In the Spotlight: Liam Fox – Lead IQA for Sports and Schools
This month, our In the Spotlight feature focuses on Liam Fox, Lead Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) for Sports and Schools at Heart of England Training (HOET). Liam has been part of the team for just over five years and plays an important role in maintaining quality and consistency across our sports apprenticeships and schools training programmes.
Career Progression at HOET
Liam’s journey at HOET shows how commitment and growth go hand in hand.
“I started as an educator, then became more involved within sport,” Liam explains. “From there, I became IQA for Sport, and later supported the IQA for Schools team. That’s now developed into my current split role as Lead IQA for Sports and Schools.”
In his current position, Liam works closely with tutors and assessors to ensure teaching, learning and assessment meet the high standards HOET is known for. His focus is on supporting colleagues, identifying areas for improvement, and celebrating success.
“I like the aspect of working with multiple different people and looking to influence positive change and celebrate the great work that all of them provide.”
What Does an IQA Do?
Our Internal Quality Assurers play key roles in education and training, ensuring that assessment practices are consistent and fair. IQAs at HOET work behind the scenes to check that learners’ work meets the required standards and that assessors are supported to deliver quality outcomes.
Liam’s role is vital in maintaining the credibility of our apprenticeship and full-time programmes — especially within the sports and schools sectors, where standards, performance, and learner development are central to success.
Support and Teamwork
Liam is quick to recognise the support he’s had along the way. “Rachel, Holly, Ben, Gemma and Jill have all played a part in supporting me over the years,” he says.
That collaborative spirit is something Liam values highly. It’s part of what makes working at HOET rewarding — a team where everyone shares a focus on quality and helping learners succeed.
Before Joining HOET
Before joining Heart of England Training, Liam worked as a teacher in a Special Educational Needs (SEN) department and as a sports coach in schools. These experiences built his understanding of how education and sport can work together to help young people reach their potential — something that continues to shape his approach to quality assurance today.
Outside of Work
Away from HOET, Liam enjoys golf, football, spending time with his wife, and walking the dogs. Staying active and making time for the things he enjoys helps him maintain balance — something he encourages others to do too.
Recognising Quality and Positive Change
Liam’s work as Lead IQA helps ensure that learners across HOET’s programmes receive the best possible experience. His approach combines professional standards with a genuine commitment to improvement — reflecting the values that underpin everything HOET does.
“I like the aspect of working with multiple different people and looking to influence positive change and celebrate the great work that all of them provide.” – Liam Fox
Interested in finding out more about our apprenticeship and training opportunities?
Explore our latest programmes in sports, education, and more at www.hoet.co.uk.
