We are delighted to announce that Varsity Training have successfully been awarded the Matrix Standard! This quality standard mark ensures that we are delivering excellence in the field of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), providing impartial advice and guidance to our learners, employers and partners to support skills gaps and meet career and learning goals.

What is the matrix standard?

The matrix standard is a framework used to assess an organisation’s competency in the field of Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG). Matrix accreditation is a recognition of an organisations high standards of IAG delivery. This seal of approval supports IAG providers to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for the sector.

What does the standard look for?

In basic terms, the matrix standards in IAG assesses an organisations ability to prove the following:

• Does the organisation know and clearly define what it is offering learners?
• Is the information they provide accurate, impartial, up-to-date and confidential?
• Do they allow learners to make informed decisions?
• Is the training and information continuously evaluated and improved upon?

How did we pass?

On the 23rd March, we were remotely visited by an assessor representing the Assessment Services. Over the course of the day, a series of interviews were conducted with our partners, staff, employers and learners in order to establish the internal culture and processes in place to enable our team at Varsity Training to provide high quality impartial advice and guidance for all.

Due to continued growth and increased learner numbers, we are delighted to announce the addition of two new members to the VT Team. We’re sure you will all join us in warmly welcoming them to Varsity Training.

Firstly, we would like to introduce you to Jacqui Wenham who joins us as our new Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). Jacqui joins us with 25 years of assessing and IQA experience, previously working for a large independent training provider and an FE College. Jacqui also boasts a strong health and social care background, working as a Senior and Care Home Manager in the past. As part of her role, Jacqui will also be the Varsity Training Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Next, we would like to introduce you to Hilary Douglas-Smith, who is a welcome addition to our assessment team and joins VT as a Health and Social Care and Leadership & Management Trainer/Assessor. Hilary has 15 years experience of assessing health and social care programmes, previously working with a local college and a local council. Hilary has a BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care as well as NVQ Level 4 and 5 qualifications in Leadership and Management.

Finally, we are also pleased to confirm an internal appointment, with Debbie Reames taking on the role of Senior Trainer and Assessor. Debbie joined VT last summer and has made a huge impact since joining the team, continually progressing learners through their programmes during such difficult times and also providing new innovate ideas to improve the learner experience.

It is an exciting time at Varsity Training, and we are currently taking applications for our brand new Level 5 Leader in Adult Care and Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care programmes, if you are interested in hearing more about these programmes, please contact Operations Manager, Richard Clark, at richard.clark@varsistytraining.co.uk.