The Grounds Management Association (GMA) in the UK successfully retained the matrix Standard accreditation for the 12th consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG) to grounds management professionals across the UK
The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organizations that deliver information, advice, and guidance services. Owned by the Department for Education, the accreditation recognizes organizations that effectively support individuals in making informed decisions about learning, development, and career progression.
The GMA remains the only industry association to hold the prestigious accreditation, underlining its position as the leading professional body for the grounds management sector.
First achieved in 2015, the accreditation is maintained through a three-year cycle comprising a full assessment followed by two annual continuous improvement reviews. This year’s assessment expanded its focus beyond the GMA’s learning provision to evaluate the wider organization’s delivery of information, advice and guidance across its activities and services.
As part of the rigorous assessment process, the independent assessor gathered feedback from learners and end users of the GMA’s information, advice, and guidance services, alongside staff, Board representatives and National Governing Body partners.
The assessment highlighted the positive impact of the GMA’s support across the sector. Learners praised the ongoing guidance available to them, while the organization’s robust approach to measuring learning outcomes was recognised as a key strength. One participant noted that, while grounds management can often be an isolating profession, the GMA helps individuals feel connected and included within a wider professional community.
The assessor also recognized the value of GMA Connect events in promoting inclusion and fostering professional networks across the industry.
Feedback from National Governing Bodies of Sport reinforced the GMA’s reputation as the sector’s trusted source of expertise, with one partner highlighting that there is “nowhere else to go for such expertise”.
The assessment also commended the organization’s governance, recognizing its strong strategic direction, clear alignment with organizational objectives and effective sector-wide leadership.