Simon Johnston Email & Phone Number

Surrey

I have spent the last 18 months developing apprenticeships within the national RSPCA making maximum use of the new Apprenticeship Levy. The RSPCA have never had apprentices and the implementation of the Government Apprenticeship Levy came as a catalyst for the organisation to develop policies and procedures to start apprenticeships for existing and new staff.Since the start of the Apprenticeship Levy in May 2017 I have been instrumental in the following skills.Communicating the benefits of apprenticeships to senior managers and staffDevelopment of policies and procedures for new and existing staff to become apprenticesDetailed negotiations with a number of apprenticeship training providersDevelopment of management information systemsControl of the Government Digital Apprenticeship service website to add new apprentices and training providersThe Apprenticeship Sales Manager at Chichester College said the following about my work.I have to say that from day one of our initial engagement, we have been exceptionally impressed by the RSPCA general approach and the due commitment the RSPCA have made in giving the Apprenticeship levy (colloquially described as the biggest change in FE history) We had not seen any other organisation at that time (or since) that have given the Apprenticeship levy such due attention.I think the time invested has paid dividends and means that the RSPCA have managed their levy pot and funds responsibly and in a forward planning manner. On that basis, we would also refer you as a case study for exceptional practise.I also have to say Simon that your knowledge of the sector and the legislative requirements that go around Apprenticeships was superb and at a level that I had not otherwise seen in any other employer we work with. I am used to working in an advisory role and I have to say this was totally unnecessary due to the understanding you already had, meaning we could ‘just talk business’ resulting in better and increased outcomes.