Apprenticeship Overview
Senior Leaders are a key component of all types of business model where there is a workforce to lead, manage and support. The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide clear, inclusive and strategic leadership and direction relating to their area of responsibility within an organisation. Typically, this involves setting, managing, and monitoring achievement of core objectives that are aligned to the overall strategic objectives of their organisation’s Board (or equivalent). In a smaller organisation they are also likely to contribute to the execution and achievement of these strategic objectives. A Senior Leader influences at a higher organisational level, including sometimes at Board (or equivalent) level, and sets the culture and tone across their area of responsibility. Depending on the size of their organisation, a Senior Leader may be responsible for reporting results relating to their area of responsibility to a Board, trustees, shareholders, executive team or to other senior management within the organisation. Externally, a Senior Leader acts as an ambassador for their organisation with wide-ranging networks typically involving customers or clients, supply chains and statutory/regulatory bodies.
Level: 7
Typical duration to gateway (excluding EPA period): 24 months.
Maximum funding: £14,000.
Assessment Methods: AM1 Strategic business proposal, presentation with questioning. AM2 Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
EPA Gateway
In addition to the employer’s confirmation that the apprentice is working at or above the level in the occupational standard, the apprentice must submit the following gateway requirements.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.
A summary (of no more than 500 words) outlining the title and scope of the strategic business proposal. It should align with the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM1.
A selection of the best pieces of evidence gathered by an apprentice during their apprenticeship. The evidence should demonstrate how an apprentice has carried out specific work tasks mapped to the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM2.
Senior Leader EPA
The EPA consists of two assessment methods.
A 4,000-word strategic business proposal designed to meet the needs of the business, delivering real business benefit, submitted by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. A presentation based on the strategic business proposal is also prepared and is submitted at the same time as the business proposal.
A presentation with questioning session will follow with an independent assessor; the presentation will take 20 minutes and will be followed by 40 minutes of questioning.
A 60-minute two-way discussion underpinned by the portfolio, which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation.
Grading
Apprentices must pass both assessment methods (1 & 2), which can be taken in any order, to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Grades awarded are fail, pass, or distinction. Apprentices will receive their grade ten working days after completing their final assessment method.
Links
Link to Apprenticeship Standard
Link to Qualification Specification
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