South Tyneside Works
Hayley Lord tells her story about using Mesma software combined with our specialist support, in her own words.
“South Tyneside Works are part of South Tyneside Council delivering ESFA funded Adult Skills Budget Provision, Study Programme, Multiply and Skills Bootcamps across South Tyneside for approximately 3,000 learners each year.
I manage the Quality Assurance Team at South Tyneside Works and we oversee the quality of 26 sub-contracted partners.
Mesma has supported us in developing the tools and practices to excel in our approach – improving the quality of education for learners across South Tyneside and generating positive outcomes.”
Products and Services:
- Evaluate and Enquire
- Improve
- Consultancy Support
The impact:
- Quality project objectives met at 12-month review.
- A fully implemented quality strategy.
- 70% time-reduction on self-assessment activities.
- Significant reputational value and confidence in our approach amongst our internal and external stakeholders.
- A positive outcome at Ofsted inspection (good). In the report, our subcontractor arrangements were described as “very thorough and effective” and inspectors told us that our practices are “sophisticated”.
Our subcontractors feedback tells us:
“The development we receive from South Tyneside Council far exceeds our other prime contractors as it feels like a partnership where the team are invested in our combined success and growth.”
“The deep dive approach implemented by South Tyneside Council has supported a positive outcome at our own Ofsted inspection, where we used the reports and development areas as evidence sources. “
“My advice to others who are considering working with Mesma:
Take every bit of advice given. Mesma are there to help you to improve and they are regarded as industry experts for a reason. If you are open to exploring new and improved ways of working, they will undoubtedly enhance your practice.
It is rare that you engage with an organisation who care so much about your organisation. Mesma embodies the true culture of quality improvement.”
“Background:
Before I joined South Tyneside Works, I had been a director of a private training company. When I arrived, I applied tried and tested methods of undertaking direct observations and reviewing subcontractor planning documentation, alongside our wider quality framework.
Looking for a quality solution:
We initially deployed Mesma software to house our quality operations activities and records in one place. We were looking for a solution specifically tailored to Quality Assurance in adult education. Our internal systems were great but didn’t meet our needs – it was like trying fit a round peg in a square hole.
Mesma far exceeded our expectations. It is much more than just a data repository, it helps to shape the way you operate to constantly develop, improve and excel.
During initial discussions with Mesma I felt like somebody had crawled into my brain, understood exactly what I wanted and produced a software package just for me!
I genuinely enjoyed each interaction with the team. It wasn’t a ‘hard sell’ of the product. We had meaningful discussions about the educational sector and prevalent topics within quality assurance.
Implementing Mesma software:
We initially transferred our templates into Enquire on Mesma. We were able to then step away from multiple spreadsheets to analyse overall performance patterns and trends.
The resources were excellent for on-boarding staff. They are expertly pitched and presented with a good pace and easy to follow instructions and examples. Users can revisit topics at leisure.
The Mesma team are always on hand for more complex queries. They are knowledgeable, passionate about quality, and helpful in discussing quality operations and how to effectively drive quality improvements.
The turning point:
We then engaged Carole Loader at Mesma to undertake a quality review. At the time I was confident in our approach but during the review, it became clear to me that we had built practices as a delivery organisation and not a quality management organisation.
We needed to do things differently to ensure our practices were efficient and effective for our supply chain partners. It was refreshingly easy to be open and honest with Carole; To seek help and be given positive support during the process.
How we did it:
Carole supported us to implement a set of rapid improvement actions which completely shifted our approach to quality management.
For me it was great timing; I had embarked on a Senior Leadership master’s programme which incorporated the project. The support I received from Carole felt like mentoring. She has had a significant impact on the way that I now operate. I feel privileged that she invested her time and resource to supporting me and my organisation to improve. I will be forever grateful for this.
Using Mesma software to drive forward results:
We aligned our new strategy with Mesma software which further enhanced the transformation project. We made use of the training and support options, webinars and opportunities to share best practice.
The deep dives templates ensured we were on the right track, with all activities aligned to the inspection framework, and we adapted them for our learner and sessions visits. The Mesma support team helped us every step of the way to ensure optimum success and allowed us to mobilise very quickly.
The reports enable us to download, analyse, and present quality performance data to senior leadership teams – without worrying about potential anomalies and inconsistencies from data entry errors in spreadsheets.”
