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The matrix Standard for embedded information, advice and guidance - self assessment tool for curriculum managers
What is it?
The Matrix Standard is a national quality standard for organisations offering information, advice and guidance (IAG) services relating to learning and work.
The Matrix Standard has 8 parts (Elements) to it; Elements 1 – 4 focus on how the services are provided and Elements 5 – 8 focus on how they are managed.
The Eight Elements:
- People are made aware of the service and how to engage with it
- People’s use of the service is defined and understood
- People are provided with access to information and support in using it
- People are supported in exploring options and making choices
- Service delivery is planned and maintained
- Staff competence and support they are given is sufficient to deliver the service
- Feedback on the quality of the service is obtained.
- Continuous quality improvement is ensured through monitoring, evaluation and action
All three ‘legacy’ colleges have previously achieved the matrix standard for their core IAG services, i.e. as delivered through their Student Services teams. As Leeds City College we are seeking accreditation for our ‘embedded IAG’ early November 2010.
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What is ‘embedded IAG’?
The matrix assessment of an organisation’s embedded IAG will involve looking at the quality of information advice and guidance given throughout the organisation and, as such, potentially involves everyone.
What exactly is IAG?
Information |
Information is data and basic factual information conveyed through different media (printed or electronic) on course opportunities, occupations, and personal well-being or support services. |
Advice |
Advice involves helping a student to understand and interpret how information provided might relate to his/ her personal situation. Advice helps clients to understand their abilities and targets and may involve suggestions or options on how to go about a given course of action. |
Guidance |
Guidance aims to support clients to raise self awareness, better understand their needs, to confront barriers and to make informed, realistic and appropriate choices. Guidance empowers the client to take ownership of the decision making process and to equip themselves with an agreed plan of action in support of their goals. |
How will we be assessed?
Assessment for matrix is largely by interview and observation; assessors will talk to individuals and groups in formal and informal settings. They are looking for ‘naturally occurring evidence’ and will only ask for documentary evidence to fill any gaps in the primary evidence. They may talk to you! This is why we want all staff to complete this brief self assessment survey. There are no right or wrong answers – the information will simply give us an indication of how ready we are for assessment and where further support may be needed. Please note that responses will remain confidential. Analysis of the responses will be anonymised and non-attributable and will be used to inform the training and support needed to help us achieve the matrix standard.
Thank you for your time!
Name:*
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Department:*
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Campus:*
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Q1. How do you ensure your curriculum is promoted and accessible to a wide range of people? [Tick all that apply]
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Other
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Q2. How do you ensure that your curriculum offer is reflective of local labour market needs? [Tick all that apply]
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Other (please specify)
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Q3. How do staff in your curriculum area receive an induction to the wider cross-college services for students?*
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Q4. How do you keep yourself and staff up to date with current policies and procedures that may impact on the student journey, e.g. Equality and diversity, Safeguarding and Information Advice and Guidance? [Tick all that apply]
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Q5. How do staff acquire awareness of their limitations in particular aspects of their role, e.g. how do you encourage them to signpost or refer to other more appropriate services? *
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Q6. What strategies do you use to raise staff awareness of IAG services available to support them in giving information or advice about career aspirations or progression? [Tick all that apply]
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Other (please specify)
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Q7. How do you seek feedback from all of your user groups: staff, students, partner organisations, employers or other stakeholders. [Tick all that apply]
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Other (please specify)
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Q8. Give examples that staff, students and stakeholders could provide where feedback has been used to improve the effectiveness of curriculum area planning? *
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Q9. How are the aims and objectives of your curriculum area regularly evaluated?*
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Q10. Please provide examples of how you feel good information advice and guidance is maintained or could be improved in your curriculum area.*
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Q11. On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (very confident) how confident do you feel that:
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