Careers England calls on government to commission and fund careers guidance

The report, by Institute of Careers Guidance president Dr Deirdre Hughes, is calling for a national careers advice service that is independent from schools and colleges, and which is funded and commissioned by central government rather than councils.

The report has been handed to ministers who are considering the future of careers guidance in schools and colleges. It also comes amid a swathe of cuts in Connexions services as councils look to cut costs.

Careers England director Paul Chubb said: "What happens at the moment is that funding is given to councils as part of a block grant and is not ringfenced. That is why we are seeing cuts.

"What this report is recommending is that the best way is to commission and fund careers advice centrally. This would mean that the tendering for running these services locally would be handled at a national level and local careers services and councils themselves could bid to run them."

The report, Social mobility of Young People and Adults in England: The Contribution and Impact of High Quality Careers Services, also highlights a number of previous academic research reports pointing to the links between a dedicated careers advice service and improved social mobility.

This included a 2006 National Foundation for Educational Research survey that found pupils were motivated and had improved behaviour when given careers advice from professional advisers.

Careers England chair Allister McGowan said: "This important independent research demonstrates the positive impact independent and impartial careers advice and guidance can have on people’s lives, when it is delivered by professional advisers informed by knowledge of the labour market."