Birmingham based charity BID Services with Deaf people are celebrating following the successful retention of the Matrix standard.

The Matrix standard, established 4 years ago, is an assessment standard that measures and evaluates the quality and appropriateness of information and training delivered by employment services.  It has rapidly grown in its reputation within the employment field to become a benchmark for progressive organisations with a people driven focus.
   
BID’s employment service works with profoundly Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to find employment opportunities, identify training needs and provide information, advice and guidance (IAG) with a strongly lead service user approach.

“We always put the people we work with first and aim to empower them through creating choice and developing their skills.”  Said Employment Manager Dave Stinson.

In order to achieve this high standard a team has been created with a number of specialist areas including Training, Job Matching and Job Coaching.  This is combined with the use of specialist ‘Adult Directions Software’ that gives an employment profile of service users based on their likes, dislikes, desires and career aspirations.

“It is important to ensure the right information, advice and guidance is given at all times and the best way to do this is by building up an accurate picture of the individual and the areas they would like to work in.

This allows us to identify types of suitable employment, any training needs and allows us to match the right person to the right job.”  Continued Dave.
   
It is the devotion to delivering the right type of service that has helped to maintain the matrix standard which looks for ‘continuously improving’ services.  This has not been a problem for BID’s Employment Service as it prides itself on adapting to the needs of the people they help find work and the ever changing employment and education environments.

BID’s employment service is open to any unemployed Deaf and Hard of Hearing people between the ages of 19 and 65, who are actively looking for employment or training.  If you are interested in this service please contact:

BID Services with Deaf People,
Ladywood Rd,
Ladywood, Birmingham
B16 8SZ

Tel: 0121 246 6100
Text: 0121 246 6101
Email: info@bid.org.uk

For information about this story please contact:

Anthony Beeby
Campaigns Manager
BID Services with Deaf people
Ladywood Rd Birmingham

Tel: (0121) 246 6188
Email: anthony.beeby@bid .org.uk

Notes to Editors:
About BID Services with Deaf People:
BID works to support the Deaf community in the West Midlands. It has travelled a long way from its modest beginnings in the latter part of the 19th Century, when its prime function was "to provide relief to Deaf people and attend to their spiritual needs".

BID has developed a reputation for providing innovative, high quality services to meet the many and varied needs of Deaf people.  Today BID provides Care Management, Deaf Awareness, Support & Advice, Interpreting Services, Youth Work, and Equipment Sales amongst a growing portfolio of services.

Successful partnership and funding arrangements have been developed with colleges, housing associations, trusts, businesses and other organisations, which has helped BID to become more effective in pursuing its aims and objectives.

But still BID depends to a large extent upon private and voluntary donations to continue its work. Whether it's providing toys and videos for young Deaf children, or supporting Deaf people through interpreting or advocacy, we still need help – contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 246 6100 for information on how you can help.