IQA - Coaching Apprenticeships

About Us:

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We\’re a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE\’s \’Golden Thread\’ (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the Role:

As an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) for Coaching Apprenticeships, your primary responsibility is to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality coaching programmes aligned to awarding body and regulatory expectations. You will lead quality improvement activities, coach tutors, and ensure that formative and summative assessments are fit-for-purpose and effectively support learners\’ development. The role is critical in driving continuous improvement, maintaining compliance with Ofsted, DfE, and other regulatory requirements, and ensuring that learners receive a high-value, professionally enriching experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal Quality Assurance

• Conduct sampling activities in line with risk-based IQA strategies.
• Innovate assessment practices, integrating learner-centred and engaging methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with awarding organisations, Ofsted, DfE funding requirements.
• Provide clear, supportive feedback to tutors to foster professional growth.
• Support tutors in ensuring timely progression to Gateway and End Point Assessment (EPA)/ Assessment Organisations.
• Lead and participate in standardisation and external quality assurance (EQA) visits.
• Monitor coaching portfolios, CPD evidence, Functional Skills progress, and EPA readiness.

Tutor Support & Development

• Coach and mentor tutors, particularly in formative assessment practices and learner engagement strategies.
• Support tutors in achieving and maintaining IQA and assessor qualifications.
• Facilitate induction training and continuing professional development (CPD).
• Promote reflective practice and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Collaboration & Improvement

• Contribute to the development of the Self-Assessment Review (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
• Collaborate across departments to implement innovative quality strategies.
• Attend and lead CPD, professional development, and cross-functional improvement sessions.

Administration

• Ensure accuracy in onboarding documentation within BUD.
• Maintain robust records of tutor CPD and sampling activity.

Safeguarding & Equality

• Promote Best Practice Network\’s values regarding safeguarding, diversity, and equality.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Officer for your coaching delivery region.

About You:

Essential:

• Occupational competence in Coaching and or mentoring
• A recognised Level 5 Coaching and/or Mentoring qualification, or higher.
• Relevant experience or qualifications in quality assurance (e.g., TAQA, A1, V1, D32/33).
• Demonstrable CPD in coaching and/or mentoring over the past three years
• Experience in assessment and/or internal quality assurance within Coaching or within apprenticeships
• Clear understanding or experience of the ILM Diploma in coaching or similar

Desirable:

• Membership in professional bodies such as:
  • Association for Coaching (AC)
  • European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)
  • International Coach Federation (ICF)
• Prior experience with EQA processes and regulator liaison.
• Deep knowledge of DfE funding rules, Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, and other sector standards.

Other Requirements:

• Strong analytical, planning, and organisational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiar with BUD or similar learner management systems.
• Ability to coach and influence professionals at varying levels of seniority.
• Driving licence and an ability to travel to settings

Our Benefits:

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you\’ve passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We\’ll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you\’ve passed probation – this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.