The matrix Standard Beth Cummings Quality Manager – matrix Standard

Over the next 40 minutes…….  The background & ‘Bigger’ picture  Recent developments & future agenda  What is the structure of the matrix Standard?  Assessment process  Support for AGCAS members  Your questions

Quality Assured IAG  Crucial in getting ‘the right people, on the right course, at the right time’  Integral part of improving the nations skills  Effective high quality IAG is directly linked to achievement, retention, and progression of students

What is the matrix Standard?  A tool for improving, benchmarking & quality assuring IAG services  The only national quality mark for Information Advice and Guidance (IAG)  Giving the best support for your students

Key stakeholders Individual Organisations

Background  Owned by Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)  Established in 2002  Key component in the QA arrangements of stakeholders (such as LSC, Ufi, ESF Funding)  Over 5000 sites Accredited  Only National Government Quality Standard for IAG  Continued development with a wide range of agencies such as: LSCs, SSCs, OFSTED, IiP, Ufi, new AACS prototypes, TUC  Partnership working with AGCAS

The ‘Bigger’ picture  Leitch 2006 – huge importance of IAG  Effective IAG – the ‘Critical’ factor  Adult Advancement Careers Service  Harris Report 2000

Recent Developments & Future Agenda  Adult Advancement Career Service 10 Prototypes Manchester & Greater Merseyside partnerships Quality Assurance for New Service  Pilot with DCSF for matrix in Schools  New HE Guide Development of new HE Guide Mapping Standard against QAA IAG code

Components of The matrix Standard The matrix Standard is based on quality assuring four key components:  Engagement – people are made aware of the nature of the service provided and how they can make use of it  Planning and resourcing – services are based on clear aims, objectives and policies, are well resourced and use competent staff  Services – people are provided with access to information and are supported in its use when exploring options and making choices  Continuous improvement – feedback is obtained on the quality of the service that informs future activity through a cycle of continuous quality improvement

Structure of the Standard 1 – 4 5 – 8 There are 8 elements to the matrix Standard DeliveryManagement

Myths behind the matrix Standard  Assessors have no experience of Assessing HE Institutions False, there is a pool of 23 specially trained HE Assessors  You need a portfolio to meet the Standard No, the matrix Standard looks for naturally occurring evidence (Tell, See, Show)  Staff need to have formal IAG qualifications No. the matrix Standard is competence based

Accreditation Strategies Currently 80+ HE Institutions have gained matrix Accreditation  Student Services – London Metropolitan University – Student Services  Career Services – Brunel University - Placement and Careers Centre  Wider scope – Coventry University – ACUA (commercial trading arm)

Assessment Background  Predominately on-site with the organisation  No portfolio of evidence required – not a paper based Assessment  Not inspection – Process looks to help and develop organisational quality

 the Assessment process, carried out by a Registered matrix Assessor, is looking for evidence that shows what is actually being achieved (outcomes) through the organisation’s information advice and guidance delivery (outputs)  outputs, processes, systems and procedures show what the organisation is doing and how – its actions  outcomes demonstrate the impact of those actions on the individual employee or client – actual results matrix Assessment ProcessesOutcomes

The three sources of typical evidence are telling, showing or observing: Includes interviews, meetings and informal discussion with a number of people Includes observation of the premises, activities, displayed materials, interactions Includes looking at policies, processes, records and survey results Assessment Evidence TellShow See

Assessment Process:  Agree a programme for the Assessment  Opening meeting  Interviews with staff, clients, partner organisations and senior management  Observations  Documentation  Feedback  Closing meeting

Assessment of HE Institutions – additional  HE approved Assessor (23)  Report written in a style/format of your choice  Flexible Assessment Dates

Support for AGCAS Members Working in partnership with AGCAS  Free one day advice session with a matrix Advisor for HE Institutions gaining Accreditation for student services or wider scope *  Free 1 day workshop with a matrix Advisor (open to all)  Meet with a member of the matrix Team on a one to one basis to discuss your Accreditation * Request for Assessment must be submitted before NB: Assessment does not have to take place before this date

Questions?? Thank you for listening. Any questions?

Find out more The matrix Standard enquiry line: Kimberley House, 47 Vaughan Way Leicester LE1 4SG Fax: