Why Us
We harness the knowledge of global experts to develop and inspire your teams.
About us
Since 2004 we have been working work with some of the UK's largest organisations to raise the bar on skills, capability, and performance.
Whether it's levy-funded development, commercial programmes or inspirational speakers, we combine global thought leadership with high impact learning design. Backed by a global network of over 1,000 experts, we give people the skills to grow and organisations the capability to thrive.
Case Studies
"Their innovative and engaging ways really set them apart from other suppliers, as they put learner experience at the forefront of their programmes."
TalkTalk | Testimonial
"They understand our business and not only give great content and skills to our managers, but challenge their thinking and get them to point the mirror at themselves."
Telent | Testimonial
Latest Insights
Inspire
Inspire people with inspirational stories through our motivational speakers
Inspire people to tap into their full potential through our learning
Inspire people to create change through our programmes
Inspire people to innovate, disrupt and progress through our digital creations
Inspire our customers to believe through all our interactions
Our Values
Energy
We bring positivity & enthusiasm to every interaction, creating vibrant, inspiring experiences where everyone can thrive.
Growth
Our growth mindset & commitment to continuous improvement drives ourselves, our people & our clients to reach their full potential.
Collaboration
We create positive, dynamic & inclusive environments enabling our people to produce exceptional results together.
Innovation
We embrace change & cultivate cutting-edge thinking to propel our business & industry forward with new ways of working.
Janette Healey
Head of Apprenticeships
Before starting to work at Raise the Bar I had partnered with them previously in a different role and loved their ethos and passion even back then. They had been very different in their approach to other partners we worked with and worked alongside me to give my clients and delegates a first class experience, so when I was contacted about the role I was immediately interested as I know my values aligned and I felt I could make a difference, never imagining the journey we would go on together over the next few years.
I started with Raise the Bar back in 2019 as a part time Account Manager, I had taken some time away from work over the Summer of 2019 due to personal bereavements and a part time role fitted around what I needed at that time with my family.
In 2020 the Apprenticeship Division of Raise the Bar underwent a lot of change, some linked to Covid, and other areas were linked to improvement plans that we had put in place. Early in 2020 I went up to 4 days a week and finished the year full time, during that time the team expanded and changed too.
My role changed from Account Manager to Apprenticeship Operations manager and a leadership team was put in place within Apprenticeships that I led. I am now Head of Apprenticeships and on our Executive Board within Raise the Bar and our team has gone from strength to strength with some difficulties along the way but coming out stronger every time.
My team are amazing, we jokingly refer to ourselves as the “Dream Team” but for me that couldn’t be more accurate, every single member of the team adds value, ideas, challenges, cares and supports each other and there is nothing more that I could ask of them. They have helped me become a better manager as I hope I have developed & impacted them.
Shaun Lanceley
Executive Director
Shaun works closely with our clients to understand their requirements, and develop and implement high quality Raise the Bar leadership and management development and learning solutions, including Levy funded apprenticeships.
Shaun has enjoyed a career working at senior level leader in multiple blue chip organisations and across sectors including financial services, engineering, manufacturing, energy, defence, automotive, emergency services and outsourcing. Specialising in learning and talent consultancy and needs analysis, he was previously a Director at a £1Bn turnover Global training provider overseeing the design, set-up and management of outsourced learning and apprenticeship contracts.
Steve Smith
Founding Director
Steve has a passion for elite performance. He’s an entrepreneur, as well as an Olympic Medallist in Athletics. A well-known leadership speaker in his own right, his focus is strategy, marketing, innovation and products, ensuring our approach always raises the bar for our clients.
Jonathan Stanger
Founding Director
Jonathan has a passion for personal and professional development. A former Sports Agent and Professional Footballer, he takes a strategic role in the continual development of both the Learning and Speaker Business. A background in business development ensures he keeps close to the client relationship side of the business, working closely with the commercial teams to drive the business forward. Jonathan also speaks on the topic of Mental Health and is currently completing his Level 5 Coaching Apprenticeship. Outside of work he loves family time, keeping fit, walking the dogs, attending concerts/festivals and playing golf.
Steve Charnock
Non Exec Director
Steve is a qualified chartered accountant who brings a wealth of experience in investing and growing organisations. A successful investor and entrepreneur he was recognised for his analytical skills by Reuters and he co-founded Cenkos Fund Managers and Seneca Partners, he is also Chairman of Service Solutions Group.
Ian Smith
Non Exec Director
Ian has wide experience spanning over 36 years in all aspects of further education and across provider types. He is a former Ofsted Senior Her Majesty’s Inspector (SHMI)and has 20 years recent experience in inspection, having worked as a senior manager for the Adult Learning Inspectorate. Ian has managed a national quality improvement service and has experience of managing education programmes for young people, apprenticeships, community learning and adult skills provisions. Currently, Ian is working as a consultant and advisor in the Further Education sector, supporting colleges and independent providers. He is non-executive director of a number of ILPs.
Want to Join Our Team?
We never expect anyone to just fit the mould – whatever your specialism or skill level, we give you the space to own what you do best.
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