LEARN FOR LIFE ENTERPRISE ACCREDITED TO THE MATRIX STANDARD

This week we successfully achieved the matrix Standard, demonstrating high quality Information Advice and Guidance services.

The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance (IAG), either as their sole purpose or as part of their service offering.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Learn for Life Enterprise and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Learn for Life Enterprise is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

A number of strengths were identified during the assessment, which are detailed below:

– The feeling from learners, staff, volunteers and partners is that Learn for Life is an inspirational place that fulfils a vital role in the area. The overall ethos of the organisation clearly permeates through all managers, staff and volunteers. There is a determination to ensure that service users are given the best and most appropriate support so that they have the best chance of achieving their aims – be they employment, settled status or simply integrating into the local community.  

– Learners feel safe and welcome – for some it is a haven amidst uncertainty and alien cultures. Staff thoroughly enjoy working for the organisation; they feel supported, consulted and believe that it reflects their own values 

– Learners and partners are impressed by the access to IAG and how support is individualised to each learner as one learner commented “They talk to us and help us with any problems that we have.” The development of support for those interested in volunteering provides a great opportunity for people to enhance their CV, gain valuable experience of interacting with the public, help with applications for employment, use their English in new situations and gain confidence 

– Feedback from external partner agencies is extremely positive. They value how the organisation is well-grounded within the communities it serves, demonstrating an excellent level of understanding of and compassion for its service users, enhanced by the “passion” that staff display. They recognise how key facets such as digital skills and employability are expertly woven into provision to provide skills and experiences that service users need to progress.  

– Feedback from service users and learners is complementary about the welcome that they receive, how they are made to feel part of a “family” and how the centre is like its own “small planet”. For many, the organisation is their first port of call when they arrive in Sheffield, and it plays a vital role in helping them to quickly acclimatise and feel supported.

Thank you to all our learners, volunteers, staff and partners who talked to our assessor this week!

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