News: The college has achieved Matrix Standard for quality IAG!

The matrix Standard is owned by the Department for Education (DfE) and was launched in 2002. It is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/​or guidance and it is a mandatory requirement for colleges. 

The full report is available to view, but here are just a few of the highlights:

• The assessor was ​“overwhelmed” with the variety of evidence of outcomes provided in the various meetings with staff, students and partners.
• Both teaching staff and most importantly, students had a good understanding of the services available to support them.
• Leadership and purpose is strong, the importance of good IAG and the values-base throughout the college is understood, in particular, the assessor cited that EDI and the culture of wellbeing for both staff and students is well embedded.
• There was good evidence of innovative continuing professional development, and the use of technology to offer services is also innovative. 
• Lots of evidence of specialist services being available to students and the delivery of those services was consistent.
• Lots of examples of good use of resources used across the college both physical (people) and other.
• Partnerships evidence was strong both internally and externally.

During the assessment, it was cited that EDI and the culture of wellbeing for both staff and students is well embedded. Students spoke of the caring and considerate nature of staff with one commenting: ​“We have a Progression Plan so we can see our goals. I would not have got through the year without the care of my Tutor. He understands and helps with everything. He knows when I’m feeling down and when I’m overwhelmed. We have talked about what I will do next year, and he listens to everything.”

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said: ​“This is a fantastic achievement for Nottingham College and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Nottingham College is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

To ensure we maintain the standard, the continual improvement check will be carried out by The Growth Company, on behalf of the DfE, in May 2025 and May 2026, and then another full assessment will be carried out in 2027.

Helen Bird, Head of Student Operations and Careers Leader, said: ​“We are delighted with the outcome of the report. We work incredibly hard to ensure we provide our students with a high level of information, advice and guidance to support them on their journey with us and beyond. The positive feedback we received from the assessors acknowledges our experienced and dedicated staff who put our students’ progression and success at the forefront of what we do.”