Sofia A.

Experience

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  Ofqual

  Jun 2009 - Dec 2013

  Delivery Team Officer - Regulation Directorate

  Reported to the Director of Regulatory Operations and leading and managing a 10-strong team operational function to provide operational technical support and expertise to the Regulation Directorate in meeting their regulatory statutory objectives.Conducted standardisation, awarding and post-awarding audits for high-profile VQ and GQ awarding organisations to ensure regulated qualifications were being delivered in line with Ofqual’s regulatory requirements.Quality assured accreditation decisions taken by Monitoring Managers to ensure decision-making was compliant with the regulatory decision-making framework.Managed and led on large qualification scrutiny projects, establishing valid methodologies to test the fitness of qualifications. Responsible for conducting a forensic analysis approach on grading data for both vocational and general qualifications, which involved the assessment and evaluation of the number of learners against each grade boundary to establish standards across subjects, awarding organisations and levels. Also, responsible for developing and presenting scrutiny reports on AO data submissions to the Director of Standards and the Senior Management Team twice a year. Produced reports on the fitness of qualifications using a variety of evidence including audit visits and reported non-compliance to Directors along with recommendations.Facilitated the Standards Technical Issues Group (STIG) and the annual validity and comparability seminars for all high-profile regulated awarding organisations - capturing key data to inform Ofqual's strategic decision-making. Show less

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  Self-Employed - Education

  Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

  Education Consultant/Private Tutor (Azams Contracting Ltd)

  Tutored a variety of subjects including Literacy and Numeracy skills for KS2, GCSE and A' level.Acted as a consultant for awarding organisations requiring regulatory compliance expertise.

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  Skillsfirst Awards Ltd

  Dec 2015 - Apr 2017

  Compliance Officer

  Reported directly to the Managing Director and the Director of Operations, accountable for all organisational level compliance activities.Responsible for applying regulatory compliance knowledge and key principles - in an advisory capacity - to ensure that Skillsfirst Awards was consistently in line with Ofqual's 61 Conditions of Recognition.Worked strategically with the Managing Director to shape Skillsfirst Awards' Apprenticeship business model for Health and Social Care, Customer Service and Management Apprenticeship Standards. Accountable for the design and strategic implementation of the new Apprentice Assessment Organisation (AAO) which involved developing a robust QA process and procedure, an effective apprenticeship strategy and an employer engagement approach to govern all end-point assessments.Managing and leading on external auditing exercises and supporting the Managing Director/Responsible Officer during the audit meetings with the Regulator - including advising the panel of experts. Responsible for applying forensic style investigative skills when managing and scrutinising potential high-risk malpractice cases that were identified during qualification delivery - and in particular when analysing examination assessment outcomes. In addition to this, making crucial strategic decisions to mitigate any potential adverse effect to learners as a consequence of a malpractice incident. Tested a new Quality Management Information System (QMIS) and a risk-management platform - which allowed strategic self-regulation across the functions to ensure better regulatory compliance. Presented and tested the new system with key stakeholders across the functions. Also, devised and developed a system service user guide to aid and implement the new regulatory testing platform. Show less

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  International Compliance Association

  May 2017 - Oct 2017

  Education Consultant - Quality and Compliance Management

  Accountable for providing specific expertise on national and international government regulation accreditation for ICA's various Compliance qualifications.Developed and produced successful strategic reports to the ICA President/CEO and the Director of Quality on SQAA Regulatory requirements and entering the new Apprenticeships market.Successfully designed and developed the ICA's Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation (ICA AAS) for both the Level 3 and Level 6 Compliance and Risk Apprenticeship Standards (Financial Services) - which included researching and developing the initial proposal, designing the delivery model for the assessment methods for each Standard, ring-fencing key policies and procedures for the successful delivery of the Independent EPA and producing a high-level employer engagement strategy to increase the number of apprentices. Accountable for sign-off and the submission of the ESFA proposal. ICA EPAO was successfully accepted by the ESFA for EPA delivery October 2017. Show less

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  FDQ

  Oct 2017 - Jan 2018

  End-point Assessment Manager - Development and Strategy

  A senior position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, accountable for designing and developing FDQ's new End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) - including developing a EPA delivery strategy policy that sets FDQ's EPAO agenda as the critical leader in supporting and advocating industry standards within the Butchery, Food Operations and Bakery sectors.Responsible for supporting the CEO on widening FDQ's Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation Strategy for new food-specialist Apprenticeship Standards, by writing robust proposals to the ESFA to gain approval for new delivery initiatives. To date, successfully submitted proposals to the ESFA for approval to deliver the Level 2 Food Process Operator, the Level 2 Fishmonger and Baker Apprenticeship Standards. Approval granted for delivery of the Level 2 Baker EPA Service January 2018. Approval granted for delivery of the Level 2 Food Process Operator EPA Service February 2018. Accountable for maintaining the EPA delivery model in line with the regulatory requirements set out by the responsible EQA Body, IfA and the ESFA - and advising the CEO accordingly. Attending and participating in relevant trailblazer members' meetings, End-point Assessment Special Interest Group meetings and EPA delivery Seminars - and capturing key actions to support FDQ's EPA delivery strategy. Accountable for designing and implementing all EPAO policies and procedures to ensure that the EPA Service is robust, protected and safeguarded throughout the EPA delivery. Successfully utilising well-established technical assessment expertise, when reviewing instruments of assessment developed by subject matter experts - to ensure compliance against the assessment plans. In addition to this, accountable for conducting moderation exercises on a sample of assessment judgments on an on-going basis to ensure valid, comparable and consistent outcomes for apprentices. Show less

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  Chartered Management Institute

  Dec 2017 - Jul 2024

  Committee Board members meet four times a year to offer external compliance expertise and rigour to the CMI RCC.Accountable for advising CMI on enhancing regulatory performance through effective commercial and business growth underpinned by quality vocational qualifications and independent and rigorous end-point assessment for apprentices/learners.Accountable for providing strategic insight into End-point Assessment Organisations in relation to strategy and development to support CMI's EPAO vision. Show less

  • Chair of the RCC Governing Board (Voluntary - Independent Chair)

    Jul 2019 - Jul 2024

  • Regulation Compliance Board - Honorary Committee Board Member (two-year appointment - voluntary)

    Dec 2017 - Jul 2019
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  STA (Swimming Teachers Association)

  Jan 2018 - Jun 2018

  Head of Compliance, Assurance & Assessment (and Responsible Officer)/Head of Apprenticeships

  As the Head of Compliance, Assurance and Assessment (and Responsible Officer to all four regulators), I was the key authoritative figure for ensuring the awarding organisation remained consistently compliant and in line with all regulatory requirements. I also ensured that all regulated qualifications were fit-for-purpose - through effective design and development - in an advisory capacity at compliance meetings. I successfully led on a high-profile audit on behalf of STA, and using years' of my compliance expertise and knowledge I was able to achieve a positive outcome for the Awarding Organisation. Finally, I contributed to the successful delivery of STA's ATC Model through a effective webinar presentation that was conducted to over 100 single entities. Having moved over to Head up Safety Training Assess Ltd (STA's new Independent End-point Assessment Organisation), I was now responsible for setting up the assessment company on behalf of a dynamic CEO. I was accountable for all aspects of the apprenticeship development, delivery and regulation. I successfully built the EPAO website with the support of the Digital Marketing Team and I was responsible for registering the company on the UK Register of Learning Providers and companies house . I have identified and contributed to the development (via recommendations) of a cost-effective, robust and efficient EPA IT Solutions with Gordon Associates. I have successfully completed the EPA Service Strategy and delivery-model for the following Apprenticeships:Level 3 Leisure Duty Manager Standard (ESFA proposal submitted May 2018)Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer Standard (ESFA proposal submitted May 2018)Level 2 Community Activator Coach Standard (ESFA proposal submitted June 2018)Level 2 Adult Care Worker (ESFA proposal submitted June 2018)In addition to the above, I have designed all the EPA products to support businesses/training providers/apprentices in understanding the EPA process post 'gateway'. Show less

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  AoFA Qualifications

  Jun 2018 - Apr 2019

  Associate Director - Compliance and Standards (Responsible Officer- Consultant)

  My main duties included:Reporting to the CEO and ensuring AOFAQ meets the quality assurance requirements of Ofqual as an Awarding Organisation following the January 2018 audit exerciseResponsible for developing a robust Action Plan for Ofqual and CCEA, following the outcome of both monitoring exercisesSecuring a budget for a robust quality management system and additional staff resources including training and developmentAccountable for ensuring that AOFAQ is compliant and has robust and high quality systems and processes responsible for undertaking all regulatory and compliance matters across the organisation. The key point of contact (as the Responsible Officer).Accountable for leading all external audits and investigations.Provided senior level support to the Chief Executive Officer, accountable to the AoFAQ Governing Board on key regulatory matters. Adopted a strategic management approach to the internal and external approval processes of new qualifications and amendments to existing qualifications.Represented AOFAQ at both national and regional events.Accountable for setting the AoFAQ Apprenticeship Agenda for End-Point Assessment. Responsible for identifying new markets for product development to consistently secure financial viability for the AO. Secured a high-profile AO Partnership with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).Also, set-up the end-point assessment for AOFAQ's sister company PTS Training Academy (Apprenticeships Assessment Learning). Show less

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  Freelance

  Apr 2019 - Nov 2019

  Education Regulatory Compliance Consultant

  Providing regulatory, compliance and business expertise for new Awarding Organisations that are entering the regulated market. I worked with the dynamic and innovative Metropolitan Qualifications on a strategic level, advising them on both Ofqual and Qualifications Wales Criteria of Recognition. I have also supported the British Safety Council with regulatory compliance matters and I was also one of their Regional Quality Assurers on a freelance basis.

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  Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

  Nov 2019 - Nov 2020

  Head of Quality Assurance and Customer Service (Fixed-term contract)
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  Open Awards

  Feb 2021 - May 2022

  Lead EQA Reviewer - IFATE Apprenticeship Standards (Contract extended to May 2022)

  As a member of the IFATE EQA Team, to successfully scrutinise and review Apprenticeship Assessment Plans in line with the IFATE EQA FrameworkTo successfully conduct quality audit exercises across a number of EPAOs as part of an end-to-end EPAO Monitoring programmeTo advise on EPAO compliance-related queries and making critical decisions, in line with the EQA FrameworkAppointed to support the transition process of Apprenticeship Standards to the single EQA - Ofqual

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  Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors

  Feb 2021 - Jun 2023

  To provide strategic support and guidance to the Executive on shifting Chartered IIA's business model including its systems and controls to Ofqual's Conditions of Recognition.To successfully advise the Executive on regulatory policy to ensure Chartered IIA meets the benchmark of the Criteria for Recognition as a regulated entity.To successfully lead and govern the programme of work to ensure all functions of the organisation are compliant with key regulatory protocols. To advise the Executive on Ofqual's stage 2 interview process in order to prepare a robust panel that can deliver its regulatory remit for the End-Point Assessment and Qualifications remit.Approval granted by Ofqual March 2022 Show less

  • Assessment Lead/Regulatory Advisor - RoATP Application (Apprenticeship Delivery Compliance)

    Jul 2021 - Jun 2023

  • AO/EPAO Regulatory Advisor (fixed-term contract)

    Feb 2021 - Jul 2021
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  IgniteQuals Group

  Apr 2021 - now

  Founder & Group Chief Executive Officer of IgniteQuals Group

  I am the Founder and Group Chief Executive of IgniteQuals Group a cutting-edge, forward-thinking and active educational establishment that is focusing on transforming Vocational Courses and alternative learning for the next generation of young people. What makes IgniteQuals unique is its willingness and appetite for adopting innovative measures to produce brand new valid Vocational courses that accurately meet the needs of our clients and learners. We have a robust Corporate Social Responsibility Framework and are in the process of being B-Corp Certified company. We are also proud to be a 'mutant' business model that is both commercially focused and committed to bringing about positive social change for Young People who are from underprivileged backgrounds and are under-confident with traditional academia. We are the only AO to focus on Young People's Education (16 - 25 year olds).IgniteQuals Group is ultimately a multi-faceted education establishment made up of wholly owned companies such as IgniteQuals Young People's Education, EduEco+ and our new Skills4Start-ups®️ venture launch. IgniteQuals Group, and its various remits, through its subsidiaries, aims to champion and advocate real-world skills needed to help the economy prosper and empower the next generation of young leaders worldwide. We particularly campaign for young people from poor-socio- economic backgrounds and marginalised communities that are NEET.Our Vision - Striving to be the top Education enterprise for soft and business skills for the next generation and our diverse young people. Our character, how we communicate, how we behave, how we influence are the skills of the future that will shape the careers of young people. We know alternative education and innovative new ways of learning and assessing is the new frontier.Our ethos is simply to: Invest in young people’s education to enable prosperity for all and to ensure the learning experience is positive and purposeful for long-term success. Show less

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  University of Coventry

  May 2021 - Aug 2022

  Interim EPAO Ofqual Regulatory Advisor (Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Standard)

  To provide advise on Ofqual's Criteria of Recognition and EPA Qualification Requirements for a new EPAO divisionTo review or develop policies and procedures in line with Ofqual's regulation for the Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship Standards

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  National EPA

  Aug 2021 - Sept 2021

  External Independent EPAO Regulatory Advisor

  Ad hoc independent advisor on Ofqual's regulatory requirements.Supported on Ofqual Recognition Application (Stage 2) - NEPA was approved in September 2021

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  Construction EPA Company ®

  Apr 2022 - Aug 2022

  Advisory Committee Member (voluntary)

  Due to securing a commercial partnership with its sister company, I had to resign as Independent Ofqual Regulatory Advisor for Construction EPA Company

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  Institute of Directors (IoD)

  Jan 2023 - now

  2024 Agenda coming soon!My key responsibilities are:1. To act in an advisory capacity to the IoD Management Team2. To be central point of communication between ED&I ambassadors and the management team3. To establish good relationships with other ED&I ambassadors and gain an understanding of their views and perspectives4. To take part in certain meetings with IoD staff as the representative of ED&I ambassadorsThis role is elected by other ED&I ambassadors and serves for a period of 12 months (or for a shorter or longer period if requested by the IoD Director General).The National Spokesperson serves in an advisory capacity only. Show less Responsible for implementing the Shinkwin Commission findings on behalf of the Institute of Directors.Advocating and championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion across the United Kingdom via the new IoD Inclusive Business podcasts. I hosted the following ED&I subject matters with sector experts:1. The Distinction Between Equity and Equality2. Men's Mental Health 3. Attracting and Retaining Older Workers 4. How Can Businesses Recruit a Diverse Workforce?5. The Impact of the Gender Pay Gap and Funding Gap on Business Leaders 6. AI, ED&I and Business Speaking on behalf of ED&I Ambassadors on ED&I subject matters in line with the Equality Act 2010 and raising awareness of the Shinkwin Report recommendations. Moderated and Chaired the very first IoD Inclusive Business Event with highly esteemed experts from the ED&I space including:Lord Kevin ShinkwinJon Geldart, Director General - Institute of Directors Ann Francke CEO of CMINina Goswami Head of Inclusion for Clifford ChanceTheresa Shearer CEO of Enable Show less

  • Member of the London Committee Board (Voluntary)

    Sept 2022 - now

  • Equity Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador (Voluntary)

    Sept 2022 - Sept 2024

  • National Spokesperson, IoD EDI Ambassadors (Voluntary) - Re-elected

    Mar 2024 - Jul 2024

  • National Spokesperson for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Ambassadors

    Jan 2023 - Jul 2024
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  EduEco+

  Mar 2023 - now

  Within 1 week I set a new vision for EduEco+ as a brand new commercial membership body for the startups community. The vision is simple. We want to bring together the startup community to build an interactive network that promotes business success and is a vital lifeline to reducing the startup business failure rate across the UK.The company advocates and campaigns for better practical measures and skills to equip start-up companies with the right level of support for entities to grow organically, especially those who struggle with attracting investments. We are also on a mission to support Founders from a diverse background that are disadvantaged and less likely to also attract funding. EduEco+ is going through a major transition in 2024, which begins with our brand new Startups Business Advisory Group (SBAG) made of 22 members across various sectors with expertise in supporting, advising and growing early inception businesses.SBAG has attracted over 100 company representatives from the banking, financial, education, accountancy, large business, hospitality, retail and many more sectors. Show less EduEco+ is a wholly owned subsidiary commercial company of IgniteQuals Group. I had a vision to build a brand new educational ecosystem for those innovators starting out in the education space and other sectors. EduEco+ is the very first membership body for new educational and business start-ups and entrepreneurs. The company advocates and campaigns for better practical measures and skills to equip start-up companies with the right level of support for entities to grow organically, especially those who struggle with attracting investments. We are also on a mission to support Founders from a diverse background that are disadvantaged and less likely to also attract funding. Our affordable membership pricing strategy will be introduced in 2024. The benefits will include informative educational webinars, discounts for our specialist events on business skills, free 30-minute consultations on policies, Information Technology transformation needs, GDPR Compliance, Regulatory and legal support and marketing and PR strategies. Show less

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Nov 2023 - now

  • Founder of EduEco+

    Feb 2023 - now

  • Founder and Executive Chairperson of Advisory Board

    Mar 2023 - Nov 2023
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  Skills4Startups® Festival Roadshow UK

  Apr 2023 - now

  Empowering Startups Through The Power of Education and Business Skills.Skills 4 Startups is a revolutionary initiative that has been created by IgniteQuals Group to raise awareness for the Startups Community that require the necessary support and skills to grow their businesses across the UK. The idea was presented by the Founder of IgniteQuals Group via EduEco+'s meeting platform for educational establishments back in April 2023 at Nottingham University. Under Cover-19, and through Covid-19 recovery, the Startup Community has been impacted with now 83% of startups failing in the first 2 years of their lifespan. Skills 4 Startups is a 'one of kind' festival roadshow for the startups community that is being rolled out across the UK. This revolutionary idea is creating fundamental partnerships with Business Schools, banks, business leaders and startup experts to support early inception businesses, young leaders and business students with the right knowledge, understanding, skills and traits to grow successful business models. By equipping Founders, entrepreneurs, innovators and young leaders early on into their business journey we hope to minimise the risk of early business failure. We are also striving to become the very first voice for Female Founders and those who are disadvantaged and are less likely to secure investment. Skills 4 Startups will eventually become a subsidiary of IgniteQuals Group, with a focus on creating affordable business events (including educational workshops on critical business and soft skills), using the power of education to support early startups. Early support is vital to the success rate of startups. This initiative is not just about financial support it is about learning the business know-how. We also want to ensure that the UK is fundamentally backing the British Business Success Story and that there is a healthy startups culture in the UK. The business model also extends to rolling out our Roadshow to the USA and Europe. Show less

  • Founder & Roadshow Producer

    May 2024 - now

  • Founder

    Apr 2023 - May 2024
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  Better Hiring Institute

  Oct 2023 - now

  BHI Fairer Expert Panel Member (Voluntary)

  Providing expertise on fairer recruitment strategies in line with the Equality 2010 legislation.