Revision ensures that Matrix Standard still leads the way

The structure of the matrix Standard, the national quality mark for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance has been reviewed to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.



The review, undertaken by ENTO on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), involved consultation workshops and questionnaires completed by organisations that have either achieved or are working towards matrix Accreditation. Consultation was also carried out with Registered matrix Practitioners and representatives from the key stakeholders, the DfES and ENTO.

Consultation feedback highlighted the matrix Standard to be a valuable organisational development tool, which is flexible enough to be applied to any organisation or business. The review recommended that the structure should be amended to reduce some duplication and ensure that the matrix Standard remains fit for purpose, which results in the revised matrix Standard consisting of only eight elements as opposed to the previous ten.

It is important to stress that the consolidation of elements will have no effect on the requirements needed within an organisation to become matrix Accredited.

The review has also provided an opportunity for the matrix Standard website to be significantly revised to provide a more focussed source of support for any person interested in the matrix Standard, in line with feedback received during the consultations.

The new website, which can be found at www.matrixStandard.com, explains in detail what an organisation can expect from their Journey towards and beyond Accreditation and the benefits that continuous quality improvement will bring them. There is also a database of case studies of other organisations which have achieved Accreditation and easy ways to find out how to access further information on the matrix Standard.

ìThe purpose of this review, has been to ensure that the matrix Standard remains one of the most valuable development tools available for UK organisations,î explains Tony Green Managing Director of ENTO, the Standard Setting Body for the matrix Standard.

ìIt is essential that the matrix Standard stays current and viable ñ and the only way to achieve this is to keep on developing it at the same fast pace as the environment in which UK organisations operate.

ìWith its first revision in place, the matrix Standard will keep on helping Accredited organisations to stay on top of their game and keep on delivering the highest standards for the development of services for both employees and clients.î

There are currently 1321 matrix Accredited organisations in the UK, ranging from private companies such as retail chain, High and Mighty to organisations such as HMP Pentonville, the TUC and The University of Manchester.

The DfES has also recently introduced a small business trial to see how effective the matrix Standard can be for smaller organisations. This has to date proved extremely successful for those companies which have entered into the trial.