HE Information Advice and Guidance: An Advisers perspective Andrew Jones Network Officer, Linking London

What do we mean by CIAG? I – Information: facts e.g. course information, deadline dates, application process A – Advice: whenever an opinion is added to information G – Guidance: where information and advice is tailored to the individual circumstances of the person who needs it

A closer look at Careers Guidance Careers guidance helps people to: reflect on their ambitions, interests, qualifications and abilities. It helps them to understand the labour market and education systems, and to relate this to what they know about themselves. develop the knowledge, confidence and skills that they need to make well-informed, thought through choices and plans that enable them to progress smoothly into further learning and work, now and in the future. Good quality guidance is impartial, well informed and in the best interests of the student

An Effective CIAG HE Offer: The basics Includes a Careers Education programme - delivered in tutorial time/embedded into the curriculum which: - includes activities on self awareness, career exploration and managing transition - supports students with the key skills of researching, assessing and contextualising information Provides access to up to date information and access to support from qualified careers professionals Ensures staff involved receive appropriate training and have clearly defined roles and responsibilities and work closely with qualified careers advisers Includes opportunities for students to engage with external organisations, esp HE providers

Current Climate Significant changes to: HE offer: Who offers it and what is offered HE finance CIAG landscape HE Choices becoming more complex v less access to impartial CIAG

The I part of CIAG Increased Government focus on information on HE Perception that information is key and that students just need to be armed with good information to make informed choices BUT….. Quality of information is still variable Focussed mainly on A-level students progressing onto full time HE study Assumes that students are able to research, compare and analyse effectively and put into their own context without advice and guidance to do so

The A and the G of CIAG Students seek advice and guidance from a range of sources: e.g. teachers, support staff, peers, parents, employers, HEIs, as well as careers advisers In the absence of Aimhigher and Connexion Services, government focus now on HE to deliver more IAG and teachers/tutors will have an even more important role to play But….. Is the advice and guidance given impartial, up to date and informed?