Zayed University's Career Services have been awarded the matrix Standard for information, advice and guidance.This followed an external assessment process undertaken by emqc Ltd, the organisation responsible for the management, administration and delivery of the matrix Standard. This award highlights Zayed University's continued commitment to deliver career programs and services that meet internationally recognized quality standards.
The matrix Standard, owned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, UK, is a UK Government accredited, quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work. It promotes the delivery of high quality information, advice and/or guidance by ensuring organisations review, evaluate and develop their service; encourage the take up of professionally recognised qualifications and the continuous professional development of their staff.
Mr Larry Wilson, Provost, Zayed University said "Achievement of the matrix Standard by our Career Services colleagues is international verification of what a decade of Zayed University graduates already know, the people in this unit are extremely effective in helping our graduates find successful and rewarding careers. We are so proud of these people for their dedication to achieve the matrix Standard."
Mr Dave Allan, Managing Director, emqc Ltd, said: "I'm delighted the Careers Service covering the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses of Zayed University has become the first organisation to be accredited internationally against the matrix quality standard for information advice and guidance. This achievement is testimony to the service's aim of raising the profile of career guidance within the University and in the UAE, which will lead to effective employment of Graduates".
Mr Mark Wem, International matrix Assessor, emqc Ltd, said "What impressed me throughout the assessment process was the positive feedback gained, internally and externally, from representatives of partner organisations. It highlighted the way Careers Service staff approach partnership working and this was evident in the innovative and creative way they provide opportunities for students experiencing work for the first time."
The purpose of the matrix Standard is to provide a benchmark for organisations to assess/measure their advice and support services which ultimately support individuals in their choice of career, learning, work and life goals.
The matrix Standard assesses four key elements:
- Leadership and Management
- Resources
- Service Delivery
- Continuous Quality Improvement
Gordon Slaven, British Council director in UAE, said "We are delighted that Zayed University is the first institution outside the UK to be accredited with the UK matrix Standard award in career guidance. This is a significant achievement for the University and we are proud to help them celebrate their success. Careers advice is a critical area for both our countries, ensuring young people make informed and realistic career decisions which meet employers' needs and address skills gaps."
The award was presented on Tuesday 5 March at Going Global, the British Council's conference for leaders of international education, held this year at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Mark Wem representing EMQC presented the Award to: Larry Wilson - Provost at Zayed University, Shamsa Al Taie - Director of Student Affairs Abu Dhabi Campus and Asma Obaid - Director of Student Affairs Dubai Campus (both UAE Nationals) Please put that the award was presented at GG.
About the British Council
The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. We are a Royal Charter charity, established as the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.
We work in more than 100 countries, and our 7000 staff - including 2000 teachers - work with thousands of professionals and policy makers and millions of young people every year through English, arts, education and society programmes.
We earn over 75% of our annual turnover of £739 million from services which customers pay for, education and development contracts we bid for and from partnerships. A UK Government grant provides the remaining 25%. We match every £1 of core public funding with over £3 earned in pursuit of our charitable purpose.
For more information, please visit: www.britishcouncil.org. You can also keep in touch with the British Council through twitter.com/britishcouncil and http://blog.britishcouncil.org/.
About Zayed University
Zayed University, a premier university in the United Arab Emirates, is an innovative institution based on an international model of higher education. With over 900 faculty and staff serving 8,500 undergraduate and 1000 graduate students on equivalent campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the University prepares graduates to become leaders in government, business, civil society, and family life. The University expects its graduates to be bilingual in English and Arabic, proficient in the use of information technology, strong in quantitative and research skills, critical thinkers and life-long learners.
Zayed University prepares students for a meaningful and successful twenty-first century personal and professional life. It aims to graduate students who will help shape the future of the U.A.E.; to support the economic and social advancement of the nation; to lead innovation in higher education through teaching, learning, research, and outreach, and to do so in a culturally diverse, humane, technologically advanced, and increasingly global environment.
Zayed University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the U.S.A. and is seeking appropriate international accreditation for each of its six colleges.
The United Arab Emirates is a progressive country known for its high standard of living and its safe, family-friendly environment. In 2010, Zayed University was ranked one of the Top Ten Employers in the U.A.E. by the Great Place to Work Institute.
For more information please contact Zayed University: Andrea Naylor, Senior Career Counselor & Education Co-ordinator, 0566569906 or andrea.naylor@zu.ac.ae
Dave Allen, Managing Director, emqc Ltd dave@emqc.co.uk
Tim Sowula, Snr Press Officer, British Council tim.sowula@britishcouncil.org +447771718135
© Press Release 2013
