§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on recruitment and training of personal mentors to date. [137033]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 7 November 2000]: Connexions Partnerships have been issued with guidance, drawing on the innovative work of the Connexions Pilots, to assist them to meet our requirement that they identify in their delivery plans how they will recruit the extra staff required to deliver the service from a variety of backgrounds and sectors and with a range of expertise.
A training programme is being developed to meet the varying needs of the range of people who will become Connexions Service personal advisers, and to ensure that all are provided with appropriate training. One element of this programme, the Diploma of Personal Advisers, is currently being piloted in Connexions pilot areas. Further guidance on the recruitment and training of Connexions Service personal advisers will be issued shortly.
§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has held with the National Youth Agency and the Connexions Service on matters and activities of mutual concern. [137034]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 7 November 2000]: We have consulted widely on the development and implementation of the Connexions Service. The National Youth Agency and other partners in the youth field have been active participants in a number of working groups looking at different aspects of the new service, including the Professional Formation, Inspection and Standards and Involving Young People Working Groups and the Youth Service Transition Group. The National Youth Agency has also taken the opportunity to respond to public consultations.