Congratulations to POA Learning who successfully achieved national Matrix reaccreditation in November 2015.

Matrix accreditation is the quality standard for Information, Advice and Guidance and is awarded for 3 years, this is POA Learning's third successful assessment, which is no mean feat but to achieve it nationally incorporating all centres is a huge testimony to all of the hard work and dedication seen on a daily basis by all staff!

Three centres were selected by their assessor, Kathy Leahy, to be visited during the process; Intake and Bell Vue Doncaster, Hatfield and Nottingham. Eight members of staff, thirteen learners and 3 partners were interviewed over an intensive 2 days. Although the previously named centres were the only ones to be visited Kathy carried out telephone interviews with staff, learners and partners at our other centres.

Kathy identified the following areas of particular strength:

• The service is tailored and personalised to individuals’ needs.  
• Staff work with individuals to identify their needs and goals, and  develop approaches to work towards their aspirations.    
• Learners reported how they felt that staff supported them to meet their interests and needs, and that staff worked to support them as individuals. 
• The organisation has developed strong partnerships and recognises the value of working collaboratively to achieve effective outcomes for learners. 
• The  purpose of union learning activity is to promote and champion learning. The organisation’s staff enthuses the value of learning, enabling and empowering people to achieve their goals: Instilling the ethos of lifelong learning.

Alison Manion, Learning Coordinator at POA Learning said:

Achieving and maintaining the Matrix quality standard for Information, Advice and Guidance is hugely important to POA Learning. It ensures that everyone we work with, throughout England, is offered the same high quality service at all times."

A high quality Information, advice and guidance service is offered by fully qualified staff in all centres, to both individuals and groups; for further information visit the website www.poalearning.org.uk where contact details can be found for your local learning centre.