Tina Allen

Course Director

Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business

As Course Director for Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business at the University of Staffordshire, I oversee the design, delivery, and assessment of higher and degree apprenticeship programmes. My career spans senior leadership in private and FE sectors, Early Years, and training and assessment roles across operational management. I bring extensive expertise in course design, validation, and quality assurance

I have built strong employer partnerships nationally, securing income via tendering, including a £9.5 m MOD contract. A highlight of my work is the Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship team earning the ILM Excellence in EPA Award – the only HEI in the UK

Drawing on my lived experience as a first-generation graduate, my writing—such as “From the Barracks to the Books”—showcases my commitment to lifelong learning, resilience, and inclusive education.

Professional memberships and activities

  • Chartered Management Institute member
  • CMBE accredited 

Academic qualifications

  • Master of Business and Administration (Distinction)
  • BA (Hons) Education
  • Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QTLS)
  • Diplomas in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services
  • Internal Verifier & Assessor
  • Senior Fellowship, Higher Education Academy

Expertise

  • Strategic Leadership and Management
  • Higher & Degree Apprenticeships (particularly ODMA CMDA SLA)
  • Curriculum design, validation and quality assurance
  • Employer engagement and strategic partnerships
  • Work-based learning pedagogy and facilitation
  • Regulatory compliance & EPA excellence
  • Digital learning, Data-informed decision-making, Team leadership

Research interests

My interests include pedagogy for work-based learning, inclusive teaching, and employer-university co-creation. I regularly contribute to institutional discourse and sector publications, including my university blog.

Grants

  • EU MSCA-ITN-ETN “OBERON” Opto-Biomechanical Eye Research Network proposal number 956720, Total value 3.88 million euro (2021-2025).

Enterprise and commercial interests

I lead tender-writing and employer relationship strategies, securing contracts and embedding live industry projects within our programmes. This model consistently delivers strong outcomes, as seen by the ODMA, and SLA 100% EPA distinction rate and has earned national recognition.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021