.png)
.png)
STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS ORGANISATIONS NAVIGATING CHANGE, QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
NIW CONSULTING WORKS WITH COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, INDEPENDENT TRAINING PROVIDERS AND EMPLOYERS TO STRENGTHEN LEADERSHIP, ENHANCE QUALITY AND INFORM SOUND DECISION-MAKING IN COMPLEX REGULATORY CONTEXTS.
MEET DR. NICKY WESTWOOD
Dr Nicky Westwood is a West Midlands–based independent education and skills consultant with over 20 years’ experience across post-16 education, including higher education, further education, apprenticeships and workforce development. Through NIW Consulting Ltd, she works in partnership with universities, colleges, independent training providers and employers to strengthen learning provision, address workforce skills gaps and embed inclusive, high-quality approaches that deliver lasting impact.
Nicky brings extensive senior leadership experience, having held roles including Director/Associate Dean for Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Director of Business Development (Apprenticeships), Interim Director of Teaching Excellence, and Head of Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Interprofessional Education. She is widely trusted by organisations to provide clear, evidence-led insight and critical challenge at senior and operational levels.
Through NIW Consulting, this experience translates into strategic review and direction-setting, curriculum and workforce development, as well as practical support that aligns both policy and practice.
A core focus of NIW Consulting is quality assurance and regulatory readiness. Nicky has supported organisations to meet requirements across Ofsted, Skills England (former ESFA and IfATE), Office for Students, Quality Assurance Agency and multiple Professional and Statutory Regulatory Body Requirements (PSRBs), including NMC and HCPC, and has acted as an Ofsted Nominee. Furthermore, Nicky undertakes roles as an External Examiner, Validation Panel Member and Office for Students Assessor, supporting organisations through periods of change and transition with confidence.
Alongside NIW Consulting, Nicky is an Associate at the University Vocational Awards Council, where she leads Degree Apprenticeship Knowledge Networks, delivers CPD and contributes to national workforce initiatives including the DfE-approved Apprenticeship Workforce Development Programme. She holds a Doctorate in Health and Wellbeing, an MA in Education, is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and remains a Registered Nurse (Adult) with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. NIW Consulting Ltd is a member of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, reflecting a trusted, evidence-led consultancy approach.
OUR SERVICES
KAY JONES
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
" We had the privilege of working with Nicky at NIW Consulting to support and advise on apprenticeship programme delivery and compliance at The University of Sussex. Her expertise has been invaluable.
Nicky provided expert advice and guidance, recommending changes to policies and processes that have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of our apprenticeship delivery. Her collaborative approach, deep knowledge, warm personality, and professionalism made her an indispensable part of our team during this critical phase.
Thanks to Nicky’s advice and guidance, we are now better positioned to deliver high-quality apprenticeships that meet the needs of both learners and employers. I would not hesitate to recommend her services to any institution looking to strengthen their apprenticeship offering and compliance framework."
