Critical friend service

Please note: We can offer our critical friend service remotely if desired.

Matt Bromley has extensive experience as a advisor working with college leaders and boards on a wide range of projects.

This service is always tailored to meet the unique needs of the institution but commonly includes the following:

Running an inspection base-room
Review and annotation of existing documentation with suggestions for improvement
Revision of existing documentation
Production of original documents including policies and procedures, strategies, action plans, self-evaluation reports, data analyses, synopses of external evidence, graphics, etc.
Production of training materials
Delivery of training
Meetings with senior leaders, middle leaders and teachers
Mentoring / coaching of staff
Mock interviews and inspection meetings with staff
Round the clock help and advice via telephone and/or email
Regular dispatches of relevant research materials and news articles
The development and implementation of new systems and structures, including for the purposes of quality assurance and performance management

The level of support – and indeed the balance between support and challenge, constructive criticism and friendship – is always determined by the institution. It can be anything from a single telephone call to bounce ideas around and seek a fresh pair of eyes, or a day on-site working with key staff, to weeks, months or years of continued assistance both on- and off-site.

He has led on Strategic College Improvement Fund (SCIF) projects and other funded initiatives with accountability to government.

Download our Client Information Pack for more information.

Here’s what some of our happy clients have said about our consultancy services:

“Matt’s critical friend service has allowed us to reflect objectively on our strengths and weaknesses and assess the best direction of travel. Supported by Matt, we have reviewed all our teaching, learning and assessment practices from a fresh perspective and are confident we are keeping abreast of the latest pedagogical thinking, which has been particularly important with the launch of a new inspection framework. Matt has supported the college in reshaping quality assurance and improvement practices and is involved with the development of our future curriculum. He asks those pertinent, challenging questions which help leaders to articulate plans.” – FE college principal and deputy CEO

“Matt is a critical friend who guides the college’s vision… without ever imposing his own opinions. Matt is very focused on the now but always has his pulse on the future, quick to share his vast experience to unravel the complexity of the FE sector. [As a result,] Matt has helped shape the organisation.” – FE college head of quality

“[We] really benefit having Matt Bromley put [us] under scrutiny. [He provides] clarity on best practice and how we can be even better.” – FE college vice principal

“A fantastic [visit], thank you! [We’re] motivated and inspired!” – secondary school senior leader

“An amazing session by Matt Bromley – really inspirational.“ – secondary school assistant headteacher

“[The visit] really hit the mark, many thanks.” – secondary school vice principal

“[It was] great having Matt with us. [He] inspired us to even greater excellence and achievements.” – secondary school senior leader

“Tough weeks are always much easier to face when supported by an expert critical friend. Thanks Matt Bromley for your advice, guidance and support.” – FE college vice principal

“Thank you Matt Bromley. Your support and advice have been invaluable.” – secondary school assistant headteacher

“Matt Bromley gave our SCITT trainees, RQTs and NQTs lots to think about. Great session!” – MAT SCITT leader

To discuss how we can help your school or college, please contact us. We’d be happy to put you in touch with some our happy clients so you can hear what they think of our service.