Disability Confident is a UK government scheme that supports employers to recruit, retain, and develop disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. The initiative helps organisations create inclusive workplaces by improving confidence, removing barriers, and promoting fair access to employment opportunities.
VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) is a leading UK-based awarding and end-point assessment organisation that develops high-quality vocational and technical qualifications. Working with employers and training providers across sectors such as beauty, hairdressing, logistics and early years, VTCT’s Ofqual-regulated qualifications and assessments help over 120,000 learners at more than 3,000 training locations gain the practical skills and industry recognition needed for rewarding careers.
Staffordshire Providers Network is a collaborative partnership of education, training and skills organisations across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. It brings together universities, colleges, independent training providers and strategic partners to represent the region’s employment and skills sector, strengthen collaboration, and support workforce development aligned to local employer needs.
NCFE is a national awarding organisation and educational charity that designs and delivers high-quality qualifications across a wide range of sectors. Working closely with employers, educators and training providers, NCFE supports learners of all ages to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to progress into further learning or employment.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is a long‑established business support and membership organisation representing companies across Stoke‑on‑Trent and Staffordshire. It helps businesses to connect, grow and thrive through expert guidance, networking events, training, international trade support and advocacy, giving members a stronger voice in shaping the local and regional economy.
The Stoke‑on‑Trent & Staffordshire Careers Hub is a strategic partnership bringing together schools, colleges, employers, careers leaders and local organisations to improve careers education and inspire young people across the region. Backed by The Careers & Enterprise Company, it supports schools to meet best‑practice careers standards, expands work experience and employer engagement, and helps learners make informed choices about education, apprenticeships, and future employment.
The Association of Colleges (AoC) is the national voice for further education colleges across the UK, supporting over 250 member colleges in driving excellence, innovation and opportunity in post‑16 education and training. AoC champions the sector with government and employers, shares best practice, and provides services that help colleges deliver high‑quality learning, skills development and real‑world career pathways for learners.
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is the expert professional development and standards body for the further education (FE) and skills sector in England. It works with educators, trainers and leaders to set professional standards, deliver continuous professional development, and support teaching quality, leadership and inclusion so that learners and employers benefit from a skilled and confident workforce.
The Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) is the UK’s leading trade association for skills, training and employment providers. It represents organisations delivering apprenticeships, adult education, traineeships and employment support, advocating for quality, collaboration and impactful outcomes with government, employers and stakeholders across the sector.
Matrix is the UK’s quality standard for organisations that deliver high‑quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) services. It assesses leadership, culture, service delivery, and performance outcomes to ensure individuals receive trustworthy, impartial support for careers, learning, employment and progression. The standard helps organisations improve service quality and better meet the needs of learners, clients and employers.
The Stoke & Staffordshire PSHE Group is a collaborative network of educators and professionals dedicated to promoting high‑quality Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education across schools and settings in the region. The group shares best practice, develops supportive resources, and fosters professional development to help learners build wellbeing, resilience and informed decision‑making skills.
TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) is an Ofqual‑regulated awarding organisation offering a wide range of vocational and technical qualifications across sectors such as education and training, business, health and social care, and beauty. TQUK works with training providers, employers and learners to deliver industry‑relevant credentials that support skills development, career progression and workforce readiness.
The Apprenticeship Service is the UK government’s digital service that helps employers access, manage and fund apprenticeship training. Through the service, employers can connect with training providers, allocate apprenticeship levy funds, and support apprenticeships that build workforce skills and career pathways across a wide range of industries.
Mental Health Leads in Education is a network of professionals across schools and colleges who champion the emotional wellbeing and mental health of learners and staff. The group shares best practice, resources and training to embed effective whole‑school approaches, promote resilience, and support positive mental health outcomes in educational settings.
The Department for Education is the UK government department responsible for children’s services, schools, further and higher education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. It works to improve education standards, support learners and professionals, and create opportunities so that children and learners can thrive, achieve their potential and contribute to a stronger society and economy.
The Staffordshire Safeguarding Board refers to the multi‑agency arrangements that bring together key partners across Staffordshire and Stoke‑on‑Trent to protect children, young people and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Working with local authorities, police, health services and community organisations, the Board fosters coordinated safeguarding strategies, shared learning, quality assurance and joint training to ensure effective protection and improved outcomes for vulnerable people in the region.
The Stoke‑on‑Trent Safeguarding Board refers to the city’s multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements, led through the Stoke‑on‑Trent Safeguarding Children Partnership, which brings together key local partners to protect children and young people from harm and promote their welfare. The partnership provides strategic leadership, shared accountability and joint action across services to prevent abuse, support families and improve safety outcomes across the community.
The Headteachers’ Prevent Board is a local multi‑school leadership group that supports the delivery of the UK Prevent duty in education settings by sharing best practice, commissioning local programmes and strengthening collaboration among schools, safeguarding partners and community safety bodies. Through coordinated actions and resources, the Board helps schools fulfil their statutory obligations to safeguard learners from radicalisation and extremism in line with national guidance.
A Virtual School is a dedicated education service that supports looked‑after children, care leavers and other vulnerable learners to achieve their academic potential. It brings together tailored learning programmes, data tracking, advocacy and coordinated support with schools, carers and social services to improve attendance, progress and life chances for children in care.
Stepping Stones Exam Centre is an approved examination centre based in Hanley, Stoke‑on‑Trent, offering GCSE, IGCSE and A‑Level examinations for private and external candidates. It works with recognised awarding bodies such as AQA and Pearson Edexcel to provide a professional, supportive environment where learners can sit their qualifications and progress their education and career goals.
BKSB is a UK‑based education technology provider specialising in diagnostic assessment and personalised learning solutions for English, maths and digital skills. Its adaptive tools help learners at all stages identify strengths and gaps, access targeted resources, and build confidence and competence, supporting progression into further learning, apprenticeships and employment.
