Gerard was a lead inspector with the Adult Learning Inspectorate and latterly one of Her Majesty's Inspectors until 2022. He previously practiced as a Registered Nurse, held senior management roles in NHS and private health care settings and was a director of a mental-health focused charity. Since 2022 he has worked as a quality improvement advisor, chair of governors and board advisor to further education and skills training providers. His successes have included successful strategic planning and operational management of complex services, shaping workforce development and driving improved service quality through high quality training. He provides highly effective support and guidance to FTSE 100 and 200 listed companies as well as Universities offering higher level apprenticeships, helping them to achieve good and outstanding inspection outcomes. He has a wealth of experience in inspection, including work-based learning, Department for Work and Pensions employment-related programmes, offender learning, Ministry of Defence welfare and duty of care, and adult and community learning provision. His particular area of interest is performance improvement in vocational training.