Kevin Hannaford CQP GCGI EngTech

Chartered Quality Professional | Higher Degree Apprenticeship Coach | Ex-RAF Engineering Leader | ITSM & Cybersecurity Advocate

Redcar And Cleveland, England, United Kingdom

About

As a Chartered Quality Professional (CQP) and EngTech with over 40 years of experience in engineering, IT service management, and leadership, I bring a unique blend of military precision and academic mentorship. After a distinguished RAF career, I now coach the next generation of engineers and digital professionals at Teesside University. 🔹 Expertise in ITSM, Cybersecurity, and Quality Systems 🔹 Advocate for lifelong learning and professional development 🔹 Passionate about mentoring apprentices and shaping future leaders

Experience

  • Teesside University (Part-time · 4 yrs 10 mos)
    • Lead Apprenticeship Quality Coach (AO & Systems)
      Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

      Leading the delivery and quality assurance of End Point Assessment activities across Teesside University's apprenticeship programmes. Responsible for managing Assessment Organisation operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies (Ofsted, DfE, OfS), and supporting apprentices through tailored EPA engagement. Key responsibilities: Overseeing EPA planning, monitoring, and learner support. Streamlining Assessment Organisation processes and manage assessment data. Leading EPA events and act as first contact for Apprenticeship Quality Coaches. Supporting Independent Assessors and Academic Mentors. Driving quality improvement through data analysis and compliance reporting. Managing complaints, appeals, and regulatory requirements.

    • Higher Degree Apprenticeship Quality Coach
      Sep 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Supporting Level 4 CertHE, Level 6 BEng/BSc (Hons), and Level 7 MSc Digital Degree Apprenticeships across engineering, life sciences, and digital disciplines. Ensuring programme delivery aligns with ESFA funding rules and Teesside University policies. Accountable for planning, monitoring, and supporting learner progress, achievement, and retention through to end-point assessment readiness. Apprenticeships supported include: • Engineering: Asset Manager, Control/Technical Support Engineer, Electrical/Electronic Technical Support Engineer, Electronic Systems Design & Development Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Product Design & Development Engineer, Science Industry Process & Plant Engineer • Life Sciences: Laboratory Scientist, Food Science & Technology Specialist • Digital & Technology: Software Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, IT Project Manager

  • Royal Air Force (RAF) (Full-time · 40 yrs 3 mos)
    • Space Operations - Engineering Plans
      Feb 2019 - Sep 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Communications Engineering Subject Matter Expert within the UK/US Ballistic Missile Early Warning Service, Allied Space Surveillance Network, and US Missile Defense System. IT Project Manager lead for the RAF in the Air and Cyber domains. Data Protection Advisor responsible for overseeing the Station’s data protection strategy and implementation, ensuring that it complies with GDPR and DPA 2018. - Director General (AIR Command, Air Officer 11 Group) Team Commendation - Outstanding Multi-Domain Planning (Air, Space, Cyber)

    • Unit Engineering Officer
      May 2020 - Nov 2020 · 7 mos

      Unit Engineering Officer managing fifty-five RAF Cyberspace and Communications Infrastructure Technicians, Aerospace Operators, Medics and Army Royal Signals personnel within the Air Surveillance, Ground Based Air Defence, Airfield Navigational Aids and Aerial Maintenance sections across East and West Falklands.

    • Cyberspace Communications Specialist Trade Sponsor
      Jan 2016 - Feb 2019 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Specialist advisor in the linked processes that sustain the RAF’s manning needs in the Information and Communications Technology Technician, Communications Infrastructure Technician and Information and Communications Technology Manager engineering trade group, both Regulars and Reservists. Requirements setting, through selection, recruitment, training, remuneration and career management, to the retention of c3000 tradesmen. Champion of the structural sustainability and functional holder of the operational performance statements that define the professional and trade training of the trades’ personnel. Training Requirements Authority ensuring that Phase II Basic Trade and Phase III Pre-Employment training courses. Champion and accreditation sponsor of the associated Trailblazer Advanced Apprenticeships. Responsible for implementing the BCS SFIA, ISO/IEC 2000 ITSM and Cyberspace Communications Specialism into the Next Gen of the RAF.