Surrey Adult Learning accredited to the Matrix Standard

Surrey Adult Learning (SAL), is delighted to announce that it has just been accredited to the matrix standard demonstrating the high quality information advice and guidance services provided to adult learners. Over 8,000 learners from across Surrey studied with SAL in 2023-24 and with over 18,000 enrolments annually.

Every three years SAL has a full matrix Standard assessment. This involves showcasing the excellent work embedding information, advice and guidance (IAG) into our work.

The assessment took place in early March. We are delighted with the assessor's report confirming "person centred practices are at the heart" of our IAG implementation. The assessor stated "The SAL tutor is quite special. They are so welcoming and focused upon creating a happy, fun and safe space to learn, as well as equipping learners with new skills".

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Surrey Adult Learning 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, SAL is working to provide the best possible support to their learners."

The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance (IAG). Either as their sole purpose or as part of their service offering.

Any organisation which manages, administers and delivers an information, advice and/or guidance service to support individuals in their choice of career, learning, work or life goals can become accredited to the matrix Standard.

It does not matter whether the service or services are delivered face-to-face, through training, learning, remotely, or through a website.

Organisations that have benefited from working with the Standard include Training Providers, Universities, Further/ Higher Education Colleges, Schools and Academies, Sole Traders, Next Step Providers, Voluntary and Community Organisations and Private Businesses.

The matrix Standard is owned by the Department for Education and is managed by The Growth Company on their behalf.