Doncaster Deaf Trust has been accredited with the Matrix standard, showcasing its aptitude for offering helpful specialist employability support for young people.
The organisation received the matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance services (IAG) for its Specialist Employability Support Service (SES) which provides help and support for those with communication needs looking to gain a job and life-related qualifications.
This part of the Trust’s service was remotely evaluated by a matrix service assessor who gained feedback from clients, staff and parents.
Overall satisfaction found during the assessment was 100% at good or excellent, and prominent strengths included supportive staff who demonstrate an excellent understanding of strategic aims, and passion for providing high quality information, advice and guidance. All the team also have British Sign Language (BSL) level one or two.
The service was found to be well promoted and encouraging of aspirations, with support centred on wellbeing, self-esteem, learning, work, career, and, importantly, life goals.
Clients also reported to assessors that through this service they felt more confident after getting help with their CV, that they received moral support, and that without the service, they wouldn’t have found their job.
Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “The mission of our specialist employability support is to empower and support individuals to be resilient, independent and skilled to enable them to achieve their future aspirations.
“To attain this accreditation for our Specialist Employability Support Service means so much to us and we will continue to uphold our quality service so that we can support our clients into the workplace."
The Trust’s Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service consists of employment advice, employability skills, interview skills, communication skills, employer/job search help, applications support and advice, work experience placements, travel and benefits advice, development of CVs and confidence and motivational training. Work coaches also provide a one to one service.
The level of welfare support offered during Covid-19 has also helped clients stay focused on their job search and there have been clients helped into work during lockdown.