As a training provider, CMS is continually looking to
maintain and improve standards for the benefit of our trainees, employers and
partners. The matrix Standard offers a clear, accredited route towards this
goal.
What is the matrix Standard?
Detailed information can be found on the organisation’s
website: https://matrixstandard.com/, with the following definition:
The matrix Standard is the
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.
There are four key elements to the Standard:
- Leadership and
Management
- Resource
- Service Delivery
- Continuous Quality
Improvement
What kind of organisations is the matrix Standard for?
As well as training providers such as CMS, organisations
that work with the matrix Standard include educational institutions (schools,
colleges, universities), private businesses and voluntary/community
organisations.
In fact, the Standard can be helpful for any organisation
delivering a service that advises and guides people in their work and life
goals, however this service is delivered.
Why is it important?
Since our last matrix assessment in 2016, there have been
numerous developments in our service provision.
This new assessment allows us to demonstrate our commitment
to performance and quality management, as laid out in our 2019/2020 Quality
Improvement Plan.
Grading and feedback
Information for the assessment was gathered through
conversations with the Managing Director, interviews in person and on the phone
with staff, learners, employers and partners, and a review of the company
website and other documentation.
Key statistics
The company’s success rate for 2018-2019 was above the
national average, at 76.58% and timely success rates were up from 76.64% to
83.15%.
In May 2019, the overall learner satisfaction with CMS was
84.1% (as confirmed by the Department for Education) and 100% of employers
surveyed by Ofsted in October 2018 said they would recommend CMS to other
employers.
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)
Critical to the company’s success, the provision of
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) has become embedded into the practices
at CMS.
From the start, both learner and employer are given clear
guidance on how an apprenticeship will be delivered, along with the roles and
responsibilities they will have in achieving a successful outcome. This is
followed by regular reviews to identify any barriers to achieving progression
and completion, so that further support can be offered where required.
The success of this approach is shown in feedback from
learners, employers and partners:
“…we discussed why I wanted to do the qualification and what I wanted
to do later with my career so that we could make sure I was on the right
course.” (learner)
“…they are professional, approachable and responsive.” (employer)
“…we have been working
with CSM for a long time, and we are achieving the outcomes we need – we trust
them.” (employer)
“…very open
organisation that delivers what they promise.” (partner)
The headline feedback from learners includes that 98.86% confirmed
the outcomes of the programme for themselves as being outstanding or good.
Among employers, 100% confirmed that CMS worked with their organisation to
review individual learner’s progress and plan their future training needs as
outstanding or good.
Other points made included that leadership and management
are strong and purposeful while being participative and team-based, and that there
was widespread recognition among learners, partners and employers of clear
professional ethics and impartiality.
Many learners
also described how staff had gone over and above expectations to ensure they
received the help needed to succeed. They also appreciated the accessibility
and responsiveness of the CMS staff team.
