Bev Foster Email & Phone Number

Pontefract, West Yorkshire

Supporting NCLT on the Board with advice on skills gaps, business skills needs and local LMI to support curriculum development.

National

Development of workforce development programme to support economic growthDelivery of change management programmesIdentifying new business opportunities for both public and private sector organisationsIdentifying and maximising new funding opportunities Delivery of leadership and management programmes

Leeds City Region

Designing and developing bespoke training solutions for SMEs in the Finance and Business Services sector in the Leeds City Region.

National

Engaging with employers to promote the University of Hull's KTP and business development programmes.

This role involved developing programmes that support the workforce development of growth sectors in the region. My expertise lies in partnership and relationship building, linking investments to ensure value for money, and identifying new avenues for investment and growth. I have managed programmes totalling more than £40m, including the successful ICT Vendor Programme, Digital 2020, Manufacturing Masters Programme and Northern Leadership Academy.I am a successful line manager, having managed a team of four, identifying areas where they can develop and move to the next level of their career path.Key Achievements:Through identifying a key stakeholder of e-skills (SSC for the IT sector), and brokering a meeting between the CEOs of e-skills and YF, e-skills have launched one of their first skills academies in the region.Member of Semta's Regional CouncilRegional co-ordinator and project manager for the Skills for Key Clusters Programme (£22.5m) from 2002-2005. The Programme came in 2% under budget and overachieved on individuals receiving training by 1175. Manufacturing Masters – developed the programme with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and the University of Leeds. Successfully transferred the employer contribution element to the Skills Enhancement Fund which saved £200k of YF funding.Successfully tendered, through the European Journal (OJEU), Digital 2020 which brings together digital activity through a series of public and private partnership groups, and which has levered in £2m of European Social Funds (ESF).Developed tenders for the Skills Enhancement Fund including Financial Services Sector and Off Shore Wind sector which is based on the potential inward investment by Siemens.Board member of Yorkshire and Humber Assessment Ltd (YHAL) and took part in the negotiations of the recent successful merger with the Centre for Assessment and Recognition North West (CAR NW), thus securing the future of YHAL and its 30 employees.

Sales Director for a small event management company, generating business from private and public sector organisations.

Employed as an IiP Advisor working with small to medium sized (SMEs) businesses to help develop their business plans, training and development plans and supporting their progress to recognition as an Investor in people.Responsibilities:Worked with all sizes and sectors of organisations in Leeds and supporting SMEs in Wakefield.Managed a portfolio of clients maintain recognition of the IiP Standard and managed a portfolio of clients starting the IiP process.Identified new clients through a series of marketing activities, organising and managing celebration events for those organisations that successfully achieve recognition. Achievements:Successfully assisted fifteen organisations through the key management processes to achievement of the IiP Standard and assisted thirty-five recognised companies maintain recognition as Investors in People.Arranging and facilitating events to promote IiP in new market sectors such as construction.Successfully managed a project for adviser feedback from clients resulting in individual reports used to maintain adviser registration.Tendered and managed the final celebration event prior to the closure of Leeds TEC, securing a high profile speaker and over 200 delegates._______________________________________________