A First for Bexley's Information Service
The London Borough of Bexley’s Family Information Service (FIS) team
has become the first in the South East to have successfully achieved reaccreditation
of the Matrix Award.
The accreditation is the Government’s national quality standard for
organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance (IAG) on learning
and work. Bexley has achieved the highest level accreditation lasting for three
years
"This is well deserved recognition for a great service," says Cabinet
Member for Children's Services, Cllr
June Slaughter. "The Family Information
Service team do a fantastic job and are an invaluable source of information and
guidance on all children and young people’s services - from childcare to
early education and family support. I congratulate them on their success."
A Matrix Assessor visited the Family Information Service team in April and
spent time with clients, partners and Council officers. They were more than satisfied
that the service had met with all the points and priorities required for the
award. The Assessor commented that; “The energy, enthusiasm and innovation
shown by staff providing the IAG service demonstrates their commitment to the
ethos of customer care and flexibility in service provision. The service provides
a friendly, helpful and supportive customer centred approach which is responsive
to the needs of the clients at all times.”
The Family Information Service in Bexley has now been running for nine years.
Winning the award puts the service in line with the Government’s strategy
for all Family Information Services to demonstrate a high service by achieving
a quality standard.
Recently the FIS team helped a working parent whose child has multiple additional
needs. The parent contacted them for information on help during the holidays.
The team were able to provide the parent with information on a local holiday
play scheme who were able to offer her child a place, allowing her to continue
work. This is just one example of the comprehensive range of information, advice
and support the FIS provide free of charge everyday for parents, carers, children
and young people up to 19 on everything from education and leisure, to playschools
and breakfast clubs as well as providing information on financial benefits for
families.
The Family Information Service can be contacted on 020 8856 5398, text 07624
818336 or by emailing fis@bexley.gov.uk and can be found on the Council's website
at www.bexley.gov.uk/children
