§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on arrangements for(a) delivering of services, (b) funding and (c) professional validation and development of careers services operated by higher education institutions, with particular reference to their relationship with other careers and guidance services. [133424]
§ Alan JohnsonCareer guidance services in higher education are diverse and varied. There is no statutory obligation for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to provide careers advice and guidance. However, most594W HEIs have established their own dedicated careers service. Some use other means, for example through academic departments or other student services; others use a combination of both approaches.
Higher Education Careers Services are funded by HEIs themselves. Each institution makes its own decisions about the level of funding it allocates to careers and other services from its overall funding allocation, according to its individual circumstances.
The 2001 report 'Developing Modern Higher Education Careers Services', published following a review commissioned by my Department, included the recommendations that universities should place increased emphasis upon:
(a)defining core services that every Careers Service should provide(b)considering their policies towards their Careers Services in relation to their Operational Plan(c)reviewing their funding distribution to ensure they are able to deliver the core careers services(d)ensuring their careers service staff are appropriately trained and qualified.The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), in conjunction with the University of Reading, offers a range of tailored professional qualifications. AGCAS now sets a condition that members must have achieved or be working towards the matrix standard, which is the national quality standard for any organisation delivering information, advice and guidance services on learning and work. In addition the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) has developed a voluntary code of practice for careers education, information and guidance in higher education. The majority of HE Careers Services are members of local Information Advice and Guidance partnerships which are funded by the Learning and Skills Council and which ensure coherence of all adult careers services in their local areas.