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Celebrations are underway at Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College), after successfully achieving the matrix quality Standard.

Matrix is a unique quality framework for organisations to assess and measure their information, advice and/or guidance services, which ultimately supports individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals.

The assessment takes place onsite and includes daily meetings with key contacts, one-to-one and group interviews with staff members (including the Principal, senior managers, managers, teaching and non-teaching staff), interviews with clients including past and present students across all sites, and interviews via phone with partners and external stakeholders.

The report recognised that HoW College continues to provide an inclusive and holistic information, advice and guidance (IAG) service across all sites and for all students It also highlighted a number of key strengths including inspirational leadership and management, highly regarded experienced and expert staff, highly effective partnerships, excellent support services, excellent Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provisions, and many more.The report noted the wide variety of options and support that HoW College provides students, stating;

“HoW College continues to provide an inclusive and holistic information, advice and guidance (IAG) service across all sites and for all students. Areas of delivery include further and higher education programmes, work experience, adult learning, apprenticeships and learning for students with high needs. IAG is embedded from pre-recruitment through the whole student journey and towards progression into further or higher education, work and training opportunities.”

Matrix added that:

“An extensive range of staff are involved in delivery from giving basic information to in depth guidance and well-being support. In addition, extensive use is made of collaborative partnership working to deliver the best outcomes for learners; with partners as key stakeholders alongside students, employers, communities and staff themselves.”

HoW College’s Vice Principal of Information Systems & Student Experience, Julia Breakwell, said:

“After a rigorous 4 day assessment with two Matrix assessors, we were all thrilled to receive this comprehensive report which not only shows we have met and in some places exceeded the standard, but highlights our College’s commitment to place students at the heart of our delivery.

We are proud of the quality of the information, advice and guidance we provide for our students throughout their journey with us and beyond. This impartial support for individuals, from a range of staff, and the wrap around, bespoke support enables learners to make the best decisions for their individual needs.”

For more information about HoW College please visit howcollege.ac.uk