Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship | Leading Organisational Improvement
- Develop experienced professionals to lead complex improvement, strengthen internal capability and deliver measurable organisational impact
- Build advanced capability through applied learning in Lean, Six Sigma, and data-led problem solving to tackle end-to-end business challenges
- Shape technical experts who lead change on the ground and embed continuous improvement across teams and functions
- Drive the implementation of strategic improvement initiatives, including digital transformation, AI, sustainability and people-focused change
- Strengthen performance through expert coaching and structured support that embeds learning and enhances delivery in the workplace
What you need to know
Overview
Developing confident improvement specialists who can lead complex change and deliver measurable impact across organisations
Organisations face ongoing pressure to continuously improve performance, reduce inefficiencies and respond to increasingly complex operational and strategic challenges. Delivering sustainable impact at scale requires professionals who can apply advanced improvement methods while influencing people, processes and organisational systems across the organisation.
The Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship | Leading Organisational Improvement (Level 5), aligned to the national standard (ST0555), is designed for organisations looking to strengthen internal capability by developing teams of professionals who play key roles in driving improvement across functions, services and systems. This is a leadership-focused programme with broad, cross-sector relevance.
The programme combines academic learning with work-based application, delivered through collaborative cohorts that enable cross-functional learning, standardisation of improvement approaches and strong organisational return on investment. Apprentices develop advanced capability in process improvement, project delivery and change management, learning to analyse complex systems, diagnose root causes and lead initiatives aligned to business priorities. At Henley, this is grounded in leadership, organisational context and real workplace challenges.
A strong emphasis is placed on autonomy, stakeholder influence and capability-building at scale. Apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to lead multiple initiatives while training, coaching and supporting others, embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
This programme is currently in development at Henley Business School and is due to launch soon.
Join the next insight session
Drive measurable improvement and make a real impact in your organisation.
Discover how the Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship | Leading Organisational Improvement can help you develop the expertise to lead change and deliver sustainable results across your business.
In just 45 minutes, you will:
- Discover what you will learn and how the programme is structured.
- Explore how improvement methodologies can help make processes simpler and more efficient.
- Understand the value this programme brings to both individuals and organisations.
We will also host a live Q&A at the end, so feel free to bring your questions. This is your opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the programme and decide if it is the right fit for you or your organisation.
Who is it for?
For professionals leading improvement and driving organisational performance
This apprenticeship is designed for organisations looking to strengthen internal capability by developing experienced professionals who play a key role in driving improvement across teams, functions or services.
It is particularly suited to those who:
- lead or support improvement, transformation or change initiatives
- manage complex projects or cross-functional programmes
- analyse processes, diagnose problems and identify opportunities for improvement
- support or coach others in improving performance
- contribute to organisational strategy through continuous improvement activity
Course structure
Strategic Thinking
Strategic improvement requires more than identifying opportunities for change—it demands the ability to align improvement activity with organisational priorities and long-term objectives.
Learners explore how strategy is developed, implemented, and aligned across business functions and the wider organisation. Through the study of strategic planning, management, and decision-making approaches, they build the skills needed to assess organisational performance, understand external influences, and identify opportunities for sustainable improvement and growth.
Read moreProblem Solving and Improvement Strategies
Driving meaningful improvement starts with understanding the right problem to solve and applying the most effective methods to address it.
Learners explore a range of proven problem-solving and continuous improvement approaches, developing the ability to define problems clearly, identify root causes, and evaluate opportunities for improvement. Through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, benchmarking, and operational excellence techniques, they build the skills required to support improvement activity across a range of organisational settings.
Read more
Data Analysis and Experimentation
Making effective improvement decisions requires confidence in using data to understand performance, test assumptions, and identify the actions that will create the greatest impact.
Learners develop the analytical skills needed to collect, interpret, and evaluate data to support evidence-based decision-making. Through the application of graphical analysis, statistical methods, process control techniques, and data-driven problem solving, they gain the capability to turn complex data into meaningful organisational insight.
The module also explores experimentation and optimisation, enabling programme members to design and evaluate tests, assess potential solutions, and identify opportunities to improve processes, products, and services. Using tools such as Minitab, learners build practical experience in statistical analysis, modelling, simulation, and experimental design to support improvement initiatives.
Read moreTeams and Leadership
Successful improvement depends on more than processes and methodologies—it relies on people who can lead, influence, and develop others to achieve shared goals.
Learners explore contemporary leadership approaches and team dynamics, developing the skills required to build high-performing teams and support organisational improvement. Topics include team formation, emotional intelligence, coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, and approaches to addressing under-performance, equipping learners to create environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
The module also examines modern leadership challenges, including leading through change, working across generations, and developing the capabilities of others. Learners gain practical experience in facilitating workshops, supporting behavioural change, and selecting appropriate development interventions to strengthen organisational capability.
Process Management and Measurement Systems
Sustainable improvement depends on understanding how work flows through an organisation and how performance can be measured, monitored, and improved over time.
Learners develop the ability to apply process thinking, measurement systems analysis, and process capability techniques to improve organisational performance. Through the exploration of process management approaches, performance metrics, and business measurement frameworks, they gain the skills needed to identify improvement opportunities, maintain process control, and support the successful deployment of improvement strategies.
The module also examines how organisations measure, evaluate, and communicate the value of improvement activity. Learners build practical capability in process mapping, business benefit realisation, cost-benefit analysis, and performance reporting, helping them demonstrate the impact of improvement programmes and support informed decision-making.
Read moreProject and Change Management
Delivering successful transformation requires more than a good idea—it depends on effective project delivery, strong governance, and the ability to lead people through change.
Learners explore the principles of project and change management, developing the capability to plan, scope, manage, and monitor improvement initiatives that support organisational goals. Through the study of project selection, governance, risk management, and structured project reviews, they gain the knowledge required to deliver improvement programmes that create measurable business value.
The module also examines the human side of transformation, including organisational culture, resistance to change, stakeholder engagement, and change management techniques. Learners build the skills needed to influence others, secure leadership support, and sustain momentum throughout the change process.
Read more
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.
Assessment and awards
The apprenticeship concludes with an Apprenticeship Assessment. This enables apprentices to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed throughout their programme. Assessment methods vary by apprenticeship standard and are designed to test occupational competence in a real-world context. These may include activities such as projects, presentations, and professional discussions.
Details of the assessment requirements can be found on the Skills England website: skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Awards
On successful completion of the programme, learners will hold:
- Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship
- Henley Executive Diploma in Leading Organisational Improvement
Smart Career Management
Developing capability is only part of the return on apprenticeship investment. Organisations also need employees who can apply their growing expertise, influence others and continue developing their contribution as their careers evolve.
Embedded throughout the apprenticeship journey, Henley's Smart Career Management workshops help apprentices build the confidence, self-awareness and professional presence needed to maximise their impact at work. Delivered by Henley's Careers and Professional Development team, these live online sessions support career progression while helping employers retain and develop talented employees.
The workshops cover:
- Take Control of Your Career
- Leveraging Your Strengths for Success
- Presenting with Impact
- Telling and Selling Your Personal Brand and What Now?
- Progressing Your Career Beyond Your Studies
Outcomes and benefits
This apprenticeship delivers value at both an individual and organisational level, combining development with immediate workplace impact.
Key benefits for organisations
Build internal improvement capability while delivering measurable value through live workplace activity.
Organisations benefit from employees and teams who can:
- lead the delivery of priority improvement initiatives aligned to strategic objectives
- improve processes, performance, quality and efficiency using evidence-based methods
- apply Lean, Six Sigma, project and change management approaches in practice
- influence stakeholders and support cross-functional change
- coach others and embed continuous improvement across teams
- reduce reliance on external support by strengthening internal expertise
Key benefits for individuals
Develop the confidence, technical capability and professional judgement to lead improvement in complex organisational settings.
Apprentices will:
- lead complex improvement initiatives with greater confidence and autonomy
- analyse systems and processes, diagnose root causes and identify improvement opportunities
- apply structured improvement methods to real workplace challenges
- strengthen their ability to influence stakeholders and lead change
- train, coach and support others to improve performance
Learning is applied directly through live workplace activity, helping apprentices build capability, confidence and sustained personal growth.
Introducing the Programme Director
Next dates for open cohorts
| Programme start date | Nomination due date |
|---|---|
| 16 March 2027 | 18 January 2027 |
This programme is in development and subject to approvals. Register your interest and keep up to date with the development of this Henley programme.
Why Henley?
A trusted partner in developing improvement capability
Since 1945, Henley Business School has supported leaders and organisations through periods of significant change. That heritage underpins our approach to helping organisations navigate complexity, transformation, and continuous improvement.
Grounded in leadership and organisational context
Henley’s approach recognises that successful improvement depends on people as much as process.
Drawing on strengths in leadership and organisational behaviour, the programme develops professionals who can lead change, influence others and embed improvement within the wider organisational context.
Developing capability beyond tools and methodologies
Technical improvement expertise is combined with development of the whole professional. Apprentices build critical thinking, professional judgement, and leadership capability alongside core methodologies, enabling them to deliver sustainable change in complex organisational environments.
Applied learning with real organisational impact
An established apprenticeship provider, Henley is trusted across sectors to deliver structured, high-quality learning that translates into organisational value. Learning is aligned to workplace priorities, allowing apprentices to apply improvement approaches in real time.
Proven delivery with inclusive support
Embedded academic and pastoral support helps apprentices succeed throughout the programme. A commitment to inclusive, neurodiversity‑aware delivery ensures all learners can perform at their best while contributing to long-term organisational development.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this apprenticeship designed for?
This apprenticeship is designed for organisations seeking to develop capability in continuous improvement, transformation and operational excellence. It is suitable for individuals in roles focused on improving processes, systems or performance, including those working in operations, project delivery, change, quality or transformation functions.
It is particularly relevant for employees who are beginning to take responsibility for leading improvement initiatives, or who are progressing from practitioner-level roles into more strategic, cross-functional improvement responsibilities.
How do employers determine if this programme is the right fit?
This apprenticeship is appropriate where the role involves leading or supporting improvement activity aligned to organisational goals. Employers should consider whether the individual will be responsible for analysing processes, identifying improvement opportunities, using data to inform decisions, and influencing stakeholders to deliver change.
The programme is most effective where apprentices can apply structured improvement methods, such as Lean or Six Sigma, within real organisational projects.
How is learning delivered alongside work?
This is a work-based apprenticeship that integrates structured academic learning with practical application. Apprentices develop knowledge, skills and behaviours through teaching, guided study and live improvement projects within their organisation.
Learning is designed to be immediately applicable, enabling apprentices to deliver measurable improvements while developing their professional capability.
How does this apprenticeship benefit employers?
Employers develop professionals who can lead and sustain improvement initiatives, analyse data, optimise processes and support change. This can contribute to improved efficiency, quality, customer outcomes and organisational performance.
The apprenticeship also supports capability building across teams, as apprentices learn to coach others and embed continuous improvement practices.
What are the learning outcomes?
Henley’s delivery of this programme is currently in development and subject to final internal approval. Learning outcomes will remain aligned to the Improvement Specialist standard (ST0555).
The programme is expected to develop the capability to:
- Lead and deliver continuous improvement projects and programmes
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methods
- Analyse complex data to identify root causes and improvement opportunities
- Influence stakeholders and support organisational change and transformation
- Build capability in others through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing
Apprentices will graduate with the ability to translate data and insight into sustainable business improvement, aligned to strategic objectives.
How do I apply?
Learners must be nominated by their employer and should be working in roles where they apply or support AI and automation in practice.
Register your interest using the form below to stay informed about the latest developments of this programme.
For guidance or to discuss suitability, contact the Henley Apprenticeships team:
- Email: apprenticeships@henley.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 4030
Thank you for your interest in our Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship. To register for updates about the programme, please provide the following.
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