Case Study: Lifelong Learning Centre, University of Leeds
Interview with Mohammed Hussain, Advice and Guidance Manager at the LLC
The Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of Leeds (LLC) delivers foundation years, degree programmes and apprenticeships, while providing specialist support for mature and part-time students. It helps widen access to higher education, working with learners from under-represented backgrounds, mature students and community partners to create inclusive pathways into university study.
The LLC’s Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) provision has retained the prestigious matrix Standard accreditation since 2012, reflecting its long-term commitment to delivering high-quality IAG, the continuous improvement of its provision, and the University’s ongoing commitment to creating educational opportunities that change lives.
We spoke with Mohammed Hussain, Advice and Guidance Manager at the LLC, whose role gives him a unique perspective on the organisation’s engagement with learners, partners and stakeholders. In this case study, Mohammed reflects on the LLC’s matrix Standard journey, exploring why the organisation chose to pursue accreditation, their experience of the assessment process, the strengths and achievements recognised by the assessor, the benefits accreditation has delivered, how it has shaped future priorities, and how the team celebrated this significant achievement.
What led you to pursue matrix Standard accreditation, and why did you choose to work with us?
The LLC first pursued the matrix Standard accreditation back in 2012 due to its reputation for being the benchmark for excellence in information, advice and guidance services, as well as its close alignment with our social justice mission of widening participation amongst and supporting adults from backgrounds that have traditionally been under-represented in higher education.
Can you tell us about your experience of the assessment process?
Our team of colleagues who work to deliver the LLC’s advice and guidance service found our most recent assessment process to be extremely positive and constructive. It gave us the opportunity to reflect on our practice, gather evidence of our impact and hear directly from current and prospective students, community partners and University colleagues about the difference the service has made to them. The assessment visit facilitated useful discussions about our strengths, our values and the ways we support adults to make informed decisions about higher education, as well as helping us to explore future development opportunities.
How did you find working with your matrix Standard assessor?
We found our assessor to be highly professional, approachable and knowledgeable about higher as well as adult and community education. We appreciated the balanced, rigorous approach they took to our assessment, which provided valuable insight and challenge – it was clear that the assessment process was focused not only on accreditation but also on supporting the continuous improvement of our service provision.
Looking back on the assessment, were there any particular strengths, achievements, or areas of good practice highlighted in your report that you were especially proud of?
We were particularly pleased that our accreditation report recognised our strong commitment to widening participation and inclusive education. Supporting adults who may never have considered higher education as an achievable option is at the heart of what we do, so it was rewarding to see this recognised. We were also proud that the report highlighted the empathy, professionalism and person-centred approach of our advisers, as well as acknowledging the value of our partnerships with community organisations across the West Yorkshire region – these relationships help us to reach adults who may otherwise never engage with higher education and are central to our role in supporting the University’s civic mission.
What benefits has matrix Standard accreditation brought to your organisation?
Accreditation by the matrix standard provides external validation of the quality and impact of our work delivering information, advice and guidance for adult learners. It reassures our current and prospective students, community partners and colleagues across the University that our advice and guidance service meets nationally recognised standards. It also helps strengthen the LLC’s culture of continuous improvement and reinforces the importance of information, advice and guidance within our wider strategic objectives around access, participation and student success.
How has the accreditation process influenced your future plans, priorities, or approach as an organisation?
The accreditation process has reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a highly personalised, inclusive and learner-centred approach whilst continuing to explore new ways of using AI and digital service provision to extend our reach.
How did your team celebrate achieving matrix Standard accreditation?
Achieving re-accreditation was a proud moment for every member of LLC staff involved with the delivery of the service, as it recognised the dedication, professionalism and commitment we aim to show every day. We shared the outcome with colleagues across the University in the form of a news item posted internally which was picked up on and further celebrated by Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President at Leeds, in her monthly blog for all staff.
What does best practice look like in your IAG service?
Download our free sector guide and explore what high-quality Information, Advice and Guidance looks like in practice.
FAQs
What is the matrix Standard?
The matrix Standard is The Department for Education’s official quality standard for organisations that provide Information, Advice & Guidance. The prestigious accreditation & quality mark reflects an organisation’s commitment to quality and excellence within their Information, Advice Guidance service (IAG), affirming their credibility to stakeholders, funders, and service users.
What is IAG?
IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) is a term used to describe services that support individuals across a range of sectors, including education, employability and social prescribing. These services help learners and service users make informed decisions about their future, including skills development, training opportunities, education pathways, employment and personal wellbeing.
Should my organisation’s service go through matrix Standard assessment?
If your organisation delivers IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) services that help learners and service users make informed decisions about their future, the matrix Standard is the nationally recognised quality framework designed specifically for you. Owned by the Department for Education, the Standard helps services demonstrate their commitment to high-quality IAG, continuous improvement and best practice. Achieving accreditation provides recognition of the quality of your service.
What are the benefits of matrix Standard Accreditation?
Achieving the matrix Standard demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality services, enhances its reputation, and provides a framework for continuous improvement.
Which organisations are accredited with the matrix Standard?
There are over 1300 IAG service providers who currently hold matrix Standard accreditation in UK and beyond, including universities, colleges, training providers, careers services and more.
