top of page
Testimonials
After many years of utilising Smart Training Solutions through my then employer Merseyside Police, when I decided to try to return to learning I instantly thought of using their services again due to my positive prior experiences as an assessor and IQA. Sadly, five years ago I suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me with real issues processing information and communicating. Joey seemed to grasp these issues immediately and was totally supportive and flexible in equal measure. He made me comfortable in the learning experience and communicated in a way that made me feel totally at ease, nothing was a rush nor too much trouble. I was apprehensive as this was the first step back into learning that I have taken since my accident and was very much a toe in the water to see what I could achieve, Joey held my hand through the course and encouraged me to achieve, I can't thank him enough. If you have special needs and are considering taking on a challenge but are apprehensive then worry not, this is a company that will support you.
Chris Dillon
Retired Police Inspector
I would like to say how fantastic you have been in delivering the EQA qualification to our quality assurance team. I have learnt so much from the good practice you have modelled for us. As well as being amazingly patient with us, your approach to assessment and feedback and support have been exemplary, as has management of the whole course. We felt we were taking a risk initially, not knowing anything about your organisation when we first made contact, but the learning experience provided could not have been more positive.
Colin Rugg-Easey
Head of Quality and Product Development, OCN London
We have commissioned the services of Smart Training Solutions over the last 5 years to provide the quality assurance requirements of our Logistics Apprenticeship programmes, and the training of our staff with nationally recognised assessor qualifications. They are an integral part of our team and we have a mutual respect and understanding with regard to providing the best possible learning opportunities for learners who are on a programme with us. They hold a detailed understanding of both the vocational learning requirements of learners and the Government compliance requirements for funded training provision. This dual support has helped us to achieve direct claims status for all our programme provision across two awarding organisations, increased our contract value with regional colleges through low risk compliance audits, and assisted with our recent accreditation with the Matrix Standard. As a trusted and valued supplier of services we will be continuing our relationship with Smart into the future.
Ian Wright
Director Logistics and Distribution (LAD) Training Limited
We have worked with Smart over a period of 18 months during which time they have assisted us in developing our business, improving quality and training our assessment team. We have used the expertise of Smart in reviewing our current practices and identifying improvement, this in turn has increased our contract value with a number of colleges and other funding providers across the North of England. We have direct claims status with our awarding organisations and feedback from our visiting External Verifiers is always positive about the quality of our provision. Smart offer the full range of courses for assessment and quality assurance staff, and we have taken advantage of this offer. We select our staff carefully and it is only fitting they are provided training and assessment of the highest standard, which will realise their potential. We continue to work with Smart and see them as a strategic partner for the next contract year.
Ashley Shaw
Managing Director - National Safety Training Services Limited
QTS Training Limited engaged Smart Training Solutions to support the business training and assessment practices. We have found Smart Training Solutions a very professional company that offer excellent knowledge, advice and guidance. Our Smart Consultant supported QTS with all aspects of the business including improving our quality assurance processes, standardising our assessment practices and structuring our employment engagement. Smart Training Solutions provide best practice industry support and have provided our staff with an increased level of confidence when performing their duties. I would highly recommend anyone who is considering using Smart Training Solutions in any of their quality services’
Jon Howlin
Managing Director - QTS Training Limited
Hull College is a centre of excellence in the delivery of logistics qualifications spanning QCF Level 1 through to foundation degrees. It is the only one of its kind in the country and demands the highest levels of professionalism from its delivery partners and associated consultants. Smart Training Solutions have been engaged as consultants over a 12 month period to help our delivery partners achieve the highest of standards and as a result ensuring success for our learners. Smart Training Solutions have brought quality processes and systems which have been innovative, of the highest quality and targeted key performance areas in support of 2000+ learners. We continue our relationship with Smart into the next academic year and have a built a professional relationship based on mutual respect and an unwavering willingness to be the best in the Logistics sector of the future.
Darryl Hare
Senior Partnership Manager - Hull College
Smart Training Solutions have been assisting the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) for over 3 years now. During this time they have provided innovative suggestions and solutions to a variety of training based topics. Smart Training Solutions cope extremely well with changes to priority and strategic direction, and have never missed a deadline - regardless of workload. Representatives of Smart Training Solutions have attended meetings on our behalf and also alongside myself and my team, often at a very high level within Government departments/agencies where their opinions are respected and trusted. They have a detailed understanding of the education sphere and pay close attention to detail, their presentations and written work are equally as meticulous. Everyone I have worked with has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity - I have enjoyed working with Smart and hope to continue to do so in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend Smart Training solutions to anyone, and would be happy to discuss my experiences of them in further detail if required.
Karen Cole
Director of Safety - Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA)
I have worked alongside Smart Training Solutions and have found the organisation to be extremely thorough in the application and delivery of its services. The professionalism of the staff is excellent with a robustly researched methodology of training and development provision.
The organisation is able to adapt and diversify its services across a wide range of disciplines involving work based learning and development initiatives.
I would strongly endorse Smart Training Solutions.
Alan Hawcroft
Owner/Managing Director - Effective People Development
When dealing with the team at Smart I found them to be efficient and honest with realistic deliverables. This ensured that we kept both clients and learners happy.
They have guided our NVQ Centre with expertise and demonstrated knowledge and competence throughout. This ensured that our awarding body was happy with our compliance to their policy and procedure.
Having Smart Training on our side wasn't like contracting out our responsibilities; it was more like taking on additional members of the team and all pulling together.
Linda Crossland-Clarke
Owner/Managing Director - She Knows Health and Safety Limited
It has been a pleasure to work as an associate with Smart Training Solutions over the past 3 years or so. Our relationship has been on a professional level with excellent and timely information, support and guidance. Learning materials designed and developed by Smart Training Solutions are of a very high standard and are produced to meet the bespoke and individual needs of the customer. My engagement with Smart Training Solutions is mainly in the Logistics and Learning and Development sectors amongst others. The organization is focused on quality assurance to ensure that the highest possible standards are achieved, developed, and improved upon. The use of technology to support all aspects of the business delivery model aims to make the system and resources as efficient and effective as possible. Customer engagement to achieve the aims and objectives is also excellent ensuring that the support is tailored to meet their needs.
Derek Sutherland
Independent Training Advisor
Smart are inspirational, dynamic and driven to achieve the best for both the organisation and the individual. They have fantastic presence, sense of humour and an ability to get the best of out of their team.
I have learnt an enormous amount from working with Smart particularly around people management, leadership and quality assurance.
Julie Shehata-Morgan
Managing Director - Lighthouse Personal Development Limited
Smart has provided Intraining with a first class Internal Verification service for our Logistics Sector since the beginning of 2011; throughout this time they have helped us maintain a high level of quality assurance in this area. We have also always found them to be extremely supportive and professional in their approach. We continue to work with Smart into this next contract year.
Tracy Collin
Centre Manager - Intraining
(Intraining were showcased in an Ofsted report as one of twelve outstanding work-based learning providers in the UK)
Smart have provided an excellent service to my company and have always gone the extra mile to ensure delivery is efficient and compliant with regulatory requirements. As an Ofsted Grade 1 Provider, I insist on the highest of standards and every programme Impact deliver should reflect this requirement. Smart's industry knowledge, coupled with their understanding of work based learning solutions has resulted in a close, professional, and beneficial relationship which I continue to value.
Ted Rae
Managing Director - Impact Training Solutions Limited
KP Skills have worked with Smart over the last 12 months to build quality systems which reflect our passion for excellence in training. These quality systems have been audited by a number of awarding bodies and regularly receive comment on their detail and ease of use. The systems have supported growth enabling us to become a large national provider in a relatively short space of time, whilst keeping our procedures enshrined in a clear, auditable and user friendly format that benefits both business and learner. We continue to work with Smart and will look to their expertise, knowledge of the regulatory requirements and their professional approach to help us develop new programmes of learning which reflect our customer's needs.
Nick Yoxall
Operations Manager - KP Skills Limited
Smart have supported my company in the delivery of effective training solutions to existing customers. Professional in approach, they are experts in the requirements of the QCF framework and how to use this to the customer’s advantage. From an in-house competency based training programme to the complexities of a large national NVQ programme, they provided the assessment and internal verification team, both of which were outstanding. I continue my work with them and have already begun planning my next requirement.
Rob Coates
Managing Director - Willerby Hill and Learning Places
Smart were friendly, personable and professional in approach. They have Internally Verified a number of our Logistic programmes to excellent effect. We have seen the quality of what we deliver improve, our customers are constantly impressed and I have seen the financial benefits to this solution. We will definitely continue to use their services.
Martin Hillman
Operations Director - Forward Skills Development Limited
I was instantly put at ease when Smart Training Solutions helped us to gain accredited centre status. They took away the worry of achieving the grade, whilst I was able to concentrate on my customer base. We have grown to understand each other over the past months and have seen many successful candidates achieve. They bring a wealth of experience, suggestions for improvement and quality assurance that is water-tight. In addition our External Verifier gave us an excellent report and told us to keep up the good work; we will.
Bob Allender
Scheme co-ordinator - D.A. Cooper Training and Recruitment Limited
We have just started delivering a Road Passenger Vehicle Driving programme to a large national company contracted to the NHS. It was important for me to find the most effective IV support; I found this in Smart. They developed the assessment team, found a method of efficient delivery and managed the programme on our behalf, a truly professional service.
Jack Wilkin
Training Delivery Manager - Van Hee Training Limited
I have worked with Smart Training Solutions on a number of programmes, in particular my A1 Award and Team Leading qualifications to clinical staff within military hospitals. Consummate professionals who understood the requirement, they were interactive, inquisitive and looked to provide a quality service throughout the programme. I continue my work with them and look to their expertise each time I deliver. In the military sphere, I need the best trained, best equipped and most professional there is. I would recommend Smart Training Solutions to anyone.
Major Ray Jolly
Training Major - Royal Army Medical Corps
Smart Training Solutions over the last 18 months have assisted us in developing our Service quality assurance processes, improving the quality and training of our assessment team. I would like to say how knowledgeable and professional you have been in delivering the IQA qualification to all our quality assurance team. As well as being flexible and patient with us, your approach to assessment, feedback and support have been exemplary, as has your management of the whole course. As a team we have learnt so much from the good practice you have modelled for us, which we have used to review our current practices and identifying improvement which have been implemented. This learning experience provided could not have been more supportive and positive. Thank you
Paul Cummings
District Manager - County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
Prior to leaving my post, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you. I came into this role without a clue in regards to IQA/Lead IQA/EQA etc. having been operational for 28 yrs!!!
In short, you made the transition into this role far easier for me than it could’ve been and this in turn enabled me to start fixing a very broken programme. You displayed flexibility, guidance and support to the maximum and that was a massive help.
Inspector Ian Humphreys
Lead IQA NPPF - Merseyside Police
Don’t Lock Down Your Goals & Aspiration: Embrace Technology!
Today, I completed my Level 4 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of External Quality Assurance qualification with Smart Training Solutions via one to one coaching through the Zoom platform. The experience and resources available to me while on this course was incredible. My tutor supported me with everything to build knowledge, skills and competencies.
All the available pre-recorded clips were outstanding and straightforward. My tutor also emphasised the best practices; professionalism and ethics of an EQA.
In 2021, I will be open to an External Quality Assurance (EQA) role; having been thoroughly prepared by Smart Training Solutions.
Indeed, I am grateful to you, and will recommend Smart Training Solutions to anyone who wants to study any of the following courses: AET, CET, CAVA, IQA and EQA.
Olanrewaju Sharafa (BSc, MSc, ACA, ACG, AFA, MIPA)
Chartered Accountant and Chartered Governance Professional
Gary Lacey National Qualifications Internal Quality Assurance Lead (HMPPS)
Ministry of Justice People Group
Thank you to Smart Training Solutions for the support and advice myself and my team received throughout our IQA qualification. Nothing was ever too much trouble and no question was ever a stupid one. A wonderful learning experience which we are all truly grateful for.
bottom of page