Policy & Practice: Briefing - Young give Connexions Direct thumbsup

More evidence of a consumerist approach to youth policy? Maybe, but the mystery shopper approach has been piloted and has involved a lot of young people and Connexions services in making sure that it's an appropriate form of evaluation.

What form did it take then? There were 21 mystery shoppers aged 14 to 19, all trained in awareness of Connexions Direct and in the techniques of mystery shopping.

Which are? Don't sound like you are reading from a prepared script. Twelve scenarios were developed for the shoppers to seek advice on. Of these, five were about careers and learning, three about relationships, two about health and one each about housing and rights. So they varied from how to become a plumber, to something requiring more nuanced answers such as concerns over a best friend's possible eating disorder. The shoppers were advised how to follow up the initial response and develop the enquiry using their own words.