A council service which provides free information and guidance about education and careers has retained its accreditation standard for the quality of its provision.

Dudley Council’s Adult and Community Learning Service has retained its Matrix Standard for another three years.

The Matrix Standard is a quality mark for organisations that deliver Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) sessions that help individuals plan their future learning and career.

The award recognises services that offer a safe and welcoming environment, ensure that all the information provided is impartial and confidential, and have qualified staff to help individuals make the right choices.

The service is free and can be booked at a number of learning centres in the borough. Helen Martin, director of regeneration and enterprise, said:

"This is an important service that helps people to identify a chosen career pathway and provides them with information about learning and job opportunities.

"I’m delighted that we have retained the Matrix standard for another three years and that people can therefore be confident using the service."

The Matrix assessor commended Dudley on several strengths and said that Dudley is very much an organisation ‘that has a no wrong door approach to its IAG delivery and demonstrates effective support to meet the needs and interests of individuals who access the service’.

IAG sessions are free and can be booked by calling Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818143.