Business Analysts help organisations understand current ways of working, identify future needs and define solutions that support business improvement and digital change.

They work across teams, functions and systems, engaging with stakeholders to understand requirements, model processes, analyse information and present recommendations in a way that supports informed decision-making.

In practice, Business Analysts often sit between operational teams, project teams, IT, senior leaders and other stakeholders. They help translate business needs into clear requirements and structured proposals, ensuring decisions are based on a shared understanding of the problem, the opportunity and the intended outcome.

Within an improvement environment, Business Analysts are an important part of the wider team. They may not be responsible for implementing every solution themselves, but they provide the insight, definition and stakeholder alignment that make future improvement activity more focused and effective.

Yes, CQM works closely with employers to align the apprenticeship content with your organisation’s specific requirements.

Apprenticeship funding in England primarily comes from the Apprenticeship Levy, paid by employers with a payroll of over £3 million annually. These funds can be used to train apprentices, making it a cost-effective way to upskill staff and address skill gaps. This includes the Food Industry Technologist Level 3, representing a fantastic opportunity to invest in your teams with £18,000 worth of training and assessment per delegate.

Smaller organisations can also benefit from apprenticeship funding, with a minimum of 95% funding available for your chosen programme, including the Business Analyst Level 4 apprenticeship. The Business Analyst L4 programme, which has a value of £18,000 worth of training, requires £1,000 of investment over 18 months, or just £55.56 per month. There may also be additional funding that SMEs can access, the team at CQM are happy to advise you on all the opportunities available and help with funding applications.

Organisations continue to invest in systems, technology and change initiatives to improve performance, efficiency and customer experience. The ability to understand business needs clearly before change is prioritised has therefore become increasingly important.

Developing business analysis capability can help organisations:

• strengthen stakeholder alignment
• improve process understanding
• support more informed decision-making
• shape opportunities more effectively before delivery
• create clearer links between operational needs and systems or technology

For organisations already investing in Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma or transformation activity, business analysis capability can strengthen the way opportunities are investigated, understood and communicated.

The standard sits within the digital route and includes business and IT change, but the role is not limited to IT. Business Analysts work across people, process, systems and information. 

Business Analysts play an important role in understanding current ways of working, engaging stakeholders, analysing requirements and supporting the development of structured proposals for change and improvement. This capability is increasingly valuable as organisations continue to evolve operationally and digitally.

At CQM, we position business analysis within a broader Continuous Improvement and operational context. This ensures learners not only develop recognised business analysis capability, but also understand how analysis supports performance, improvement and long-term organisational effectiveness.

No. The Apprenticeship Assessment includes a project proposal with presentation and questioning, not an implemented project. This proposal can still provide a valuable output for employers by defining an opportunity clearly and supporting future improvement planning.

CQM is happy to support with project implementation, as part of the wider improvement lifecycle, and demonstrate value and return on investment.

Business Analysis strengthens how improvement opportunities are defined, scoped and aligned. It supports the early stages of improvement by helping organisations understand the current situation, identify future needs, engage stakeholders and define options for change.

Lean Six Sigma focuses on structured improvement and reducing waste or variation. Business Analysis focuses on understanding business needs, defining requirements, analysing processes and shaping proposals for change. Together, they can create a stronger pathway from insight and definition through to future improvement activity.