CDS Defence & Security Strengthens Professional Development, Accreditation and Assurance Capability Through Acquisition of M2M2
CDS Defence & Security (CDS DS) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Made to Measure Mentoring (M2M2), effective from 01 July 2026.
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in the continued growth of CDS DS and strengthens its ability to deliver professional development, accreditation and assurance services across Defence, Government and other highly regulated sectors.
Having worked together successfully for several years, CDS DS and M2M2 have built a reputation for developing highly capable trainers, coaches, mentors and leaders. Bringing the two organisations together formalises an already successful partnership and creates a stronger, more integrated capability for clients and learners alike.
The combined team brings together extensive expertise from Defence, NATO, healthcare, sport and education, creating a unique blend of operational, academic and professional experience. This breadth of knowledge enables CDS DS to support organisations facing complex challenges where capability, performance and professional standards are critical to success.
A key strategic benefit of the acquisition is the addition of M2M2's Direct Awarding Status with both ILM and City & Guilds. Achieved following a rigorous quality assurance process, this status enables CDS DS to directly award nationally recognised qualifications and further strengthens its ability to assure, accredit and professionally recognise learning and development programmes.
The acquisition creates a significantly enhanced professional development capability within CDS DS, combining expertise in learning consultancy, digital learning, coaching, mentoring, assessment, accreditation and quality assurance. Together, the combined organisation can support clients throughout the entire learning lifecycle, from identifying capability requirements and designing solutions through to delivery, accreditation and ongoing assurance.
This capability is already helping to support the development of more than 2,000 Army trainers annually through the Army Training Capability contract, but the opportunities extend far beyond Defence training. The combined organisation is now positioned to support a wider range of Defence and Government clients seeking to develop professional skills, leadership capability, coaching and mentoring cultures, and accredited learning pathways.
The acquisition also strengthens CDS DS's commitment to quality and professional standards. By bringing accreditation, assessment and assurance capability directly into the organisation, clients will benefit from greater integration, improved responsiveness and enhanced governance across learning and development programmes.
As part of the acquisition, CDS DS is delighted to welcome Simon Ogdon, Simon Winman, Gary Henderson, Rich Hicks and Jan Sutherland to the team.
Alongside these colleagues, CDS DS is equally pleased to continue working with M2M2's established network of trusted associate professionals. This highly respected group brings decades of experience, with many having supported the Army Training Capability contract since its inception. Their expertise, credibility and commitment to learner success remain a vital part of the capability provided to clients and learners.
"As Defence and Government organisations face increasingly complex challenges, the ability to develop, assure and accredit professional capability has never been more important. Bringing M2M2 into CDS DS strengthens our ability to support clients with end-to-end professional development solutions whilst retaining the expertise, quality and values that have made our partnership so successful. Most importantly, it brings together an outstanding team of people under one banner."
The acquisition reflects CDS DS's ongoing investment in building market-leading capability for Defence and Government clients and reinforces its commitment to developing people, enhancing performance and delivering meaningful outcomes where they matter most.
CDS DS looks forward to building on this shared success and continuing to support organisations, learners and stakeholders through high-quality professional development, accreditation and assurance services.