Implications of Connexions for Careers Education and Guidance in Schools. Report of a NICEC/CRAC Invitational Policy Consultation Held on 13-14 July 2000 at The Bull Hotel, Peterborough. Conference Briefing.

The government is introducing a new, integrated support service, the Connexions Service, to provide information, advice, guidance, referral, and support for all young people aged 13-19 in England. Building on the Careers Service, its introduction should have significant implications for careers education and guidance (CEG) in schools. Currently, CEG has four components: a planned program of careers education in the curriculum; a full range of accurate and up-to-date career information; access to advice and guidance; and work experience. Careers services have been required to focus the provision of guidance on pupils with the greatest needs. A consensus view is that the gap between the best and the worst of practice had widened under focusing. These seven main themes emerge from working groups' discussions during a consultation on Connexions: communication; making connections: synergy not substitution (bringing coherence to a range of support services); engaging school senior managers and governors; clarifying roles; impact on CEG; is Connexions a service or a strategy? targeted or universal?; and Connexions as a long-term project. Students should expect the following of a universal Connexions: information, advice, and guidance; access to a network of support; equal opportunities; progress monitoring; tutorial support; impartial careers guidance; support for progression and transition; and advocacy support. Fifteen recommendations addressed mainly to the government have been made. (YLB)