About Us
We are a national training company that provides superior training, resource and assessment services. and also produce an informative monthly NVQ newsletter.
We are an approved Skillworks provider for Merseyside and can advise SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) about funding opportunities.
We have approval with a number of awarding bodies and the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) to offer a wide range of programmes which are detailed within the website.
We are committed to achieving the highest standards in all areas of our business and aim to offer a one stop shop service to employers for all their workforce development needs.
Our achievement rate for qualifications is currently over 80%. We employ a dedicated team of professionals to support learners through all stages of the learning and assessment process. Employers are also kept updated about learner progress by progress reports.
We would like to work with you in order to understand your business and/or individual needs to provide the best solution to your specific requirements. We would be delighted to provide further information regarding any of our existing programmes or to discuss delivering any customised programmes with you.
We also offer consultancy services in a number of areas. Details of these services can be found by pressing this tab.
We look forward to working with you in the future.
Meet the Board
Sandra Kirkham – Chairperson
From humble beginnings in her spare bedroom, Sandra Kirkham has guided NVQ Training & Consultancy Services to become one of the most successful independent training organisations in the UK today. With a background in the health and social care sectors and training within the public sector, Sandra has built a solid reputation in the training industry with the backing of a highly experienced, specialist management team. Ten years on, the company now boasts achievement records that are the envy of the industry. In 2006 the company saw a staggering 80% achievement rate across all NVQ programmes – more than double the national average.
Jackie Hutchinson – Director of Large Corporate Business
Jackie joined the team in 2003, having spent 24 years within the financial industry. She has a “passion for life” and is a real enthusiast in the development and training of both individuals and organisations. Her skill lies in her ability to develop long lasting client relationship and skill vital for the role she undertakes for NVQ Training and Consultancy.
NVQ is an approved NES provider and as Director of Business Development Jackie is responsible for working with large national employers with a view to providing a total training solution. She says, “By offering a high quality training product, slick and effective two-way communication and strong account management we are able to meet the needs of any large company in the UK”.
Christine Lawrence – Chief Executive
"I have worked in the education and training sector for 30 years and I am still as passionate about life-long learning now as I was in 1977. The training environment is one of diversity and new challenges, and it is the ever-changing demands and improving standards that has kept me 'hooked' for so many years.
Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than coaching and mentoring others to realise their potential. At work, I am dedicated to maximising the performance of all staff and myself to achieve the company's business objectives. Outside of work, I have worked, on a voluntary basis for many years, with young people, improving their numeracy and literacy skills."
Karen Smith – Director of HR and Performance
“We invest heavily in our own staff development, and continuously audit our performance against challenging national targets. Our ‘no compromise’ approach has seen us win accreditation from both ILM and EdExcel awarding bodies, and both have rated us ‘Excellent’ in terms of our overall provision.”
Lawrence Dobie – Director of Sales & Marketing
Lawrence was recently welcomed onto the Board at NVQ Training. Having trained initially as a nurse, Lawrence left the NHS in 1999 to pursue his interest in education and training. It was around this time that he also became involved in IT and Skills for Life (literacy and numeracy) training, delivering training for a number of colleges and training providers before joining NVQ Training & Consultancy Services in May 2007.
Lawrence's new role as Assistant Director of Data Management is extremely varied. In one day he could be supporting other employees with IT enquiries, developing new systems to improve the support the company can give to its learners, and training up staff to handle data management systems. His expert knowledge Skills for Life is also a key asset for a company that is committed to supporting the aims and ambitions of the Learning and Skills Council in its quest for ‘better skills, better lives’ for the nation.
"My aim is to support the company to grow and to become the Number One Training Provider of Choice."
Gillian Hunt – Head of Finance
Gillian Hunt BA (Hons) ACA is qualified through the Institute of Chartered Accountants and joined NVQ Training & Consultancy Services since 2007. Prior to working at NVQ Training and Consultancy, he worked at McDonan & Calderbank, NVQ’s accountants. She also worked at Deloittes where she worked as Business Services Manager.
Her expertise lies in working with Small and Medium sized companies in all aspects of accounting. In addition to providing all aspects of the company’s accounting services, including management accountants, planning and forecasting, Finance Director of NVQ Training and Consultancy, Gillian is integral in the strategic direction and planning of the company, she says, “I like to think that the Finance role within our company lies in informing and controlling the strategic direction of the business – and I enjoy working with my fellow directors to ensure that we grow and develop in the appropriate areas.”
Catherine Murray-Howard - Director of Sales & Marketing
A Sales and Marketing professional of some 20 years, Catherine Murray-Howard has spent the last 6 years working in the training and consultancy industry. Her expertise lies in strategic marketing planning and then ensuring that all marketing and sales initiatives are delivered and measured effectively.
Before working in training she spent many years working as a Director within the radio industry, namely, Radio City in Liverpool, where she was Sponsorship Director and The Wireless Group where she was North West Managing Director.
She currently manages a sales and marketing team of 6 people, and is responsible for the effective management of the company’s key accounts and for creating and implementing the company’s marketing plan, she says, “NVQ Training and Consultancy Services is unusual in the training industry in that we apply a commercial, customer focused approach to engaging with employers and other key stakeholders – this has led to us becoming one of the country’s leading training providers – something we aim to continue for many years to come.”
Our Approach to Equal Opportunity, Diversity, Dignity and Respect
NVQ Training & Consultancy Services Ltd will ensure that all learners and employers will be treated fairly and equally. We are committed to ensuring that all of our activities are relevant and meaningful to everyone who receives our services.
Download the full document in PDF format here