Our employability service has been reaccredited with the matrix Standard for the quality of information, advice and guidance it provides.
Here are six things the assessor said in her report:
1. "The offer is particularly strong in its use of a readiness-led, person-centred approach that allows customers to progress at a pace aligned to their individual circumstances rather than being driven solely by immediate outcomes."
2. "The integration with wellbeing, housing-related support and practical interventions works especially well in addressing barriers that sit outside traditional employability activity."
3. "The service demonstrates particular strength in developing customers’ career management skills rather than creating reliance on adviser-led direction."
4. "Customers are supported across transitions such as moving into work, starting learning or responding to setbacks."
5. "Guidance is used to support realistic job matching, informed course selection and preparation for transition, which strengthens retention, achievement and sustainment outcomes."
6. "Customers consistently experience the service as supportive, respectful and focused on their individual needs, which encourages engagement from individuals who may otherwise be reluctant to access support."
It’s another great result for our employability service, which helped 934 people into jobs and training last year.
There’s always room for improvement though, and the report also gives us some helpful pointers including expanding our use of AI tools and analysing feedback to identify trends in unmet need or gaps in provision.
The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance (IAG), either as their sole purpose or as part of their service offering.