About Inspiratus
We help. We inspire. We educate.
Integrity, inspiration and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do.
Vicki Smith
Founder & CEO
Our story
From HMP Guys Marsh to Inspiratus
“I started life in HMP Guys Marsh as a supply tutor for the Education department, but swiftly went on to train as one of the Bricklaying Instructors. My father was a Senior Officer in the PE Department, which gave me a unique insight into prisons my whole life, and then into the development of education in HM Prisons.
“I established Astara Training in 2013, a social enterprise that supported qualification delivery in many settings, mainly HM Prisons but also in the community. It began by supporting PE Officers and their work educating prisoners, securing funding contracts with colleges through the Adult Skills Budget.
“Our success came from dedicated PE Officers being free to do what they do best: educate, rehabilitate and deliver quality provision, without worrying about budgets. Inspiratus carries that mission forward.”
Vicki has more than 20 years’ experience in regulated qualifications (Ofqual, DfE and ESFA), holds Lead IQA and EQA qualifications, and contributes to national working groups on apprenticeship assessment.
Social justice · Social change · Social responsibility
Our objectives
- Support the delivery of innovative courses for prisoners across the country, and expand the portfolio of vocational courses.
- Give people who struggle to access conventional services access to a range of educational services in the wider community.
- Provide bespoke programmes for the individuals who are hardest to reach.
- Promote community learning and build engaging environments that support personal development, careers and aspirations.
- Help different kinds of educational settings provide high-quality services.
- Relieve poverty through environmental, social and economic development.
Social change
Helping people move forward, changing values, behaviour and life chances through education.
Social justice
A fair and equal society where every person matters and every decision is fair and honest.
Social responsibility
Giving back to the communities we work in and contributing to their wellbeing.
Work with us
Whether you’re a learner, an employer, a provider or an establishment, we’d love to hear from you.