Reflecting on 2017, I will always remember it as the year I stopped working with Investors in People (IIP). After 26yrs working at a strategic and delivery level, being responsible for many significant developments such as Profile, the leadership and management model, reviews and updates and recently piloting and delivering the new IIP Framework, the time is right to move on. I will always believe passionately that IIP has made a significant impact on business improvement and people management. The new Framework continues to be an amazing improvement tool but more for large organisations. Having started my career in Job Centres, training and adult guidance, supporting people to make the right life choices I am enjoying working with the matrix Standard which provides a framework to ensure leadership, resources, delivery and evaluation are focused on providing the best possible information, advice, guidance (IAG) to support clients achieve their aspirations. Initially developed for the Careers Service, the matrix Standard has evolved to be equally beneficial to training providers, health, housing, charitable organisations or any organisation providing IAG. During 2017 I also achieved a level 5 NVQ in Assessment Processes & Practices and continue to add value to organisations by assessing them against matrix, helping them reflect on their achievements whilst identifying areas of strength and development. This way I will be continuing to utilise my skills and expertise supporting organisations who want to continuously improve by empowering people whilst also supporting the wider community. I am also developing my own skills by undertaking the Award in Education and Training (AET, previously PTLLS) and broadening my horizons by seeing the world. 2017 has been quite a year for me. I had the pleasure of vising Thailand, Cambodia, China, Italy, Spain, Israel and Jordan. I also survived 2 hip operations and am now looking forward to a prosperous, healthy, active 2018.