Skills Minister
John Hayes today unveils an upgraded and improved standard to
underpin the new National Careers Service. The Matrix Standard
will promote effective delivery of information, advice and
guidance to millions of people through the new National Careers
Service, which launches next April.
National Careers Service providers will be assessed against a
range of criteria including service delivery, quality improvement,
resources and leadership and management.
The new standard will reassure people about the quality of advice
they can expect to receive, and ensure providers plan, deliver,
review, evaluate and develop their service.
All National Careers Service providers will need to be accredited
to the new standard by April 2013.
Mr Hayes said:
“High quality careers advice and guidance can make a real
difference to people’s lives. It promotes social mobility and
helps people make the educational, training and work choices that
get them onto the right path in life.
“The Matrix Standard will guarantee the quality of the work of
the new National Careers Service.”
Mr Hayes will make the announcement at the official launch of the
updated Matrix Standard in London later today. It has been
developed by a range of experts and in consultation with the
careers guidance sector. The Derby based standards accreditation
experts Emcq Limited are responsible for managing the assessment
and accreditation process and managed the trial of the new
standard.
Notes to editors:
For further information about the matrix standard visit the
matrix website www.matrixstandard.com.The original Matrix Standard
was introduced in 2002. The updated standard has been created
following an extensive review, and includes new criteria to
strengthen the requirement for high quality. There is a greater
emphasis on staff competence and continuous improvement, as well
as the use of new technology. The standard will be accessible to
wide variety of organisations including schools, the voluntary
sector and private sector companies who deliver information,
advice and guidance. The new National Careers Service will launch
in April 2012. It will provide access to independent, professional
advice on careers, skills and the labour market and be available
online, over the telephone and face-to-face in the community. For
further information please visit the BIS website www.bis.gov.uk.
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