Youth Access

Youth Access responds to IAG consultation

22 June, 2010

Youth Access has responded to the consultation on the draft Statutory Guidance and Directions on the implementation of the Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy by local authorities.

Given the change of Government, the future of the Strategy must be in question. Youth Access therefore, in a submission endorsed by NCVYS, argued that:

• IAG must be defined more broadly than careers advice and must include personal, practical, legal, emotional and health issues.

• IAG is delivered by a wide range of providers, not just Connexions. The guidance around branding fails to recognise this diversity and raises issues of independence for provision based in the voluntary sector.

• Young people themselves should be directly involved in shaping the ways in which IAG is provided to ensure all benefit from the delivery of relevant, inclusive and high quality support focussed around individual needs and aspirations.

• Insufficient attention is devoted to transition planning for those aged 18 and over. Many of these young people will continue to need targeted interventions to enable them to engage or keep them engaged, rather than the generic services of Jobcentre Plus.

• We welcome the recognition of the value of ‘under one roof’ services, the very type of service typified by YIACS, and the role of the non-statutory sector. The Guidance should set out more clearly how it sees voluntary and community organisations being partners in delivery.

• YIACS can make an enormous contribution to delivering integrated and non-careers IAG to young people and helping local authorities deliver key agendas such as personal wellbeing and NEET reduction.

Download Youth Access submission.

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