Beyond Inspection is a practical, one-day workshop designed specifically for the Adult Community Education (ACE) sector. Developed by HOLEX, it has been shaped explicitly through the lens of the sector – recognising the realities of diverse provision, varied learner journeys, the importance of community impact, and the central role of inclusion in adult learning.
This is not generic inspection training. It is a focused, sector-informed programme that translates Ofsted expectations into meaningful, practical action for ACE settings, grounded in real-world practice and the realities of leading quality in the sector.
See our full marketing leaflet here – HOLEX – Beyond Inspection – (Ofsted Nominee) Training – Leaflet – v2
Expert Insight from Inspection and Practice
The session is led by Peter Nelson, a HOLEX Associate and highly experienced former HMI. Peter brings a detailed understanding of how inspection judgements are formed, how evidence is triangulated, and how the new Ofsted toolkit is being applied in practice. His contribution gives delegates a valuable insight into the inspector mindset and the factors that shape decision-making during an inspection.
The workshop also features input from Hannah Kirkham, Quality Manager at Leeds City Council. Hannah leads quality improvement within a HOLEX member organisation judged Outstanding under the previous framework and has been directly involved in the pilot and early implementation of the new toolkit. Her perspective provides a practical, real-world view of what effective inspection readiness looks like from within an organisation preparing for and responding to inspection.
Fees
The fee for this full-day workshop is the same whether you attend in person or online. Rates are based on your organisation’s HOLEX membership status and, for non-members, whether your organisation operates on a non-profit or commercial basis.
- HOLEX members – £195 plus VAT
- Non-members (non-profit organisations) – £245 plus VAT
- Non-members (commercial organisations) – £350 plus VAT
Dates, Delivery and Bookings
Follow the links below to book via our Ticket Tailor site. Payment can be made via credit card, or by selecting the pay by invoice option upon checkout.
What the Training Covers
Throughout the day, delegates will:
- Learn how to use the toolkit as a live quality improvement and self-assessment resource.
- Recognise the toolkit as a practical, ongoing framework for strengthening provision, not simply as a tool for inspection.
- Examine the growing emphasis on inclusion, learner impact, leadership and governance.
- Build confidence in articulating organisational strengths and areas for improvement.
- Develop a clear understanding of the renewed Ofsted approach and what it means in practice for Adult Community Education (ACE).
- Take part in practical, scenario-based exercises grounded in real ACE inspection situations.
- Explore the strategic role of the nominee before, during and after inspection.
- Understand how inspectors triangulate evidence and test the consistency of an organisation’s narrative, with a view to assessing your own service and context through this lens.
Why Attend?
By the end of the day, delegates will be better equipped to:
- Position their organisation confidently using the new inspection toolkit.
- Present evidence of impact, inclusion and leadership effectiveness with clarity and credibility.
- Prepare staff, learners and governors in a joined-up and confident way.
- Respond strategically and professionally throughout the inspection process.
- Strengthen quality systems so that inspection readiness becomes a natural outcome of effective practice.
- Use the inspection toolkit as a driver for continuous improvement rather than simply a compliance exercise.
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Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed primarily for current and aspiring Ofsted nominees who want to strengthen their confidence and practice in applying the renewed Ofsted approach and inspection toolkit. It will be equally valuable for those who support inspection readiness and play a key role in shaping quality and governance across their organisation, including:
- Heads of Service and senior leaders
- Quality managers and curriculum leads
- Governance leads and board members
- Anyone with responsibility for inspection readiness, self-assessment, or quality improvement
Delegate Pre-requisites
To ensure delegates gain maximum value from the workshop, the following pre-requisites apply:
- Delegates should be working in Adult Community Education and have a reasonable working knowledge of current further education and skills inspection toolkit prior to attending.
- Each delegate must bring a printed copy of the Toolkit, which will be used for detailed analysis and planning activities during the day.
- Each delegate must bring a laptop or suitable device, as an electronic workbook will be provided and completed live during the session. This workbook will form a practical resource to take away and use beyond the workshop.
- There will be a small amount of preparatory work to complete before the session, designed to maximise the value of the live workshop content.
- Delegates should come prepared to actively engage in practical exercises, discussion, and scenario-based activity drawn from real inspection contexts.
