching interventions with new or experience managers and leaders have been shown to increase their confidence, self-belief and performance.
I am excited to be working with Gradconsult and passionate to work with the team with institutions who are focused on improving their student and staff experience and their institutional results.
Life loves
- Family & friends
- Van life in my converted T5
- The Great Outdoors
Pet peeves
- Inequality
- Unrealised aspirations
- Waste