The Specialists Hub Ltd

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Apprenticeships Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

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Information about this provider

The Specialists Hub Ltd (TSH) is a national training provider that is based in Media City, Salford. It provides specialist training for data protection and information governance (DPIG). TSH has stopped recruiting apprentices on the level 4 cyber security apprenticeship. At the time of the inspection, there were 26 apprentices enrolled on the level 4 DPIG apprenticeship. All apprentices are aged 19 and over. 6 to 8 May 2025

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are enthusiastic and enjoy their learning. They are highly motivated and demonstrate professional behaviours. Most apprentices have high attendance. They have a clear understanding of the importance of attendance and punctuality to masterclasses.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices appreciate learning in very calm and focused online environments. They adhere to online etiquette in sessions and participate fully in activities. Apprentices listen attentively to their peers and make valid contributions to group discussions.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are enthused to participate in further activities and training. They attend industry conferences to keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector. Most apprentices complete additional industry recognised qualifications, such as practitioner certificates in data protection and freedom of information.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices quickly improve their personal skills. They develop self-confidence and self-belief. They contribute to meetings, use technical language to deliver content to non-technical audiences and work independently on tasks, such as data protection incident assessments and data access requests. This results in apprentices having a positive impact on the organisations where they work.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices feel safe. They know how, and to whom, they should raise any concerns they have. Apprentices clearly articulate the risks associated with working online, such as recognising phishing emails. Most apprentices are aware of the specific risks they face where they live and work and know how to identify the signs in others that they are being radicalised.

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better?

Leaders have a clear and ambitious rationale for the level 4 DPIG apprenticeship. They aim to support the national skills gap in the DPIG sector by providing a pipeline of skilled personnel to meet staffing needs.

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better?

Leaders work with most employers to plan and develop the curriculum for apprentices. They make sure that the curriculum remains current by incorporating new legislation and the latest technological developments, such as artificial intelligence. This ensures that apprentices benefit from the most up-to-date training.

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better?

Leaders have a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision. Leaders carefully monitor the progress they make against key performance indicators as part of a continuous quality cycle. This enables improvements to be made swiftly, such as implementing employer curriculum reviews and streamlining their apprenticeship provision.

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better?

Leaders plan and sequence the curriculum logically. This supports apprentices to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours swiftly. Apprentices begin with 6 to 8 May 2025

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learning about the foundations of data protection and legislation before progressing to complex topics, such as privacy programme management.

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Trainers and coaches are experienced and qualified to teach apprentices. They draw on their expertise in their teaching by explaining subject content clearly, such as quantitative, semiquantitative and qualitative risk factors. Trainers and coaches attend industry conferences, maintain industry certifications and continue to work in the sector. Trainers and coaches benefit from training to further develop their teaching skills, such as providing effective feedback and questioning techniques.

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Teaching is effective. Trainers use questioning, discussions and coding activities effectively to support apprentices to remember previous learning. This enables apprentices to recall content such as how frameworks for personal data differ for specific industries, such as access to education rights for schools, and the differences between public and private sectors.

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Coaches and employers coordinate apprentices’ on- and off-the-job training effectively. Apprentices quickly use their new knowledge to hone their skills at work. For example, they work in teams to draft data classification policies and write to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

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Leaders have taken effective actions to improve the retention and achievement of apprentices. They have put in place risk assessments and due diligence checks for employers and new apprentices. Consequently, achievement has improved. However, it is too early to see the full impact of these actions.

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Apprentices are prepared well for their final assessments. They are aware of the content and grading opportunities available to them. They complete mock examinations and practice interviews. Nearly one third of apprentices achieve distinction grades.

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Most trainers and coaches provide apprentices with useful and developmental feedback that helps them to improve their work. For example, apprentices write in more detail and incorporate examples of how legislation is incorporated into their workplace activities. However, in a few instances the quality and timeliness of feedback is inconsistent.

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Coaches effectively support apprentices to improve their English and mathematical skills. In English, apprentices attend additional training sessions in speaking with conviction, critical thinking and report writing skills. In mathematics, apprentices undertake training on data analysis and use spreadsheets to produce charts and graphs.

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Apprentices are prepared well for their next steps and progress to positive destinations. They gain promotions to roles such as data protection specialist, corporate risk and data assurance officer, and legal and protection manager. 6 to 8 May 2025

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Board members have an extensive range of skills, experience and expertise that they use effectively to challenge leaders and hold them to account for their actions. Board members have an accurate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision. They set clear and measurable targets for senior leaders to improve the quality of education to ensure that they provide the most up-to-date, high- quality training for apprentices.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Ensure that all apprentices receive timely and effective feedback so that they know how to improve their work.  Continue to improve the retention and achievement rates of apprentices. 6 to 8 May 2025

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Provider details

Address Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre Portway Manchester M22 1QW

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Bev McGowan

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection 18 to 20 January 2023

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Provider details

Main subcontractors None 6 to 8 May 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the CEO, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous inspection report. The inspection was carried out using the further education and skills inspection handbook and took into account all relevant provision at the provider. Inspectors collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements, including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders, and examining the provider’s documentation and records.

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Inspection team

Suzanne Horner, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Zoe Ibbotson His Majesty’s Inspector 6 to 8 May 2025

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regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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