Hull City Council’s Connexions service has retained the matrix accreditation for the quality of its information, advice and guidance services to young people in Hull.
Connexions offer support for young people and adults up to 25 years into employment, education and training.
The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance (IAG).
Over a two-day inspection period, the assessor examined a portfolio of evidence relating to a new set of matrix assessment criteria. They also held meetings with Connexions managers and staff, interviewed key partners like schools, colleges and training providers, and interviewed groups of young people who received support from the service.
The assessor’s report said: “The Connexions Service is a key component of Hull City Council’s strategy to improve youth participation in employment, education, and training. Connexions plays a crucial role in the council’s efforts to support young people aged 14-25 in their transition to employment, education, and training.”
The report also highlighted that: “Complementary to the professional delivery of IAG, staff are considered personable and engaging, offering support which often goes beyond the future career needs of individuals. Barriers such as mental health, offending, family issues, experience of care and SEND are identified, and highly competent and experienced staff support clients to develop strategies to manage these, often in collaboration with other services.”
“All staff deliver their IAG work to a clear set of principles which include confidentiality and impartiality, and these are continuously reviewed through supervision, observation and professional discussion. Therefore all delivery activities, although varied, work towards clients’ self-efficacy and the ability to make well informed and realistic decisions about their next steps and longer term plans.”
The report identified the following strengths within the Connexions service:
- A more strategic approach to working with schools to provide the most effective and appropriate service to young people.
- The service works collaboratively with all parties across the city to provide the best possible outcomes for clients.
- Changes have been made to enhance the application process for clients, through a single page application form.
- The service is well-managed and a collaborative approach ensures that where strategic decisions are made, all staff have a chance to be involved in these discussions.
- Staff are highly qualified and experienced in their roles and are also encouraged to build their knowledge, skills and qualifications to meet their personal growth and organisational needs.
Pauline Turner, the Director of Children and Family Services at Hull City Council said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the council’s Connexions service.
“The report provides very important external validation of how well the service works in partnership with a range of stakeholders to ensure young people receive the best support possible. This includes support during their transition from school into post-16 education, and to help those who unfortunately find themselves not in employment, education or training.
“The report makes delightful reading, and the Connexions staff and managers can feel very proud of the services they provide.”
Connexions can be contacted on 01482 615223, or by visiting the website.
