11 September 2008

Acumen Development Trust Receives National Quality Mark

County Durham based, Acumen Development Trust (Acumen) is celebrating after becoming accredited with the nationally recognised quality mark for delivery of support to individuals, making learning and work more accessible to them – the matrix Standard.

Acumen gained accreditation to the matrix Standard within seven months, during which time the organisation has: built up its information resources for clients, focused on clients needs by getting them involved in shaping service delivery, focused on improving internal communications and strengthened the internal support structures for staff.

As a charitable organisation, Acumen’s vision is to achieve social and economic regeneration through learning, employment and enterprise.

This year Acumen will be working with in excess of 3500 people and they wanted to ensure that those individuals receive the best information, advice and guidance possible. The organisation decided that the matrix Standard, amongst other things, would help to achieve this.

Andrea Parlett, Head of Corporate Resources at Acumen, said: “I am delighted that Acumen has now gained the matrix Standard.  This achievement has given us the opportunity to reinforce and embed the consistency and quality already established.  It is also really encouraging to be recognised for the quality service we deliver.”

David Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications at ENTO, the company responsible for maintaining and promoting the matrix Standard on behalf of the DIUS, said of the organisation’s achievement:

“This matrix Accreditation is another example of how the matrix Standard is proving effective for all types of organisations, helping them to provide a more professional service offering and to strive to be the best in their sector.”

Acumen has been established for five years and the head office is based on the South West Industrial Estate in Peterlee, County Durham.  Acumen also operate across County Durham, Middlesbrough, South Tyneside, Newcastle and Wansbeck.

Any other organisations that would like to know more about how the matrix Standard might be able to help, can find out more by contacting the matrix Standard enquiry line on 0870 770 2468.