WIREDGOV

Skills Minister John Hayes today unveils an upgraded and improved standard to underpin the new National Careers Service. The Matrix Standard will promote effective delivery of information, advice and guidance to millions of people through the new National Careers Service, which launches next April.

National Careers Service providers will be assessed against a range of criteria including service delivery, quality improvement, resources and leadership and management.

The new standard will reassure people about the quality of advice they can expect to receive, and ensure providers plan, deliver, review, evaluate and develop their service.

All National Careers Service providers will need to be accredited to the new standard by April 2013.

Mr Hayes said:

“High quality careers advice and guidance can make a real difference to people’s lives. It promotes social mobility and helps people make the educational, training and work choices that get them onto the right path in life.

“The Matrix Standard will guarantee the quality of the work of the new National Careers Service.”

Mr Hayes will make the announcement at the official launch of the updated Matrix Standard in London later today. It has been developed by a range of experts and in consultation with the careers guidance sector. The Derby based standards accreditation experts Emcq Limited are responsible for managing the assessment and accreditation process and managed the trial of the new standard.

Notes to editors:

For further information about the matrix standard visit the matrix website www.matrixstandard.com.The original Matrix Standard was introduced in 2002. The updated standard has been created following an extensive review, and includes new criteria to strengthen the requirement for high quality. There is a greater emphasis on staff competence and continuous improvement, as well as the use of new technology. The standard will be accessible to wide variety of organisations including schools, the voluntary sector and private sector companies who deliver information, advice and guidance. The new National Careers Service will launch in April 2012. It will provide access to independent, professional advice on careers, skills and the labour market and be available online, over the telephone and face-to-face in the community. For further information please visit the BIS website www.bis.gov.uk. BIS's online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.

Contacts:

BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Katie Kilgallen
Phone: 020 7215 1861
katie.kilgallen@bis.gsi.gov.uk