Lancaster & Morecambe College is reaccredited to the matrix Standard for high-quality CEIAG services

Following a rigorous 3-day assessment of its careers education, information and advice service (CEIAG), Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) is proud to have been reaccredited to the matrix Standard, demonstrating the high quality it provides to learners. 

The matrix Standard is the Department for Education's (DfE) standard for ensuring the delivery of high-quality CEIAG services.  Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

This is a fantastic achievement for Lancaster & Morecambe College 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, the College is working to provide the best possible support to their learners.

As part of the process, 2 independent assessors spent 3 days in meetings with senior leaders, tutors, current students and partner organisations to discuss the full range of CEIAG services on offer and identified a number of strengths in the provision.  

The college has invested in a highly qualified, multidisciplinary CEIAG workforce with clearly defined roles, professional careers qualifications and an extensive programme of continuing professional development. Careers guidance is closely integrated with safeguarding, Prevent, pastoral support, mental health services and personal development, creating a safe and inclusive environment where learners develop independence, confidence and aspiration.

Learners consistently described staff as approachable, caring and responsive, valuing personalised guidance, work placements, employer engagement, university visits and pastoral support in helping them make informed career decisions, overcome personal challenges and remain engaged in learning.

LMC's Head of Engagement and Careers Lead, Victoria Carter, was pleased with the outcome of the assessment seeing it as a positive recognition of the College's innovative approach.

CEIAG is not just something we deliver in our careers workshops; it is a cross-College priority and is embedded across our whole curriculum. Our excellent partnerships with employers and agencies such as Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce and the Electech cluster group, give our learners unparalleled access to industry specialists, who provide masterclasses and work placements throughout the academic year. Our CEIAG and curriculum teams work together to ensure aspirational careers and progression support is embedded into all aspects of our provision, and this is reflected in our recent matrix Standard accreditation, alongside our Quality in Careers Standard and last year's positive Ofsted inspection.  

As part of their robust careers programme, LMC work in partnership with local HE institutions, businesses and agencies to offer a range of sector-specific events for their current learners as well as for local school pupils. In September we will launching our new Green Passport and Green Leader programmes for young people aged 16+ from across the Morecambe Bay district, as part of the Our Bay, Our Future project.

More information about the support available for prospective and current learners is available on our Careers Guidance pages.