What's IAG? An acronym for information, advice and guidance. UnlikeConnexions, for example, it's a "what it says on the tin" kind of brandname.
But what is it? Part of the Youth Matters proposals, which means itapplies to England only. It's a newer version of the role Connexions hasbeen playing in providing advice to young people. The idea is thatchildren's trusts, or schools and colleges, commission providers todeliver an holistic information, advice and guidance service to 11- to19-year-olds. Since the 14 to 19 curriculum changes will be up andrunning from 2008, advice services and careers counsellors need to beready to offer an information, advice and guidance service this year. Aspart of this development, the Government has published a set of qualitystandards for the information, advice and guidance service, which is outfor consultation.
Why do we need standards for IAG? To improve the quality and breadth ofthe information and advice services on offer, to act as a signpost to arange of existing electronic information and advice web sites, and -let's be frank - to make sure young people remain engaged with educationand training.
So what will be on offer? The 38 standards are divided into threesections: what young people should get; how information, advice andguidance can make it happen; and commissioning services. Despite thepromise of holistic services, the focus is clearly on education,training and employability.
For example, young people should be told about courses andqualifications available to them, local volunteering opportunities, theskills that could enhance a person's chance of succeeding in the labourmarket, and what they need to study to get there.
What about personal worries, or information on where to have fun?Standard 6 is all about general, accessible information and advice onpersonal, social and health issues. Standard 11 refers to extracurricular activities - though of course the "things to do, places togo" bit of Youth Matters also involves providing a guide to what'savailable to young people in their local authority. The draft standardsadvocate taking a personalised approach to providing information, adviceand guidance to young people.
At a more strategic level, standards 15 and C7 (C is for commissioning)state that young people, parents and carers must be involved in thedesign, implementation and review of services.
How will local authorities ensure quality then? That's what theinformation, advice and guidance standards 16 to 28 try to address. Theydeal with a range of areas: the need to provide an impartial andup-to-date service; aligning any information, guidance or advice givenwith the young person's personal development programme; establishinglinks with specialist services like child and adolescent mental healthservices and adult services like Jobcentre Plus; and setting up systemsto record and monitor a young person's progress. Staff should be awareof risk factors that can affect a young person's ability to achievetheir best, and be able to refer young people on to the most appropriatespecialist service.
What training do IAG staff undergo? Standard 23 stipulates that theworkforce must have the necessary skills, knowledge, competence andqualifications to deliver information, advice and guidance services; andstandard 24 covers continuing professional development.
FACT BOX
- Young people say they go to parents (60 per cent), friends (51 percent), teachers (25 per cent), Connexions (19 per cent) and youthworkers (16 per cent) for information, help and advice (Youth Matters:Next steps)
- The consultation on Quality Standards for Young People's Information,Advice and Guidance is available from www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations
- Responses are due by 16 March.
