Quality advice from Teesside University

Teesside University’s Student Services has reaffirmed its national recognition for the quality of its work.

The Matrix Standard is the national quality standard for any organisation that delivers information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work. The department was one of the first to be accredited under the standard.

The University’s Students Services department is one of only a few in the country to include Sport and Well-being and Accommodation in the assessment. The assessment included discussions with students and staff from across the University, external partners and a review of the policies and working practices documentation.

Strengths of the department commended by the assessor included; staff across the department having an understanding of the University’s wider aims and objectives, helping them to provide a more holistic approach to responding to student needs and in supporting them.

The assessor added: 'There is good leadership which has led to an open culture across the department. The effect of this has been to empower staff and to provide staff at all levels with the confidence to identify and take forward areas for improvement.'

Praise was also given for the way staff are engaged in identifying and developing improvements, with a ‘model of engagement’ established to place an emphasis less on responding to the student needs or crises, but more on empowering the student.

The assessor describes the staff as well trained, committed to their own professional development and having the necessary skills and competencies to deliver a high standard of service delivery.

'As a consequence, students were fulsome in their praise of staff’s expertise and professionalism and the support and assistance they had received. There is a clear culture of seeking feedback from students.'

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Student Experience), said: 'Reaffirming this accreditation is excellent news and proof that our student support services are highly professional, meeting the needs and expectations of our students.

'The Department of Student Services works extremely hard to ensure it meets the rigorous standards laid out by Matrix and I am delighted that this has been recognised again.'

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