‘Why I rate CMI qualifications as an industry leader’

 A Q&A with Sarah Temperton FCMI, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services

As Chief Executive of NLT Training Services, Sarah Temperton has been instrumental in reshaping the organisation’s focus to meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce. Central to that transformation has been the adoption of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) management and leadership qualifications – something Sarah personally champions.

We sat down with Sarah to learn more about her journey with CMI, why she rates their qualifications so highly, and what makes CMI such a powerful option for aspiring and established leaders alike.

Sarah, you’re a Fellow of CMI – how did that come about, and what does it mean to you?

I became a Fellow of CMI because of my qualifications and extensive experience in senior leadership roles, particularly during my time at East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, where I worked for nearly 30 years. In my final role as Head of Training, I managed teams across eight centres in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which comprised around 50 people in total. While I had managers supporting me, ultimately, I was responsible for the overall delivery and performance.

Because of this leadership experience, and the fact that NLT is an accredited CMI centre, I was awarded a Fellowship. It’s the highest level of CMI membership and allows you to use FCMI after your name. It’s a recognition of not just theoretical knowledge, but of real-world, lived experience.

Did NLT offer CMI qualifications before you became Chief Executive?

No. when I joined NLT, the focus was more on apprenticeships and foundation learning. One of the key shifts I led was moving towards adult learning, and that’s when I introduced CMI to our course offering. We now have a strong Management and Leadership suite of training and mentors who have supported a number of successful CMI learners.

Were you familiar with CMI qualifications before introducing them at NLT?

Yes, my husband is actually a CMI coach and assessor. Through him, I became very familiar with CMI’s approach and was really impressed with the course content, especially compared to other management and leadership qualifications. CMI stood out as progressive, practical, and a great fit for the kind of modern managers and leaders we aim to support.

In your view, what makes CMI qualifications stand out?

First and foremost, CMI offers the only Chartered management qualification. That status gives learners a real edge – it’s not just academic, it reflects actual experience.

At Levels 6 and 7 especially, CMI expects you to draw from real industry experience. You develop a portfolio that’s reviewed by a CMI moderator. It’s about applying leadership theory to practical scenarios, which is a much more meaningful way to learn and grow.

Another big plus is ManagementDirect, CMI’s online resource hub. It’s incredibly comprehensive — articles, podcasts, templates, five- and ten-minute briefings, checklists, and more. It’s constantly updated and designed for time-pressured managers. You can even listen to content on your commute or over your morning coffee.

Importantly, all the resources are current and in-line with leadership and management in a modern workplace and it is being added to all the time. It’s impressive.

And learners continue to benefit from those resources even after they finish?

Absolutely. The learning doesn’t stop when the qualification ends. As soon as you register, you get a login for ManagementDirect, and you can continue using the brilliant resources within it throughout your career. There’s even a free CPD log built in, so it supports ongoing professional development too.

What kind of learners do well with CMI qualifications?

The beauty of CMI is its flexibility and relevance across all levels – from first-time supervisors at levels 3 – 5, up to experienced directors at level 7. At NLT, we offer CMI management and leadership, and coaching courses at all levels.

Assignments are based on your actual workplace. You’re not writing theoretical essays; you’re talking about what’s happening in your job, what you’ve done, and how. That makes the learning immediately relevant and less daunting.

What would you say to someone who hasn’t studied since school — is CMI intimidating?

ST: Not at all. It’s broken down into manageable units. Each one comes with a brief, an evidence booklet, and a clear marking sheet. Plus, every learner gets a mentor.

Take Callum Gorman, one of our learners — he hadn’t written a report since leaving school seven years earlier. With the support of his NLT mentor Dawn Reay – who herself has a CMI Mentoring and Coaching qualification – and using resources like YouTube videos instead of textbooks, he developed a structured, confident approach. He completed his Level 3 and was so encouraged, he wanted to progress to the next level. That says it all.

For employers, what does a CMI qualification signal?

If someone applied for a job with me and had a CMI qualification, I’d see that as a solid indication they had both theoretical grounding and real leadership capability.

CMI’s blended approach – combining academic insight with practical application – produces well-rounded leaders. It’s not just about managing teams; it’s about guiding them, listening, and taking them on a journey. That’s what true leadership is.

Final thoughts – why should someone choose CMI?

It’s more than just a course. CMI is a career partner. From first steps into leadership to executive-level strategy, CMI supports you every step of the way. It’s credible, accessible, and rooted in the realities of modern management.

If you believe in lifelong learning, CMI is an investment that keeps paying dividends — both for individuals and the organisations they lead.

For more information about NLT’s range of CMI accredited management and leadership course, visit here qualifications. Or to speak to someone to learn how NLT can support your leadership and management journey, contact NLT Training Services directly on 0333 880 3540.