Building Inclusive Leadership Through an Apprenticeship
Donna Nebbett is a Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager apprentice at East Sussex College, working within the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).
Throughout her apprenticeship, Donna has demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism and a clear commitment to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace.
In her role, she supports operational delivery while continuing to develop a leadership style rooted in empathy, collaboration and respect.
For Donna, leadership is about people first. Reflecting on her role, she said, “My role is so important to me as I love to see people flourish and progress, as well as enjoy the role they are in. I love being a support – and I would hope a friend – but also knowing when to maintain a professional approach.”
A key focus of Donna’s work is equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). She is a passionate advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities across all departments, working proactively to ensure colleagues feel valued, respected and supported, regardless of background or role.
Inclusion is not just a principle for Donna – it is personal. “This is super important to me as I am registered disabled, and I believe there is a wealth of knowledge to be obtained by ensuring every voice is heard and everybody has the opportunity to speak and be heard,” she explained. “I make time to listen to my team and also belong to the DAAAG (Diverse Ability Action and Awareness Group) and the D&I Group.”
Donna’s apprenticeship is supported by the Pension Protection Fund’s strong commitment to professional development and inclusive leadership. Through its longstanding partnership with East Sussex College, the organisation embeds apprenticeships into its workforce strategy, using them as a key route for developing future leaders.
This supportive environment has enabled Donna to apply her learning with confidence, turning theory into meaningful impact within her team and the wider organisation. She consistently draws on management theories and reflective models from her apprenticeship to shape a leadership approach based on transparency, trust and shared learning.
Her assessor, Lee Horsely, highlighted how strongly Donna applies her learning in practice.
“Donna has been an exemplary apprentice throughout her Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager programme, consistently demonstrating integrity, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the Pension Protection Fund.”
Donna’s commitment to EDI goes far beyond policy or compliance. She actively encourages open discussions around unconscious bias, equitable progression and belonging at work, helping to create a culture where people feel confident to speak openly and learn from one another.
Lee added, “Donna is a passionate advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities across all departments, championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace through her proactive approach and ability to engage colleagues at every level.”
Through her apprenticeship, Donna has also seen tangible personal and professional progress.
“I have helped colleagues to progress and expand their learning, but I have also secured a permanent Team Leader role within the PPF,” she said, highlighting both her impact on others and her own career development.
Looking ahead, Donna’s ambitions remain firmly centred on growth – for herself and those around her.
“The sky is the limit,” said Donna. “Seriously, I want to continue to develop and help others to do the same.”
Donna’s experience also highlights the value of higher-level apprenticeships, such as the Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager apprenticeship, which is equivalent to foundation degree-level study. Designed for those already in work, Level 5 apprenticeships allow learners to develop advanced leadership skills while continuing in full-time employment, offering a flexible route to progression at any stage of a career (subject to entry requirements).
Donna’s experience demonstrates how higher-level apprenticeships can support individual career progression while also strengthening organisational culture.
By applying her learning with empathy, integrity and a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Donna is not only shaping her own future but also helping to build a workplace where people feel respected, supported and empowered to succeed.