Northumberland Business Service Limited

Further education and skills inspection report

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Inspection of Northumberland Business Service Limited

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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Information about this provider

Northumberland Business Service Limited is a not-for-profit social enterprise company. Since 2020, it has been delivering non-accredited business-related training for micro, small and medium-sized business owners and managers. It is funded by the North East Combined Authority to provide tailored learning education. Since September 2024, 181 learners have participated in a ‘better business skills’ programme. Most workshops are delivered online with the ‘artificial intelligence (AI) for digital marketing’ workshop delivered face to face. At the time of the inspection, 10 learners were enrolled on the ‘social media and return of investment’ workshop. 14 to 16 July 2025

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

Learners display positive behaviours and attitudes in online and face-to-face workshops. They discuss and agree group rules with peers and tutors at the start of sessions so that behavioural expectations are clearly understood. Learners are polite and respectful to each other and listen to what others have to say.

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

Most learners attend their training well. They appreciate the flexibility of online workshops which breaks down barriers to accessing training for those who have businesses to manage or family and caring commitments. When learners miss a session, tutors and staff offer alternative workshops, which learners attend.

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

Learners have a clear understanding of potential risks associated with extremist behaviours and how they or others may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Staff teach learners about the importance of fundamental British values which reinforces their knowledge of best business practice when dealing with clients and customers.

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

Most learners are well informed about next steps and enrol onto further workshops so they can continue to improve their business knowledge and skills. However, a few learners do not receive sufficient information about further training to support them with their next steps.

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better?

Leaders have taken appropriate actions to address most weaknesses found at the previous inspection. They have a secure oversight of the quality of teaching and continually monitor weaknesses using thorough quality assurance processes. For example, leaders have clear oversight of learners’ attendance and monitor this carefully, putting in place swift intervention to re-engage learners when they miss a workshop.

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better?

Leaders work closely with local and regional employers to design a responsive curriculum. They successfully teach ‘better business skills’ workshops to help learners develop the confidence, knowledge and skills that they need to grow their small and medium-sized enterprises.

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better?

Most skills advisers carefully identify learners’ individual needs and use this information to determine which workshops are most suitable. In a few instances, however, skills advisers do not identify accurately enough learners’ previous knowledge and experience. As a result, a few learners repeat previous learning, which they find frustrating.

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better?

Leaders recruit tutors who are well qualified in their subjects and who hold teaching qualifications. Tutors own their own businesses, which ensures that they are current and credible practitioners. They use their knowledge, skills and experiences well to teach learners the tools they need to start or improve their businesses. 14 to 16 July 2025

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Tutors carefully plan and sequence the curriculum to help learners progressively develop the new knowledge and skills that they need. In enterprise workshops, tutors begin by teaching learners how to calculate profit and loss. They follow this by teaching learners about business law and financial management rules. Learners then produce a financial forecast which identifies the costs and cashflow needed for their businesses.

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Tutors use effective teaching methods to help learners understand new and unfamiliar topics. For example, tutors demonstrate different ways of using AI to gather information. They then explain how to translate this into digital content for use in marketing.

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Tutors use a range of assessment methods effectively to check learners’ understanding. They use questioning well in workshops, and learners respond verbally or by using online chat functions. Tutors observe learners completing practical tasks and provide them with helpful feedback on what they do well and what they need to do to improve their work.

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Tutors provide helpful support to learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They participate in neurodiversity training and develop relevant strategies to support learners with SEND. For example, tutors ensure that learners with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder receive frequent breaks to help them manage their needs.

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Tutors embed English and mathematics well in workshop activities. They identify opportunities for learners to practise English by setting tasks where learners demonstrate speaking, listening and communication skills. In finance sessions, learners develop mathematical skills in calculating and then in forecasting profit and loss.

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Learners feel safe in online workshops and value the support that tutors provide to help them manage their well-being. Tutors conduct personal checks with learners who work from home to assure themselves that learners are not feeling isolated. Tutors direct learners to sources of external support that helps them to maintain positive mental health.

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Leaders and managers are mindful of staff workload and well-being. They ensure that the workloads of freelance tutors are agreed well in advance and that they have the resources they need.

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Board members are very experienced in adult education and funding. They support leaders and challenge them to tackle weaknesses to ensure that the curriculum is implemented effectively. 14 to 16 July 2025

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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 learners are provided with accurate information, advice and guidance so that they enrol on the right course based on their starting points.  Provide learners with relevant information about their next steps. 14 to 16 July 2025

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Provider details

Address 6 Esther Court Wansbeck Business Park Ashington Northumberland NE63 8AP

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection 22 to 24 November 2022

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Provider details

Main subcontractors None 14 to 16 July 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the skills manager, 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

Chloe Rendall, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Jacquie Brown His Majesty’s Inspector 14 to 16 July 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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