Vox Pop - Is Connexions blamed unfairly for poor IAG provision?

YES: Jon Richards, senior national officer for education and children's services, Unison

Despite our reservations, Unison supported the introduction of Connexions. However, the promised numbers of staff necessary to run the service never materialised.

The imposed government target to reduce young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) distorted the focus of the service and damaged its wider remit, affecting careers advice in schools and other IAG services.

The recent move away from central funding and direction has led to reduced frontline resources and a lack of focus and a sense of drift that is affecting Neet figures.

NO: Malcolm Trobe, director of policy, Association of School and College Leaders

I don't think Connexions is unfairly blamed, but the problem is with the system and not the advisers. The current system means that Connexions has to target specific student groups. This reduces its ability to provide a full range of IAG services for all. So some students get first-rate provision whereas others see little of Connexions.

There are many highly skilled and able advisers who provide an excellent service. In many areas, Connexions has used a combination of group and individual sessions to reach more students. Best practice occurs where school and Connexions' provision is integrated.

YES: Chris Evans, knowledge manager, Institute of Career Guidance

I think that information, advice and guidance relating to learning and work has been poorly served in England in the past 10 years or so. The research has pointed out the reductions in availability and quality of provision. However, that is to be expected with a poorly thought out policy, which is massively underfunded.

In spite of the difficulties, many Connexions staff do a fantastic job. All young people should have access to impartial career guidance delivered by competent, qualified staff and until that is available many young people will continue to be disadvantaged.

YES: John Bangs, head of education, National Union of Teachers

Connexions has been unfairly blamed, because the problem is with the system.

I think it was a mistake to hive off something that is fundamental to schools into a different service.

Teachers are capable of giving good careers advice and could dovetail it into what they do.

Connexions has done its best. But it will always be playing catch up to schools, which have in-depth knowledge about each child.

We need a rethink on careers advice. It should be based in schools. We're working in clusters of schools more and more; it would make sense to have designated careers teachers for clusters of schools.