Turn capable team leaders into strategic operations managers who drive performance, lead change, and deliver measurable results. Your people gain the skills, confidence, and a nationally recognised CMI or ILM qualification to operate at the highest level — fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Streamline processes, manage supply chains, optimise resources, and lead operational teams to deliver consistent, measurable results across the business.
Master performance management, coaching, talent development, and employee engagement. Build high-performing teams through evidence-based leadership.
Develop financial acumen — budgets, forecasting, cost control, and commercial awareness. Make data-driven decisions that protect margins and fuel growth.
Lead cross-functional projects from scoping to delivery. Apply agile and waterfall methodologies, manage risk, and deliver on time and within budget.
Champion organisational change with empathy and structure. Drive sustainable transformation using proven frameworks and genuine stakeholder buy-in.
The comprehensive management toolkit — governance, compliance, strategic planning, and decision-making for department heads, area managers, and operations leads.
This programme is designed for experienced professionals who've been managing by instinct and want to formalise their skills with recognised frameworks, practical theory, and a nationally accredited qualification. We meet you where you are.
A nationally recognised Level 5 qualification that demonstrates strategic management competence — valued by employers across every sector. Most providers either charge extra for this or don't offer it at all. We include it as standard, and you choose the awarding body that best fits your career goals.
Full CMI member status. Access to resources, events, CPD tools, and the UK's largest management community. Foundation for Chartered Manager (CMgr).
Professional recognition of leadership capability. Access to IoL resources, networks, and ongoing development.
With 3+ years of management experience, graduates can apply for CMgr MCMI — the gold standard in UK management.
We reviewed the UK's leading Level 5 providers so you don't have to. Here's where TESS stands out — and where others fall short.
| Feature | TESS | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| CMI or ILM L5 Certificate | Included | Extra / None |
| Choice of Awarding Body | CMI or ILM | CMI only |
| Dedicated Skills Coach | 1-to-1 | Varies |
| Mock EPAs Before Gateway | 3 Full Mocks | 0–1 |
| E-Portfolio Platform | OneFile | Varies |
| Ofsted Rating | Good | Varies |
| Google & Trustpilot Rating | 4.9/5 Both | Not listed |
Emotional intelligence, reflective practice, MBTI, Johari Window, personal development planning, CPD
Equality Act, GDPR, H&S legislation, EDI, unconscious bias, organisational governance, wellbeing
GROW, OSKAR & CLEAR coaching models, SBI feedback, 9-Box Grid, talent management, Kirkpatrick evaluation
SMART goals, OKRs, Tuckman, Belbin, Maslow, Herzberg, conflict resolution, ACAS procedures
Organisational culture models, Schein, Hofstede, stakeholder engagement, digital communication strategies
Mendelow's matrix, stakeholder mapping, principled negotiation, cross-functional collaboration, influence
Corporate governance, risk registers, ISO 31000, regulatory frameworks, financial governance, audit
PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces, SWOT, market analysis, competitor benchmarking, economic factors
Kotter's 8-step, Lewin's model, ADKAR, change curves, resilience, continuous improvement
PRINCE2 principles, agile frameworks, Gantt charts, resource allocation, budget management, ROI
Triple bottom line, ESG, circular economy, business continuity, risk appetite, scenario planning
Balanced scorecard, Ansoff matrix, blue ocean strategy, evidence-based decisions, vision-setting
4,000-word report on a real business challenge. 20-minute presentation followed by 40-minute Q&A with your assessor. Scoped at month 6, executed during EPA.
60-minute structured discussion using your OneFile portfolio. Covers: managing teams, organisational governance, operational planning, and stakeholder relationships.
3 Full Mock EPAs before Gateway — mock Professional Discussion, mock Presentation & Q&A, and a full simulation. Dedicated skills coach support throughout, all evidence built on OneFile.
"This programme transformed how I approach leadership. The combination of theory, practical application, and the CMI certificate gave me the credibility and confidence to step into a director-level role."
Independently verified quality. Our training meets the highest standards of delivery, learner support, and outcomes — not a claim, a fact.
Exceptional learner satisfaction across both platforms. Our reviews speak for themselves — consistently rated among the best in the UK.
No extra fees. A nationally recognised Level 5 qualification — and unlike most providers, we give you the choice of awarding body.
The UK's leading e-portfolio platform — used by 600+ training providers. All learning, evidence, and EPA preparation in one place.
Every learner completes three full mock assessments before Gateway. No surprises. Maximum confidence. Best possible outcomes.
The most comprehensive theory integration on the market. From Goleman to Kotter, Belbin to balanced scorecard — applied to your workplace.
Fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or 95% government co-investment.