Improvement Leader Apprenticeship | Managing Business Transformation

Henley’s Executive Diploma in Managing Business Transformation equips your leaders with the essential skills to drive improvement and strategic change.

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At a glance

Empower managers to deliver complex change projects when faced with a volatile business environment
Build organisational capability and equip operational improvement leaders to drive change and transformation
Equip learners with globally-recognised expertise in project and change management principles
Build confident leaders who empower others to champion change
Use impactful work-based projects to enable immediate change

Subject area(s): Management, Leadership, Change and Strategy

Qualification level: Level 6

Attendance: Part-time

Fee: £15,000 (can be funded by your organisation's apprenticeship service account)

Course length: Up to 23 months, including the End-point assessment (EPA)

Suitable for: Those responsible for developing or leading improvement strategy and for providing leadership in improvement activities.

Overview

Today’s organisations face major changes like never before. In the aftermath of the pandemic, teams are adjusting to a remote or hybrid working world. This coincides with other significant shifts in the workplace, such as digital transformation, improving sustainability, and tackling recruitment issues. With these developments affecting businesses of all types, teams need dependable, competent leaders to champion improvement and maintain stability.

The Improvement Leader Apprenticeship | Managing Business Transformation programme will upskill management and leadership staff in your organisation. This Level 6 degree apprenticeship enables managers to become resilient leaders who can embrace business opportunities and withstand challenges.

Learners who complete this programme will become capable leaders who can:

train and delegate improvement specialists, teams and stakeholders to ensure an efficient improvement strategy
plan processes and resources to support improvement strategy deployment, such as guidance for structured project reviews
develop a long-term transformation strategy that incorporates Lean and Six Sigma principles
design and source training solutions for your organisation
lead large-scale, complex improvement or sustainability activities
support colleagues to apply theory and graphical or statistical analyses to projects and tasks

Apprentices who complete this Executive Diploma will gain a sought-after qualification from our Business School, which specialises in the fields of leadership, organisations and behaviour. Our open executive-level programmes are ranked the fourth highest in the UK, cementing Henley’s role in defining change in the nation’s businesses.

Key benefits

Build the capability and technical skills needed to lead teams through change and transformation
Prepare employees to manage unprecedented changes and improvements in your organisation
Shape learner outcomes that can benefit your strategic business goals
Connect work-based projects to real business challenges within your organisation

Earn an Executive Diploma in Managing Business Transformation from a respected, triple-accredited business school.
Become an advocate for improvement and operational excellence and act as a role model for others and gain the opportunity to influence strategic review and change
Develop and demonstrate personal resilience and learn how to challenge, influence and engage senior stakeholders
Build a best practice sharing network
Join Henley’s alumni network, one of the largest in the world

As the employer, you need to formally nominate learners before they can apply to our apprenticeship programmes. You must also enter a three-way agreement with the apprentice and Henley Business School / the University of Reading. Find out more about the application process.

Entry requirements for the individual

ESFA Apprenticeship eligibility criteria
The government funds the apprenticeship through the employer's apprenticeship levy. Applicants should first check they are eligible to receive apprenticeship funding

Required professional experience
Applicants should have a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in a role that encourages managing and implementing improvement or transformation projects.

Apprentices on this programme must be in a role which allows for the application of the Improvement Leader Apprenticeship criteria to be demonstrated and in which substantial new learning can be gained. The baseline assessment done as part of the application will help assess this.

CV and personal statements

In their CVs and personal statements, applicants need to demonstrate professional experience, over 2 years, in a minimum of three of these areas (in no order of priority):

Leading/managing individuals or teams in improvement activities
Training/Coaching/mentoring of individuals or teams in improvement activities
Designing/sourcing/facilitating and evaluating training solutions for the business to build capability in improvement principles, methods, and/or tools. Assess needs and selection of individuals for different levels of training
Leading/managing/facilitating project management, change management tools and techniques
Application of improvement methodologies to design a new process, product, or service. Guide improvement practitioners on the selection of improvement methods
Application of process mapping & analysis principles and tools
Application of data acquisition planning, data analysis and statistics. Guide others on the planning, analysis, and interpretation of data collection and measurement studies
Identification and prioritisation of new opportunities in the context of a portfolio of multiple improvement projects
Guide others on the planning, analysis and interpretation of experiments. Plan, conduct, analyse and optimise both full and fractional experiments
Application of problem-solving methods.

Applicants must not already be a Lean Master, Senior Lean Leader, Senior Navigator, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or Senior Consultant.

See here for the Improvement Leader Occupational Standard and Assessment plan for this apprenticeship.

English and maths requirements to complete the apprenticeship

Apprentices will need to hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e. GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) to successfully complete their apprenticeship programme.

The Improvement Leader Apprenticeship | Managing Business Transformation costs £15,000. Your organisation can fund this with its apprenticeship service account. All employers will need to have an account to access our apprenticeship service.

Dates for the next intake are to be confirmed. Please contact our apprenticeships team for further information.

How the apprentice is supported

Off-the-job training

Apprentices will spend a minimum of six hours per week (equivalent) of their time on ‘off-the-job training’. This is a mandatory component of an apprenticeship that the employer must support them with. Both the learner and employer need to agree on how this time is set aside around the learner's work commitments as it is training that they will undertake during their paid hours. Off-the-job training is not exclusive to workshops and online study sessions - other examples include:

Practical training: shadowing, mentoring and industry visits
Chairing or attending meetings (outside the normal job function)
Learning support and time spent writing assignments
Meeting with the apprenticeship tutor
Working on their evidence portfolio.

Line manager

Additional support for the apprentice comes from their line manager. We will engage with them to ensure they understand the details of the programme and format for learning as well as the requirements for off-the-job training. Line managers will also be involved in agreeing on impactful work-based projects, meeting with the apprenticeship learning coach, and, if required, allocating apprentices a mentor.

During the action learning workshops and through some of the online learning apprentices will have the opportunity to learn from our academic staff, whose knowledge and expertise underpin the modules they will study.

The Improvement Leader Apprenticeship programme will be taught using a blended learning method that combines learning in the workplace with face-to-face workshops* and online learning. In the workshops, apprentices will have the opportunity to learn from Henley's apprenticeship learning coaches who have relevant background experience in these subject areas.

The programme includes:

Blended learning combines face-to-face workshops, with the virtual learning environment (VLE). The VLE provides access to resources and learning coach interactions to develop your learning portfolio which allows you to reflect on the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you develop throughout the programme
Application of learning in the workplace: Implementation of the new tools, techniques and methodologies learnt, with guidance from Henley academic staff and learning coaches
Continuous 360-degree reviews of your progress with you, your line manager and Henley learning coaches

Liaison with the learner's employer and line manager to determine the topics to use in the work-based projects

The learning in the workplace is supported by ten core modules. These will be delivered through a combination of online learning and experiential learning through application in the workplace, supported by a learning coach.

This apprenticeship programme consists of three streams delivered over three stages.

Streams	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3
Leading direction	Strategic thinking	Teams and leadership	Project and change management
Process improvement	Process management	Problem-solving methods	Improvement methods and strategies
Data-driven measurement	Measurement systems	Data analysis	Experimentation and optimisation

Each stream includes three modules tailored to core aspects of improvement and leadership. Apprentices study each module for an eight-week period, with each stage lasting six months. In addition to the stream-specific modules, all learners will be provided a content of ‘Apprenticeship Essentials’ which will enable learners to engage in resources to meet the OFSTED requirements.

Module assessment

At the end of each eight-week module, apprentices complete a 1,500-word work-based project. When completing these projects, learners focus on improving a process, system, product or leadership approach. The work-based assessments form part of each apprentice’s portfolio for their end-point assessment (EPA).

The EPA also includes a work-based dissertation of 4,000-5,000 words. This assessment focuses on the development and deployment of an improvement strategy. Learners present their work to assessors for 45-50 minutes, followed by a questioning session of 35-40 minutes.

Stage 1

Strategic thinking (MQM1IL01) This first module covers the strategic management and planning theories, concepts and techniques applied to support the organisation's strategy development. It aims to develop the learner's approach to leading strategic decisions while recognising the importance of a strategic plan for continuous improvement. Read more The module recognises the effects of business/unit-level strategic decisions and planning at a corporate level. It supports the application of improvement strategy development and deployment planning in the broader corporate and global context. It aims to expand the knowledge and understanding of emergent knowledge strategies, new ways of working, digitalisation strategies, and equality, diversity and inclusion strategies. In addition, the module strongly outlines key behavioural skills –professionalism, strategic thinking, and safe working – for effective strategic planning and management. The learner, therefore, gains knowledge and understanding of how to deliver unit/business/corporate level strategies, focusing on techniques and analyses and sustainable behavioural outcomes. In addition, the learners will also gain insights into identifying internal and external stakeholders and understanding how to build and gain the support of the strategic alliances while setting strategic direction. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Process management (MQM1IL02) The module covers the application of process thinking and the selection of tools and metrics for process capability analysis. It aims to develop the learner’s approach to identify opportunities to improve business and process performance and maintain ongoing process control. Read more The module covers the aspects of developing processes and resources to support improvement strategy deployment. In addition, the learners will gain insights into presentation and reporting skills and understand the importance of active listening and giving structured and constructive feedback to others. Key behavioural skills – team working, professionalism, strategic thinking, and safe working– for effective strategic planning and management are strongly outlined throughout the module. The learner, therefore, gains knowledge and understanding of how to commence and lead process mapping analysis and process capability tools and metrics at unit/business/corporate level strategies, focusing on techniques and analyses and sustainable behavioural outcomes. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Measurement systems (MQM1IL03) The module covers measurement systems analysis and business benefits (net present value, activity-based costing). It aims to develop the learner’s approach to building the organisation’s knowledge and skills in measurement analysis. Learners will assess the organisation’s approach to calculating business benefits associated with improvement programmes and make recommendations for the improvement. Read more Additionally, the module covers the aspects of understanding business performance measures and cost-benefit analysis. Key behavioural skills – drive for results, professionalism, strategic thinking – for effective application of measurement systems and the identification and communication of the business benefits are strongly outlined throughout the module. The learner, therefore, gains knowledge and understanding of planning and implementing measurement systems analysis at the unit/business/corporate level, focusing on techniques and tools and sustainable behavioural outcomes. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]

Stage 2

Teams and leadership (MQM2IL04) The module covers the leadership concepts and theories, team formation techniques and tools to support the improvement strategy of the organisation. The module is designed around several interrelated topics, including team types and constraints, dysfunctional teams, emotional intelligence, Neuro-linguistic programming techniques, and reinforcement strategies. Read more It aims to develop the learner's approach to using appropriate tools and techniques to identify, diagnose and resolve sources of under-performance and conflict within teams. The module also aims to expand the knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts in the 21st Century (e.g., Emergent, adaptive, change leadership, knowing-doing gap), as well as leading different generations (e.g., Millennials, getting ready for Gen Z and ageism in the workplace) and developing the leadership skills of others. The module explores coaching and mentoring techniques for behavioural change and capability development by developing the learner's skills to design, source, and evaluate learning interventions, facilitate multi-functional workshops, and assess individuals' needs and selection for different training levels. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Problem solving methods (MQM2IL05) The module primarily focuses on developing learners’ skills to implement, coach, and benchmark approaches to problem-solving methods, to enhance the business improvement strategy. Read more The module covers the topics of problem definition, root cause analysis, failure mode avoidance, identification & prioritisation, and voice of the customer (VOC). The module also aims to develop a customer-focused strategy for regularly acquiring and assessing customer feedback. It aims to develop the learner’s ability to build the organisation’s knowledge and skills in developing a creative strategy and utilising Creative Thinking principles and tools. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Data analysis (MQM2IL06) The module covers key data analysis and statistical methods, statistical and graphical analysis, and statistical process control to build the organisation's knowledge and skills and make recommendations for improvement that extend the organisation's capabilities. Read more It aims to develop the learner's skills in using systematic decision-making tools (statistical process control) through the implementation of statistical-based techniques to monitor and control a process to advance the quality or uniformity of the output of a process. The module largely focuses on developing the learner's skills in data analysis, especially in assessing the organisation's approach to these data analyses, guiding others on the completion of these analyses, and making recommendations to drive sustained improvement strategy. Additionally, the module covers using Minitab for graphical and statistical analysis. The module strongly outlines key behavioural skills – professionalism and strategic thinking. The learner, therefore, gains knowledge and understanding of planning and implementing data and statistical analysis at the unit/business/corporate level, focusing on techniques and tools and sustainable behavioural outcomes. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]

Stage 3

Project and change management (MQM3IL07) The module covers project and change management principles as part of the organisation’s long-term strategy for business transformation. The module will equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to plan and lead successful projects in their work context. Read more The module is designed around several interrelated topics such as project selection and scoping, project and change management, structured project reviews, coaching improvement projects and coaching others leading improvement projects. It aims to develop the learner’s approach to assessing the organisation’s approach to project and change management and to identify recommendations for improvement. The module also extends the knowledge and understanding of Project Portfolio Infrastructure and Management (Governance methods, Cross-functional project assessment, executive and midlevel management engagement), Resistance to Change, Organisational Culture and Change Techniques, as well as developing the skills to manage the scope, schedule, cost and risk of improvement projects to enable effective monitoring, milestone achievement, and project success. The module also aims to evaluate the project and change management steps taken and recognise the future intervention steps to execute for sustainability of the transformation strategy. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Improvement methods and strategies (MQM3IL08) The module covers the principles of Lean, Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies and strategies to enable continuous improvement and support business transformation. The module will equip the learners with the skills and knowledge required to align improvement methods and tools with organisational goals while critically reviewing the outcomes and identifying the gaps for improvement. Read more The module is designed around several interrelated topics such as Self-development (operational excellence), Lean concepts and tools, Six Sigma methodologies, principles and methods to deliver business benefits, and benchmarking. The module extends the knowledge to the broader context by linking the improvement strategy (e.g., Lean) to the business planning cycle, analysing the current state and opportunities and engaging with external enterprises to extend and strengthen the organisation’s transformation strategy. The module also aims to develop the learner’s skills in assessing the organisation’s approach to the latest thinking in continuous improvement, methods and tools selection, deployment of improvement methods and strategies, and benchmarking. Finally, the module also introduces future intervention areas for continuous improvement. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]
Experimentation and optimisation (MQM3IL09) The module aims to expand the knowledge and understanding of design and application of experimentation, optimisation and simulations to deliver business benefits. It also aims to develop the learner’s approach in assessing the organisation’s approach to mathematical modelling and make recommendations for improvement. The module also aims to equip the learners to guide others in using appropriate experimentation tools and to build the organisation’s knowledge in mathematical modelling. Academic authors Dr Sinem Bulkan More information	0 [0 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Dr Sinem Bulkan is an experienced lecturer in Leadership and Organisational Behaviour at Henley. Her specialities include the impact of ‘dark leadership’ on employees’ behaviours and attitudes. She has presented her research at leading academic conferences, including the British Academy of Management.

Sinem has extensive experience in the managerial world, having worked for 12 years as a regional sales manager and finance manager in Istanbul. She combines her award-winning academic credentials with her business experience to teach apprentices the most effective leadership strategies.

The assessment process allows learners to showcase the impact of their work and learning with the submission of a work-based project at the end of each module.

Learners will collect evidence of knowledge, skills and behaviours as they progress through the programme. They will then showcase this evidence in the final stage of the apprenticeship. This is known as the end-point assessment (EPA), comprising an evidence portfolio and work-based dissertation.

Awards

On successful completion of the EPA, learners will hold:

Level 6 Improvement Leader Apprenticeship
Henley Executive Diploma in Managing Business Transformation.

For clients who want to run a closed cohort, we have the flexibility to deliver the programme at locations nationwide. If you do not want to use your organisation's facilities, we are happy to arrange an alternative teaching venue that is more convenient for your staff.

Henley Business School also delivers open cohorts in venues across the country. We typically deliver our first and last workshops at our Greenlands campus near Henley-on-Thames. Set in sweeping parkland on the banks of the River Thames, this beautiful campus provides an inspiring and reflective environment for focused work and study.

Find out more about our facilities and how to find us