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Improving Information, Advice and Guidance Services in the South West

Duration: 08 June 2003 to 15 July 2003

Research Briefs

Related Links

Resources

Workshops

Good Practice

This Learning Theme will provide an opportunity for practitioners and policy-makers to work together and gain a better understanding of the issues affecting IAG provision in the region. It will consider the nature and impact of current services, where the gaps lie and the impact of these on the take-up of learning and employment opportunities. The Theme provides an important opportunity to influence the debate and help shape the future of IAG services in the region.

The Adult Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Programme began in 1999 following the recommendations of the Learning to Succeed White Paper. The aim of the programme was to make a consistent service, providing information and advice on opportunities in learning and work, available to all adults aged 20 or over.

Developed and implemented through local Learning Partnerships, the IAG programme brings together local IAG providers and partnerships in all areas of England. There are eight such IAG networks within the South West. Learning & Skills Councils (LSC) are responsible for securing delivery of local IAG services through contracts with lead bodies of local IAG partnerships.

In the South West, the FRESA has identified the absence of a comprehensive IAG service as a key barrier to the take-up of learning and highlights the need to examine how we can build on existing initiatives to establish a comprehensive system which is available to people in work. It suggests running a pilot in a sub-region, which may be informed by the findings of this Learning Theme. During this Learning Theme we will therefore consider:

  • What is the impact of IAG services in the region and where are the gaps?
  • Where is the good practice?
  • What key issues need to be addressed in a pilot?

THEME ACTIVITIES

During the Theme SLIM researchers:

· identified, summarised and contextualised research on the issue for participants
· interviewed policy makers
· identified projects demonstrating good practice and write these up as case studies
· facilitated a 4 week on-line discussion, starting on 8th June
· Held a workshop, on 15th July at Dillington House, Iliminster.

Resources were highlighted via the on-line discussion (which started on 8th June) and made available through the buttons at the bottom of this page.

Research briefs, summarising our research and findings, were published.

The Theme culminated in a workshop which brought together participants to reflect on the findings and discussion and to develop recommendations for our Final Report. The report has eeb published and has been distributed widely in the region and fed back to policy makers by Theme participants.

To view the report online, go to IAG Final Report. To receive a hard copy, please email m.h.todd@ex.ac.uk.



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