CIMSPA takes the lead and becomes the first professional body in the sector to gain matrix Standard accreditation for careers guidance
Joining education providers and dedicated services, CIMSPA has recently undergone an extensive assessment process to gain this kitemark of quality. In successfully completing this thorough quality assurance and receiving the nationally recognised accreditation, CIMSPA is cementing its place as a core service supporting individuals into rewarding and sustainable careers in sport and physical activity.
The Department for Education’s matrix Standard accreditation encompasses advice services of all types, including health guidance and money management, as well as – in CIMSPA’s case – careers information.
This UK-wide quality standard evaluates how effectively organisations deliver high-quality, impartial information, advice and guidance to people of all ages. It has been achieved by many highly trusted organisations, from the National Careers Service to individual colleges and even the Welsh Government for its information and advice quality framework.
The accreditation process looks at all aspects of an organisation’s advisory services to thoroughly assess the quality before awarding the prestigious accreditation. With seven elements, meeting all the requirements of the matrix Standard is no mean feat. Reviewing purpose, resource, offer, delivery, outcomes, impact and continuous improvement, the process involves interviews, observations and reviews of policies and procedures to gain an in-depth understanding of the advisory service.
As part of the matrix Standard assessment, a selection of CIMSPA’s education partners were interviewed to understand the impact our services have on those who use them. Among a range of positive feedback, one partner described how the Careers Hub provides essential value to its staff and learners:
“CIMSPA’s Careers Hub plays a vital role in supporting colleges by providing high-quality, up-to-date information, advice and guidance on career pathways within the sport and physical activity sector. Its resources help educators deliver clear and credible careers advice aligned with professional standards, ensuring learners understand the opportunities available to them.”
Some highlights of the feedback provided directly by the assessor covered a broad spectrum of the assessment areas, too:
- Our education partnerships are “highly collaborative and effective”.
- Our careers resources are “of an extremely high quality” – easy to use, up to date, detailed and wide-ranging.
- We put our vision, mission and values at the heart of our work and our “strong commitment” shines through.
- Our resources and websites are user-friendly, professional and easily accessible.
- We are working towards “creating an inclusive and diverse culture and working community”.
- CIMSPA endorsement provides fantastic outcomes for learners and employers alike.
Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for CIMSPA and we 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, CIMSPA is working to provide the best possible support to their clients and to the sector.”
Maureen Deary, the matrix Service assessor for CIMSPA, stated that “it has been a pleasure to assess CIMSPA, who have become only the second chartered institute to achieve the Department for Education’s matrix Standard”.
We are delighted to receive such comprehensive praise of our education and careers work, as summarised by Associate Director of Education and Careers Development Natasha Schofield:
“Achieving the matrix Standard accreditation and receiving this excellent feedback is a testament to the huge amount of work that has gone into this. The value our education and careers guidance resources and support bring to the sector and our partners is immense, and the benefit to young people is truly invaluable.
“With our work with our partners, resources for individuals and now projects in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, we are committed to ensuring that everyone is able to access high-quality training, jobs and careers full of rewarding professional development in sport and physical activity.”
Tackling an extensive list of activities within the world of academic and professional development, CIMSPA’s education and careers development team’s scope encompasses connecting with organisations across the sector. Working alongside learning institutions, from awarding organisations to further education colleges and more, our experienced education professionals empower education providers to design qualifications and CPD that meet professional standards.
For roles and specialisms within them, professional standards are managed by CIMSPA but set by sector experts and led by real employers and their needs, ensuring that education products aligned with them equip learners with job-ready skillsets.
Providing a digital resource for everyone working in or considering a career in the sector, the team also manages the CIMSPA Careers Hub. The hub is a dedicated platform providing information and guidance on a wide range of careers in the sector, supporting learners, professionals, educators and parents alike. With a careers guidance course for schools, signposting to relevant and high-quality training as well as CV advice and more, the website provides a wealth of resources all bespoke for the sport and physical activity sector.
What the matrix Standard accreditation shows is that all of these services that CIMSPA provides in the careers guidance space are meaningful, high quality and having an impact. As the only professional body with this certification, it’s important to note the prestige this brings to the sport and physical activity sector. What other industry is reaching out directly to education providers and learners to provide a wraparound career journey, supporting individuals at every step into the sector?
We are excited to continue developing our pioneering careers guidance offering, now supported and highlighted by our new accreditation.
We work with partners across the sector to ensure that everyone is able to access rewarding careers in sport and physical activity. Want to join us? Become a CIMSPA Education Partner today.