Leicester College achieves international matrix standard

Department for Education recognises College for consistently high quality of information, advice and guidance provided to students and others

Leicester College has reinforced its commitment to providing the highest standards of information provision by achieving the international matrix quality standard for information advice and guidance services. Leicester College has been successful in achieving the award since it was first introduced in 2002.

Following a comprehensive matrix accreditation review by The Growth Company, on behalf of the Department for Education, Leicester College has been awarded the quality standard for providing a broad range of information, advice and guidance (IAG) to students, staff, apprentices and the wider community across various traditional and digital channels including live streams, videos and live chat.

The matrix Standard is the Department for Education’s (DfE) international quality standard for organisations that deliver IAG, ensuring the quality of the delivery of excellent IAG services. It helps information providers to improve their services by benchmarking against best practice and it offers accreditation to those that meet the full standard.

The matrix standard assessment at Leicester College identified a wide range of strengths in the College’s services including a strong commitment amongst managers and staff across the organisation to positively embrace the use of technology to support the delivery of IAG services.

The inspector found a ‘strong desire within the organisation to be effective in defining IAG outcomes for students and evaluating how well they are being achieved’ through follow up processes and learning plans.

The report also states that the College has a ‘strong ethos in place across the organisation in supporting students to explore their own ambitions and progression’ and an ‘impartial and objective approach exploring individual student options and choices remains very much at the heart of their work.’

Verity Hancock, Principal and Chief Executive of Leicester College said: “We’re delighted that the College has again been accredited with the matrix standard. We strive to provide a high standard of information, advice and guidance to all of our students, staff, apprentices and anyone in the wider community who requires it. This standard ensures that we continue to use best practice in all areas of our service provision.

“The accolade is recognition of the hard work and dedication of the staff across the College to consistently deliver high quality information.”