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Island Futures Receives National Recognition

The Isle of Wight Council's careers specialist service has received national recognition for its work.

Island Futures has once again been accredited to the matrix Standard, confirming the high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) services it provides to young people across the Island.

The service provides independent information, advice and guidance to support young people to participate in education, employment and training.

Working within the majority of the Island's secondary schools, it is available for unemployed young people aged 16 to 19 to access through community based centres across the Island.

The assessment, which was carried out earlier this month, takes place every three years, and involves interviews with young people who use the service, staff and partner organisations.

In their final report, the matrix Standard assessor highlighted what the service was doing right, including:

  • Information, advice and guidance is highly professional, well considered, planned and organised.
  • The service is delivered by qualified, skilled and experienced staff committed to providing the best service possible.
  • Significant investment in resources to support young people.
  • The service has responded well to the increasing complexity of needs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

Phillip Walker, county education manager, skills and participation, said:

"This is testament to the hard work of all involved in developing and providing our high quality IAG services.

"It also recognises our commitment to continuous quality improvement and to working closely with learners, employers, partners, and staff while supporting them to identify and achieve their goals."

The assessment was carried out by an accredited assessor on behalf of the Growth Company, contracted by the Department for Education to administer the matrix Standard.

Roger Chapman, head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, added:

"We believe at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, underpinned by effective use of the resources available.

"With their accreditation success, Island Futures is working to provide the best possible support to young people on the Isle of Wight."

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