Coronavirus Hub Information for Colleges and 6th Forms

Updates to the matrix Standard (on behalf of the Department of Education)

The Growth Company, who manage the matrix Standard on behalf of the Department for Education, have introduced a number of key measures to support colleges. Under new policies agreed by the Department, the assessment process itself will be carried out remotely using video conferencing facilities, such as Skype or by telephone and contact with students and your stakeholders can be delayed until the Continuous Improvement Check in 12 months, if required. Some colleges are reporting that now is a good time to be assessed before the busy Autumn term. Remote assessments have already taken place with Hopwood Hall College and Truro College, and further assessments are planned under the new arrangements. If your college is due an assessment within the next 12 weeks an assessor will be in touch to agree the most effective way forward and to support you through the new arrangements.Under the new arrangements assessors are able to grant an extension of up to 3 months, if you require longer please contact roger.chapman@growthco.uk the Head of Service to outline why additional time may be needed such as key staff being unwell, being overwhelmed dealing with vulnerable students, or limited IT capacity for homeworkers etc. The hub are also pleased to advise you that a review of the matrix Standard is due to take place later this year and as a key partner we will be working closely with the Growth Company.  The hub hopes you agree that as we come out of this crisis the delivery of high-quality information, advice and guidance, which the matrix Standard has been designed to quality assure, will be even more vital. 

How to collaborate with your local NHS organisations

Colleges across the country are supporting their local NHS organisations by donating and manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE). The hub want to support more schools to do this. Whilst clarifications for PPE are being sought and further guidance is imminent (see recent letter here), given the urgent situation we know that some NHS organisations are sourcing it locally and would be very happy to be approached on this. Where you have existing relationships with local NHS Trusts, foundation trusts, primary care networks or integrated care systems (ICSs) the hub recommend using these. Alternatively the director of finance/head of procurement would be good options, and where these details are not easily available you should contact the CEO or Chair with an offer of support. If anyone requires further support in making contact, the hub are happy to facilitate conversations with NHS Confederation’s member networks. Colleges can also support their local NHS organisations by donating hand sanitiser and wipes and by volunteering staff and students. Offering the use of college estates is another priority area, for testing, storage, supplies and accommodation.