Information, Advice and Guidance: Draft standards will place high demands on service providers

Members of the steering group set up to help develop the standards criticised earlier drafts for being too focused on careers and learning, at the expense of other areas of advice and guidance such as health (YPN, 11-17 October, page 2).

The standards, which have been developed for the Government by Mouchel Parkman Learning Services, are expected to be published for consultation in early December. An extract seen by Young People Now lists elements that information, advice and guidance providers need to deliver, along with minimum standards and higher-level practice for each element.

The extract emphasises careers education and multi-agency working, but also sets a expectation that service deliverers give young people details of all relevant opportunities in areas including health and welfare, sports and leisure activities, volunteering, and rights, entitlements and responsibilities. However, sector professionals have expressed concerns that the standards replicate what is already happening and that there are no means for monitoring and enforcing them.