Service Director, Community Services Review
at Cornwall Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Truro
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
At the time of my apprenticeship I worked in the Housing Service, working with partners to deliver strategic outcomes and managing a commissioning service that procured services on behalf of our homelessness service. Part way through the apprenticeship, I moved to managing the homelessness service, but retained responsibility for commissioning.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoyed the programme as it enabled me to learn about procurement in both the private and public sectors, provided me with new perspectives and challenged my thinking and approach to procurement. There was a mix of self-led learning, classroom teaching and a range of assessment methods.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship helped me to build on my existing knowledge as well as providing mw with new skills. It introduced me to practical tools, such as Pareto and Kraljic to develop pre-procurement and early market engagement, as well as cost management, selection and award criteria, and supplier management skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was really well organised. We were provided with a timetable for the whole programme, including exams and assessments, so I knew what I would be learning and when. I was well supported by a Coach, there was a set of books with detailed information and an online moodle site with resources and mock tests.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I didn't work directly in procurement and supply but my employer was able to support me via our Commercial Team, who were always happy to share there thinking and discuss issues with me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I received good support from my training provider. We had structured learning sessions, with revisions sessions approaching exam time, and I was supported by a Coach who could suggest other resources or support learning if I was struggling with a subject.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has definitely helped me to take a more commercial approach to procurement, as well as enabling me to speak the same language as my Commercial Team. I have a greater awareness of cost and pricing models and a better understanding of procurement ethics.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are a number of employee forums, an early career network and even a new Curiosity Cafe. We also have Fred Friday talks from external speakers to inspire and inform us about the latest trends and practices in digital transformation, communities, collaboration, teams, motivation, innovation and much more!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cornwall Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working in local government offers a diverse range of opportunities and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career. Cornwall Council support training and learning, especially apprenticeships and offer a range of benefits from flexible working through to an employee benefits scheme.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cornwall Council?
Read the role profile and make sure you address the key competencies in your application - we don't know you so your application is your chance to sell yourself! Talk about the role you played in a scenario to demonstrate each competency and include the outcome that you achieved.
