Our approach generally follows a set procedure which we have developed to ensure you are kept informed at every stage. Of course, we always recognise that each commission we undertake needs to be scoped and tailored to meet our clients’ bespoke needs but our process normally follows these lines. If you are interested in our recruitment services, we have a slightly different set of steps which better fit its needs.

Client need is established

We will meet with the client to discuss and evaluate the needs that the organisation has initially identified. At this meeting we will clarify what level of support is needed. We will be seeking to establish an understanding of the needs the organisation has and the role you wish us to play. We will also clarify the timescales that you are working to.

Working up project proposals

We will meet with Senior Associates in the company to consider potential approaches to meeting the client’s needs. These will be developed into an outline proposal for the project that is required, with quality assurance procedures built-in. We will also calculate the indicative costings.

Possible project is identified

We will meet with the client to provide an outline of the potential training, research and development or support programme designed to meet your needs and discuss the quality assurance procedures to be put in place. Indicative costings will be discussed allowing you to select priorities for development. Following this meeting the project team of Associates will finalise the proposal for submission and will identify a project manager for consideration by the client.

Programme agreed and contracted

The programme proposals of the project, identifying the roles and delivery responsibilities of Associates and a lead Senior Associate to co-ordinate the programme, are formally specified and outlined in a contract with Northern Education for agreement with the client. Within the contract, delivery timescales and quality assurance protocols are specified.

During the project

Northern Education is unique in recognising that flexibility is essential if a project’s programme objectives are to be achieved. This is because new programmes, once commenced, frequently reveal new and important information that needs to be taken into account and acted upon. The lead Senior Associate is therefore always expected to maintain close contact with the client to ensure that the project is being delivered in ways that are responsive to the project’s objectives and the desired outcomes. The Senior Associate will facilitate modifications to the project’s programme where it is essential and it is agreed that this is in the interests of achieving the agreed outcomes.

Project completion

Northern Education will carry out a full audit of the research and development programme’s impact through the agreed quality assurance procedures. An evaluation report will be provided to the client.