DES has been working with training company Barrett-Bell at both their Watford and Stevenage sites. DES support has enabled the company to achieve the MATRIX standard for Information and Careers Guidance in what was described ‘in a record time’ by the assessor, achieve the EUSR provider standard Gold Level for training in the utilities sector at the first attempt and have now achieved Good in their very first OfSTED Inspection. Two HMI Inspectors and two OfSTED Inspectors spent four days at the company in October 2018 and were impressed with the provision and outcomes.

All external inspections have recognised the value of DES consultancy:

MATRIX “The organisation is also bringing in a (DES) consultant who has OfSTED Inspection credentials and has significant experience of working in Further Education establishments” and “With the aid of (DES) external consultants the company produced an exceptionally good and detailed action plan.”

EUSR “Barrett-Bell can call upon the service of an identified external resource” to “ensure the service is resilient”.

OfSTED “Directors know their business well and are fully involved on the self-assessment process. They work closely with an external (DES) consultant to inform their understanding of the quality of the provision further” and “Monthly meetings between the (DES) external consultant and senior managers provide robust challenge and help leaders and managers to understand the key strengths and weaknesses of the provision.”