Know How North East, which has recently helped more than 460 people find jobs, has been awarded the national Matrix standard for the quality of its information, advice and guidance to residents.
Commenting upon the organisation the independent assessor said: “The passion and commitment of staff at all levels within the organisation to provide services which meet the needs of individuals, families and communities and to provide them with a professional standard and quality service was evident throughout the assessment and was particularly appreciated by clients.
“Know How North East has developed excellent and effective methods of engaging with hard to reach communities with its knowledge and intelligence about residents in the target areas of Stockton and Billingham.
“Promotional activities are tailored to the needs of these groups and the informal approach engenders trust from people who do not easily engage with authorities. Spontaneous comments from partners and clients confirmed the unique ability of the organisation to connect with the client groups.”
The report described Know How’s approach to partnership working as “exemplary”.
It also noted that Know How helped job seekers ensure that people’s CVs “stood out from the crowd”. They helped one job-seeker design a ‘singing CV’ with their personal message on while someone looking for a catering job designed a CV in the shape of a menu.
KHNE Director, Paul McGee said: “Achieving the Matrix standard is a landmark moment for the organisation and a real tribute to the skills and hard work of staff.
“Know How works in areas where there are lots of barriers to employment and where people have often struggled to find work. Our main strength is that we work not just with individual job-seekers but whole families and neighbourhood groups. That gives an extra edge to our jobs-matching skills.”
Pictured l-r: Paul McGee – KHNE Director, Ian Richardson – KHNE Manager and Hugh McShane - Business Development Manager at the Clarences Community Resource Centre
