1. The matrix Standard Beth Cummings Quality Manager – matrix Standard

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Key stakeholders Individual Organisations

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14.  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

15. 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

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

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

18. 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 16.10.09. NB: Assessment does not have to take place before this date

19. Questions?? Thank you for listening. Any questions?

20. Find out more The matrix Standard enquiry line: 0870 770 2468 www.matrixStandard.com email: info@matrixStandard.com Kimberley House, 47 Vaughan Way Leicester LE1 4SG Fax: 0116 251 1464