Simply the best – and now its official!
Staff on Trafford Council’s specialist Youth Engagement team are celebrating today after landing a top-class assessment for all their hard work with young people.
The Youth Engagement Service has passed the Matrix Assessment which is a nationally recognised quality mark - and were given a massive thumbs up by the young people they work so hard to help.
For the very first time the Council’s detached youth work team, Street Talk, were part of the assessment. The assessor noted the following feedback from young people he spoke to:
“Gave me lots of ideas for career options”;
“I have clear goals now”;
“Much more confident about my future”;
“More confident with people”; “Better understanding of my issues”;
“Improved my relationships”;
“I have a clear route, a plan for the future.”
Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Our team was given a glowing report and the assessor was very impressed with the team and all the hard work we carry out with young people. We as a Council are committed to doing everything we can for young people in the borough and our Youth Engagement team are at the centre of this. Could I please take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the team and congratulate them on this achievement. You should all be very proud of yourselves.”
The service, which also includes the Connexions and Talkshop teams, was subject to a three-day assessment during which time the assessor met with over 20 members of staff, 20 young people and three partners. The standards are extremely high and only teams which are at the top of their game will gain the accreditation. It was vital that the service passed the Matrix Assessment in order to deliver careers guidance in schools and to continue the important role of bidding for information, advice and guidance contracts.
The Assessor also noted
“…A strong team-work ethos, supported by highly effective leadership and management, and multiple communication channels.”
The assessment also highlighted how the Street Talk social media account and website could be further developed for other parts of the service. The Matrix review assessments take place every three years and are subject to annual continuous improvement checks to maintain accreditation.
Posted on Tuesday 22nd February 2022