Oldham Lifelong Learning and Get Oldham Working saluted for quality services

Oldham Council’s Lifelong Learning and Get Oldham Working services are offering high quality advice, information and services, according to inspectors. 

The two services have achieved the matrix Standard once again – an internationally-recognised quality standard owned by the Department for Education. 

Get Oldham Working gives Oldham residents free support to help them find work and training opportunities, while Oldham Lifelong Learning offers a wide range of educational courses to over 2,500 learners a year. 

The two services were visited over two days and successfully maintained the matrix Standard.

Assessors noted that: “Staff go the extra mile in support of their clients.

"The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by the impressive performance and achievement statistics for both services.” 

The matrix Standard is a quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance to clients either as their sole purpose or as part of their wider service offer. 

Achieving the Standard involves an assessment of: leadership and management; resources; service delivery; and continuous quality improvement. 

Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Get Oldham Working and Oldham Lifelong Learning provide vital services to our community – helping residents to improve their circumstances and succeed in so many ways. 

“I’m particularly proud of the contribution they played in people’s lives during the coronavirus pandemic, with assessors highlighting the positive ways the team found new ways to help people at a really difficult time. 

“We will continue to push ourselves to continually improve and ensure our residents keep receiving the best possible services.” 

Inspectors also spoke to people who had used the services with feedback including: “It opened lots of doors for me”; “brought me out of myself”; “erased my self-doubt”; “broadened my horizons”; “motivated me to go on to the next level”; “will help improve my career”; “really boosted my self-confidence”; “definitely closer to getting a decent job”; “helped me find a pathway to the future”; “turned me round, restored my belief in myself.” 

Cllr Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, added: “These services are here for you and we want as many people as possible to benefit. 

“Oldham Lifelong Learning has courses to help you further your career or simply learn something new for pleasure. 

“Get Oldham Working will provide you with a dedicated advisor who can support you in whatever way you need – from working on your CV, to helping you feel confident and helping you to achieve your job goals. 

“The two services have benefitted more than 11,000 people over the past three years, and if you think they could help you or someone you know, don't hesitate to get in touch." 

For more information visit: oldham.gov.uk/gow and oldham.gov.uk/lifelonglearning

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