Review of the matrix Standard in response to the Tribal review of 2009: evaluation report

Evaluation report for the 2010 review of the matrix standard, which quality assures the delivery of information, advice and guidance (IAG) services. Covers the development of the revised matrix standard, trials with pilot organisations and responds to the recommendations of the Tribal review.
URN: 11/1327
Publication date: 15 Dec 2011

Introduction to the report (which carries a date of 29.06.11)

The matrix Standard is the unique quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work. Designed to promote continuous improvement amongst individuals and organisations, the Standard quality assures the delivery of information, advice and guidance (IAG) services. It promotes the delivery of high quality information, advice and/or guidance by ensuring organisations plan, deliver, review, evaluate and develop their service; The matrix Standard was launched in February 2002 and is the intellectual property of the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is Crown Copyright. The current version of the matrix Standard was introduced in 2005.

Over 2,100 organisations in the UK are currently accredited to the matrix Standard, including but not limited to; Higher Education, Further Education, Community/Third Sector, Training Companies, Careers Companies, Next Step Providers, Trade Unions, Prisons and Professional Bodies. There are a further 300 others either working towards it or showing a strong interest in engaging with the Standard. The majority of these can be found in England with small numbers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, interest in the Standard is not confined to the UK. In recent months interest in adopting matrix as a national Standard has been shown elsewhere in Europe and as far afield as Australia.

In England the Next Step service, that is funded by Government and administered by the Skills Funding Agency, delivers careers information, advice and guidance to adults. All contractors managing and delivering the Next Step service are required to meet the matrix Standard. The Next Step service will from April 2012 be replaced by a new National Careers Service. It will provide high quality, professional careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults. The National Careers Service will also be required to meet a national quality standard which will assure users that providers of careers guidance are delivering a high quality service.

As the body responsible for the matrix Standard, emqc Ltd has undertaken trials of a revised matrix Standard on behalf of BIS. The revised Standard was drawn up under the control of a Steering Group appointed by BIS in response to a review of quality standards for careers information advice and guidance carried out by Tribal in 2009¹. The trials are intended to test and evaluate whether the revisions will result in a Standard which provides Ministers with the necessary assurance about the quality of service that users will receive from the National Careers Service and other organisations who adopt the new Standard. This report with recommendations has been prepared and presented to the Steering Group as a detailed account of the review of the matrix Standard.

¹Quality Assurance Arrangements for the Adult Advancement and Careers Service, 8^th November 2009

Full report (PDF 80pp)

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