Advisory group voices 'deep concerns' over careers service

The group, which includes representatives from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, the National Connexions Network and the Institute of Careers Guidance, discussed plans to disband at its last meeting.

Members decided to continue their work, but only on the basis that they publicly voice "deep concerns" about government policy on careers services for young people.

The group has also decided to rename itself. It was initially called the Advisory Group on the All-Age Careers Service but will now be known as the National Careers Service Advisory Group.

This is because the group’s remit, and plans for the new careers service, have been scaled back.

Although the national careers service will include face-to-face services for adults, young people will only have access to telephone and web-based services. Responsibility for providing the face-to-face services to young people is being transferred to schools, without any transfer of funding.

The group argues that this funding-free transfer equates to a £200m annual cut. Members of the group added that they believe current quality assurance and accountability measures for the new careers service are inadequate.

In a joint statement the group said: "At a time when young people are facing massive changes in further and higher education, and new apprenticeships – as well as high youth unemployment – stripping out the professional help available to them is not only foolhardy, it is potentially damaging to young people’s lives and ultimately to the economy."