Empowering Senior Leaders through Apprenticeship Collaboration

Background

Lincolnshire Co-op chose Lincoln Bishop University to deliver the Senior Leader Apprenticeship to a group of ambitious colleagues who are eager to take their leadership skills to the next level. By combining workplace experience with fresh knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs), the apprenticeship gave them the tools to make a real difference in their roles.

Lincoln Bishop University brings academic rigour and a learner-centred approach, while DSW Learning’s support is weaved throughout the programme making the assessment experience positive, supportive, and impactful.

The Challenge

Lincolnshire Co-op leaders required a Training Provider and Assessment Organisation who work collaboratively enabling colleagues to experience the high standards of a Level 7 qualification, while also delivering real workplace impact. Apprentices must juggle demanding leadership roles with study, and employers need confidence that the programme will align with the business values, strategy and goals.

Solution

DSW work closely with Lincoln Bishop University to build a robust EPA process. We provide toolkits, mock assessment materials, and amplification guides, with results and feedback often delivered in just two days. Our experienced End-point Assessors take time at gateway to ensure students meet them via Teams ahead of their assessment day to put a face to a name and answer any questions they or their employer may have. This makes an incredible difference to the confidence and comfort of students as they navigate through the EPA process. Our Account Manager James stays close to learners and employers, ensuring support is always on hand and that everything goes smoothly.

Lincolnshire Co-op utilises their apprenticeship levy to contribute to leadership development across the business, encouraging apprentices to apply their learning directly to strategic projects. Regular reviews keep everyone aligned and focused on outcomes.

Learner Welcome & Induction Support: From day one, apprentices are welcomed with dedicated support sessions with DSW. These sessions introduce them to DSW as their Assessment Organisation and walk them through the assessment requirements step by step. This gives learners clarity and confidence right from the start. After welcoming five colleagues onto the Senior Leader Apprenticeship in December 2025, DSW will host a learner welcome session during National Apprenticeship Week 2026, giving the learners the tools to work towards their assessment, right from the start.

Planning Meetings with Assessors: One of the most valued parts of the journey is the planning meeting between apprentices and their assessor. This gives learners the chance to agree dates of assessment, understand the format, and meet their assessor in advance. It’s something many other AOs don’t typically offer, and it gave apprentices peace of mind and reassurance about the understandably nerve-wracking process.

Outcomes

  • Apprentices report feeling more confident in strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and leading change
  • Lincolnshire Co-op can measure improvements in project delivery and team performance
  • DSW’s streamlined EPA process ensures timely completions and high satisfaction rates
  • Every learner who successfully completed their EPA with DSW is eligible to apply for Chartered Manager status with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – giving them professional recognition and membership that supports their career progression

Voices from the Partnership

“As Careers Development Lead, it’s my responsibility to ensure our colleagues receive the highest quality education from our external training providers and assessment organisations. Having the unique advantage of having experience in FE and End-Point Assessment, I understand what quality looks like and what we can do as an employer to ensure our colleagues can access the most effective support possible.

Lincoln Bishop University provide exceptional support for our colleagues, some of whom haven’t studied for many years and having DSW contributing to the programme throughout, it makes the final assessment less scary, more enjoyable and therefore more successful.”

Erika Stainton
Careers Development Lead
Lincolnshire Co-op

“This partnership shows what apprenticeships are all about – real learning, real impact. We’re proud to support these learners and see them thrive.”

Jake Tween
Director of Apprenticeships
DSW