Jan Richardson-Wilde, CEO of Occupational Awards Ltd (OAL), has been named Leader – Individual of the Year at the prestigious Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Awards 2024. This award recognises her compassionate leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and significant contributions to the education and skills sector over the last year and throughout her career.
Transforming OAL into a Sector Leader
Jan’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in OAL’s remarkable growth since her appointment in 2019. The organisation has evolved from a relatively unknown awarding and end-point assessment organisation (AO/EPAO) to nationally recognised sector leader.
Her term has seen income more than triple, and the number of standards OAL deliver expand from the Food & Drink and Furniture sectors to over 50 standards across Engineering & Manufacturing, Process & Improvement, Trade & Supply Chain, Retail, Business & Management and the Marine sector. The team at OAL has tripled in size to support enhanced delivery as a result.
The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Jan’s ability to adapt and innovate. In less than a month, she transitioned OAL’s operations to fully remote assessment, ensuring continuity and growth during a period of unprecedented disruption. Her collaboration with IfATE and trailblazer groups facilitated essential adaptations to end-point assessment processes.
An Advocate for Development and Diversity
Jan’s passion for empowering others is evident in her approach to team development and advocacy. She fosters a culture of growth, encouraging staff to enhance their skills, take on greater responsibilities, pursue career advancement.
Her leadership extends beyond OAL to champion diversity and inclusion within the apprenticeship sector. This year, she has actively supported initiatives like the Multi-Cultural Apprenticeship Awards and the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, promoting inclusivity and representation in apprenticeships.
Influence Across the Sector
Jan’s contributions to the education and skills sector extend far beyond her role at OAL. She co-founded the EPAO Quality Alliance, representing over 80 EPAOs and shaping national policy discussions. As a founding partner of the Association of Apprentices (AoA) she continues to drive forward its development and influence including the Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) the AoA developed with the Chartered Institute for Further Education. OAL have since become the first EPAO to cover PARS fees for all apprentices that complete EPA with them.
In collaboration with the DfE, IfATE and Ofqual, Jan has played a pivotal role in refining end-point assessment frameworks. Her efforts have streamlined processes, improved accessibility, ensured operational realities are considered in policymaking.
A Voice of Inspiration
This year, Jan’s expertise and leadership have been showcased at high-profile events, including the Apprenticeship Branding Conference and the FAB EPA Summer Conference. Her presentations are a testament to her depth of knowledge and her ability to inspire peers across the sector.
As well as picking up this individual award, as CEO, Jan oversaw OAL’s win of the AO & Provider Relationship of the Year Award at the FAB Awards, for the work they did in partnership with Bournemouth & Poole College supporting apprenticeship deliver in the Marine sector.
Jan’s dedication to excellence, advocacy for apprenticeships, and influence on national policy demonstrate the qualities celebrated by the FAB Awards. As she accepts this well-deserved recognition, she cements her legacy as a transformative leader in the education and skills sector.