1000th Matrix standard accreditation awarded

A milestone in quality standards has been reached with the 1000th accreditation to the matrix Standard. It has been achieved by the Sussex area of the National Probation Service, and was marked by Ivan Lewis, Minister for Skills and Vocational Education, at the 2004 ENTO matrix National Conference.

The matrix Standard recognises the high quality of the Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) the National Probation Service delivers to offenders in Sussex.

Minister for Skills and Vocational Education, Ivan Lewis, presented a plaque to the 1000th organisation to achieve the matrix Standard. Ben Emm received the plaque on behalf of the Employment, Training and Education Services of the Sussex Probation Area.

Presenting the plaque Ivan Lewis said: ìAll organisations achieving accreditation for the delivery of information, advice and guidance against the matrix Standard show that skills are high on their agenda and that development of their people is at the heart of their business. Employers are key to shaping and delivering lifelong learning and the ever increasing numbers who are now achieving the matrix Standard are highlighting the important bottom-line benefits to be gained through it.

Commenting on successfully attaining the matrix Standard, Ben Emm said; ìThis is excellent news for Sussex and the Probation Service. It means that the information, advice and guidance that we are offering to offenders seeking employment, training and educational opportunities has been recognised as meeting a national quality standard. matrix acknowledges the commitment of our staff and partners to offering a quality service that aims to reduce re-offending.î

The purpose of the information, advice and guidance service offered by the Sussex Probation Area is to support offenders into learning and work. Research shows that securing employment significantly reduces the likelihood of re-offending. In 2003-04 nearly 20% of offenders on the scheme got a job and 25% were placed into training.

The matrix Standard is the national quality standard for organisations. It is an outcome-based quality framework for the development of people through the effective delivery of information, advice and guidance. It is managed and promoted by ENTO, formerly the Employment National Training Organisation (NTO).

The matrix Standard consists of 10 elements which define best practice in assisting users of the service and in the efficient management of people and resources. Five of the elements are about delivery of information, advice and guidance to employees and the other five elements are about managing their provision.

Tony Green, Chief Executive of ENTO, explained ìENTO is delighted that 1000 organisations have achieved the matrix Standard. Sussex Probation Area has demonstrated perfectly how to work with the 10 elements of the Standard and how much it can benefit an organisationís employees and customers.î

For further information about the matrix Standard contact 0870 770 2468 or visit