The matrix Standard

The matrix Standard ensures the delivery of high-quality information, advice and guidance. The Department for Education (DfE) supports the matrix Standard as the quality framework for accrediting information, advice and guidance contracts including the National Careers Service, its subcontractors and other services delivered on behalf of the Education Skills Funding Agency (SFA). It is the measure of the quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance (IAG as part of their service offering.

The matrix Standard is an outcome based standard. This means that an Assessor will look not only at processes used to support IAG delivery but also at results achieved. It helps providers to improve their services by benchmarking against best practice and it offers accreditation to those that meet the full standard.

This is the information, advice, and/or guidance provided by the organisation to support individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals. It may be careers guidance, support for learning, reducing barriers, etc.