In a previous blog on the matrix Standard, we discussed the
importance of our accreditation under this Quality Standard for Information
Advice and Guidance Services.
We also set out the four key elements to the Standard – Leadership and Management, Resource,
Service Delivery and Continuous Quality Improvement – and how CMS has
progressed since our 2016 matrix assessment, under the framework our 2019/2020
Quality Improvement Plan.
Today we are looking
in more detail at the company’s Vision and Strengths.
Vision
Our Vision is:
“…to be the preferred supplier
of training in our specialist areas across West Yorkshire and beyond, using
insight, technologies and professional expertise to excel for our learners,
whether at a distance or face to face.”
The key
performance indicators (KPIs) and Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that underpin
our vision include goals for recruiting new learners and apprentices, and also:
- 80% success rate
- 80% timely success rates
- Working only with employers committed to quality apprenticeship
delivery
- Delivering a high-quality learning experience through highly
committed tutors
For the
2018-2019 year, we achieved a 76.58% rate, which is above the national average
but a small reduction from 84.38% the previous year; this was mostly due to
changes in the apprenticeship sector. However, our timely success rates were
above our 80% goal, at 83.15%.
Learner
satisfaction levels (May 2019) stood at 84.1% and 100% employers (Ofsted 2018)
said they would recommend CMS to other employers.
The provision
of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) is now integral within our practices.
Our IAG Policy states:
“…the aim of effective IAG is to
promote the benefits of learning, help individuals to address and overcome any
barriers to learning and support them in making realistic and well-informed
choices.”
Strengths
The assessment
for the matrix Standard accreditation found that leadership and management at
CMS is strong and purposeful, as well as being participative and team-based,
with an open and supportive environment for the small but close-knit team.
Other
findings included:
- The team puts the learner first and is committed to providing a
‘good learner journey’ and providing relevant IAG and support to achieve a
positive outcome
- CMS is highly trusted and refreshingly honest, with high
professional ethics and impartiality
- Staff are easily accessible, respond quickly and go over and above
expectations to help learners
- CMS works well with partner organisations – with good
communication and a consistent approach
- New CMS staff praised the ethos, support and openness of the
company and numerous staff have been given support to progress their careers
- Information, advice and guidance pre-enrolment helps learners and
businesses to understand how the apprenticeship will be delivered
- Leadership is strong, purposeful, participative and team-based
- Use of IT helps learners contact tutors, view their progress
online and access extensive learning and support materials
In addition,
CMS has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing improvement and development across
the whole business, through its self-assessment reporting (SAR) process and
quality improvement plan (QIP).
Moving
forward
Holders of
the matrix Standard Accreditation are expected to maintain and continually
improve on their services, with annual continuous improvement checks and a
three-year accreditation review.
As a company,
we are pleased to have met the standards for accreditation and will continue to
work towards maintaining and improving our offer moving forward.
