Southern Regional College Careers Service and Campus Services Teams have once again successfully achieved the Matrix Quality Standard; the international benchmark for organisations that offer information, advice and guidance (IAG) as part of their core services or activities. This standard will now be held in place by the College for a further three years.
This distinctive quality standard allows organisations to evaluate and improve their advice and support services, ultimately helping individuals make informed course and career choices. Built around seven key elements, Purpose, Resources, Offer, Delivery, Outcomes, Impact for the Organisation and Continuous Improvement, the Standard recognises best practice across the sector.
To achieve the re-accreditation, the College had to meet 29 rigorous criteria focusing on the quality and efficiency of service delivery, alongside the effective management of people and resources.
As part of the assessment process, certified external assessor Sue Harding conducted a visit to the College between 12th – 14th May 2026. During the assessment, evidence was gathered from 14 members of staff across the College’s Senior Management Team, Careers Team, Campus Services Team and Curriculum Area Managers. The assessor also engaged with students and external partners, including the Department of Economy Careers Manager and Careers Teachers from the College’s local feeder schools. A total of over 40 people fed into the accreditation reassessment.
The assessment highlighted the breadth and effectiveness of the support provided by the College's Careers Service and Campus Services teams. Particular recognition was given to the College's commitment to its core value of "Putting the Learner First", with learners benefiting from high-quality support, guidance and impartial advice that ensures they are connected with the right services at the right time.
The report also commended several areas of good practice, including the College’s Pre-Enrolment Advice Sessions (PEAS), sessions for potential students to meet with lecturing staff; to their use of progressive technology methods, which includes an online career platform designed to help young people access careers information and support. In addition, the welcoming and inclusive campus environments, including specialist support spaces for learners, were highlighted as key strengths.
Frank McCourt, Careers and Learning Resources Manager at Southern Regional College commented:
“The accreditation of the revised Matrix Quality Standard is a testament of the high-quality information, advice and guidance that the Careers and Campus Services Teams provide”.
Michelle O’Callaghan, Campus Services Manager added:
“We are delighted to have achieved the Matrix Standard Accreditation, recognising the outstanding information, advice, and guidance delivered by SRC staff across the College.”
Lorraine McKeown, Assistant Director for Student Services and Marketing at Southern Regional College further commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to have successfully retained the Matrix Quality Standard under its newly enhanced framework. Having held this prestigious accreditation for many years and consistently retained it through each assessment cycle, this achievement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG) to all stakeholders.
This recognition reflects the collective dedication of colleagues across the College who work tirelessly to support learner success and ensure that our information, advice and guidance services continue to meet the highest standards of quality and excellence.
At Southern Regional College, putting learners first is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that choosing a course, career pathway or next step is one of the most important decisions an individual can make. Through our continued commitment to outstanding IAG, we ensure that every learner has access to the support, guidance and opportunities they need to make informed decisions, progress with confidence and realise their full potential.
Retaining the Matrix Quality Standard under the new framework demonstrates both the strength of our established practices and our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that learners and stakeholders continue to receive an exceptional service."
To make an appointment with the Careers Service team at SRC, please contact the team at 028 3751 2808 or by email at mail_careers@src.ac.uk. For information on financial support and general assistance, contact the Campus Services team at 0300 123 1223.