Starting Point receives the Matrix seal of Approval

July 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Starting Point, St Helens Chamber’s Employment and Training Advice and Guidance Service, has been accredited with the nationally recognised quality mark for organisations which provide support to individuals to make learning and work more accessible – the matrix Standard.

Starting Point gained accreditation to the matrix Standard for the third consecutive time in June, following a rigorous assessment of their adult advice and guidance services.

Starting Point provides free and impartial guidance and advice to hundreds of local people every year who are looking for work or training; achieving the matrix standard confirms that their clients are receiving the best information, advice and guidance possible.

Pauline Devine, Director of Employment Services, commented: “It is a great achievement and a credit to the hard work of all our staff to achieve this important standard.

“The team are all passionate about helping their clients to find work or training, whether this is through helping them to improve their skills, write a CV or simply by offering moral support to boost their confidence. To have our efforts officially recognised by achieving this standard is very rewarding for everyone involved.”

As part of the assessment a number of partner organisations and clients were interviewed by the assessor, all of whom provided glowing reports; partners stressing how well they are able to work in conjunction with Starting Point and clients commenting on their improved ability to find work as a result of the help they received.

Assessor John Smith who conducted Starting Point’s assessment on behalf of matrix commented: “Starting Point is clearly an organisation whose staff share a deep commitment to their clients, and to the aims and objectives of the organisation.

“The Review found in place imaginative and productive partnership working and partners spoke highly of the benefits to them of the relationship. Clients too appreciate the help and support provided by staff. The organisation is well managed and its work is underpinned by robust quality improvement systems, and by staff who are always seeking ways to improve.”

David Allan, Managing Director at emqc Ltd who carried out the assessment added: “This matrix Accreditation is another example of how the matrix Standard is proving effective for all types of organisations, helping them to provide a more professional service offering and to strive to be the best in their sector.”

For information about the range of employment services available at Starting Point visit http//:www.thestartingpoint.org call them on 01744 698800 or call in to see them at their town centre base, 4-6 Hardshaw Street, St Helens.

Ends.


Notes to Editors


About Starting Point:

•   Starting Point is part of St Helens Chamber. It is a place where a place where local people can receive free and impartial information, advice and guidance on jobs, education and training in a professional, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
•   In 2011/12:
   - 1525 people registered at Starting Point
   - 729 unemployed people were supported into employment
   - 83 people were supported into training
   - 76 businesses were assisted with recruitment


About the matrix Standard:

•   The matrix Standard is the national quality mark for all organisations delivering information, advice and guidance  services.
•   The matrix Standard is highly adaptable to a range of organisational settings, regardless of size or sector, including further/higher education establishments, training providers and voluntary/community organisations.
•   The matrix Standard is maintained and promoted by emqc Ltd on behalf of BIS