We are delighted to announce that Communities 1st has been awarded the prestigious Matrix Standard Quality Mark accreditation, the quality standard for organisations delivering Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) services. The accreditation serves as a robust endorsement of our commitment to community support.
The Matrix Standard Quality Mark is a meticulous framework that assesses organisations on various parameters such as service delivery, impact assessment, and stakeholder involvement. After a comprehensive evaluation, which included interviews, observations, and documentation reviews, our organisation received high praise for its strong focus on its Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) services and supporting the local community.
"Networks are very, very strong," remarked one commissioner during the assessment, a testament to our ongoing efforts to collaborate effectively in a challenging external environment.
Our organisation was commended not just for its service delivery but also for its strong commitment to staff wellbeing. "I feel totally valued," shared one staff member, highlighting our organisational culture that places a strong emphasis on supporting and valuing staff. In addition to the Matrix Standard, we have previously achieved multiple employee-related accreditations, including Disability Confident Employer and Living Wage Employer, further reinforcing this commitment.
During the assessment, the words 'flexible' and 'agile' were recurrent, underlining our ability to adapt and evolve with community needs. "They are very flexible and adaptable," stated a commissioner, emphasising our focus on agility and innovation.
We were also praised for our diversified service portfolio, which addresses a broad spectrum of community needs and falls into six main areas: CVS, Volunteer Centre, Wellbeing Support, Adult Skills and Community Learning, Making a Difference, and Partnership Projects.
Stephen Craker, Chief Executive of Communities 1st, commented “We are immensely proud to have achieved Matrix Standard Quality Mark Accreditation, a testament to the dedication and resilience of our incredible team and the invaluable partnerships that sustain us. This accreditation serves not merely as a stamp of quality but as an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to delivering high quality Information, Advice, and Guidance services. We're particularly honoured that the assessment highlighted our focus on staff well-being and our adaptability, traits that have been central to our ethos. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our mission to continuously evolve and enrich the communities we are privileged to serve."
While the Matrix Standard accreditation recognises our existing strengths, it also provides valuable insights for future growth. We are keen to continue refining our services to serve our community better, always with the mantra of 'excellence in every action.'
We thank everyone involved for their continued support and dedication, which has been integral to achieving this accreditation and look forward to building on this success for the greater good of the communities we serve.