Council scoop inudstry award for innovation and networking

Nov 3 2011 Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has received a top industry quality mark for its expertise in helping people access work and training opportunities and supporting businesses.

The Employment, Skills and Learning Department has achieved the Matrix accreditation for its services within Adult Learning, Employment Development and Skills Development.

The Matrix is awarded to organisations that excel in delivering information, advice and guidance on learning and work.

Assessors conducted a thorough three-day inspection of the department and interviewed staff, service users and partner organisations.

They found that staff “are passionate about the delivery of learning support services that will make a difference to their service users”, which is demonstrated by “many positive comments” from clients and partners.

The report highlights the fact that services are tailored to the needs of the individual, commenting: “Service users are very satisfied with the ways that the department makes its information and guidance services available to them”.

It notes that the department’s mission statement - ‘Creating opportunities that ensure Cheshire West and Chester is a place where people and businesses develop and prosper’ - is clearly reflected in its work.

Assessors concluded that local government reorganisation has had an overwhelmingly positive effect on the department, noting that the services had been strengthened under Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Matrix accreditation comes less than a year after the department received a glowing Ofsted report following a learning and skills inspection.