Joanne Pitcher

I am a highly motivated, resilient and forward-thinking senior leader with extensive experience of developing people, improving performance and leading organisational change within a complex educational environment. Throughout my career, I have been particularly motivated by supporting individuals to recognise their strengths, develop their confidence and achieve their potential. I am now looking to build on this experience by pursuing a career in Learning and Development, where I can focus more directly on developing people, delivering effective training and supporting organisations to build capability and high-performing teams.

Head of School - Gloucestershire College

(2016-05)

In my current role as Head of Department, I provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure high standards of curriculum delivery, teaching, learning, assessment, student experience and staff performance. I have accountability for the overall effectiveness of a diverse area of curriculum provision, including full-time and adult learners. I lead with high expectations, while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Led the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans, aligning curriculum delivery with organisational priorities and learner and employer needs
• Oversight of quality assurance, performance monitoring, curriculum planning and the effective use of data to identify priorities and drive improvement
• Extensive experience of coaching, mentoring and developing staff, using a supportive but challenging approach to improve confidence, capability and performance
• Designed and delivered staff training and CPD in response to identified needs
• Managed apprenticeship provision, with understanding of learner progress, employer engagement, compliance, quality assurance and effective relationships
• Effective resource and financial management, ensuring staffing, budgets and resources are aligned to strategic priorities
• Worked collaboratively with colleagues across different areas of the college, as well as with external stakeholders and employers
• Delivered sustained improvements in learner outcomes and experience, strengthening staff performance and professional practice
• Led curriculum development and change, and embedded systems that support continuous improvement

Director - Arete Training and Development Ltd

(2015-07 - 2017-01)

Managed own business which consisted of consultancy and training services to both education and the hospitality sector

Curriculum Manager - Bournville College

(2012-08 - 2015-07)

Curriculum Manager for the Hospitality and Catering department which involved leading and managing a team of lecturers, assessors and support staff in the delivery of hospitality programmes that included 14-16-year-old programmes, 16-19 study programmes, adult provision, apprenticeships, ESF delivery, full cost recovery and international programmes. I was responsible for driving performance and quality of education which incorporated contributing to the college SAR and QIP.

• On joining Bournville, the department had been self-assessed as a Grade 3 provision and progressed to a 'Good with Outstanding factors' in just one year
• Applied effective leadership skills and strategies involving motivating the team, identifying a clear vision and plan, enhancing and developing the curriculum offer
• Implemented at risk monitoring, rigorous tracking and enhancement of learner experience
• Curriculum was highlighted as a centre of excellence by the sector skills council, People 1st
• Played an active role in the Ofsted inspection in May 2024 and received a staff award from senior leaders for contributions
• Improved success rates on all full-time programmes within a year of appointment with four courses achieving 100% success rates
• Improved and motivated team all received grade 1 or 2 lesson observations from the quality team
• Records identified that 100% of learners progressed into employment, further education or higher levels of study
• Acted as budget holder including the management of the training restaurant, ensuring classes were maximised and permanent staff were fully deployed

Lecturer and Quality Assurance Reviewer - North East Worcestershire College

(2009-08 - 2012-08)

This consisted of 2 roles; a Quality Reviewer (0.4) and Lecturer in Hospitality (0.6).

• Quality Reviewer: carried out lesson observations and learning walks in all aspects of college provision
• Conducted quality assurance reviews, supporting and mentoring staff and teams
• Assisted the Head of Quality with providing staff training and development
• Lecturer: taught on a range of programmes, acting as Course Leader teaching levels 1 to 5

Apprenticeship Co-ordinator - South Worcestershire College (Evesham College)

(2003-11 - 2009-08)

Delivery and coordinator for a range of apprenticeship programmes that included Business, Team Leading, Management and Hospitality

Various positions - Various positions

(1990 - 2003-08)

During this time, from leaving college, a range of positions held