Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Skills, Careers, and Employment held an event in parliament to discuss proposals for a Career Guidance Guarantee for England.

The session on 18 July was held in collaboration with the Career Development Policy Group, and saw the launch of their new report titled "Investing in Careers: What is Career Guidance Worth?". This report made a compelling case for prioritising and investing in career guidance to benefit individuals and the broader workforce.

The session began with a rousing introduction by the chair, Baroness Garden of Frognal, and Professor Siobhan Neary from the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS). Professor Tristram Hooley then presented the evidence base on the numerous benefits of career guidance, highlighting its pivotal role in empowering individuals to make informed career choices. Clare Viney from The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) followed with a proposal for a Career Guidance Guarantee to ensure equitable access to effective career guidance for all.

The panel discussion that ensued featured experts with deep insights into the career guidance system: Katharine Horler, OBE from Careers England; Beth Jones from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation; Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby; and John Yarham from The Careers & Enterprise Company. Each shared their perspectives on the importance of an effective career guidance systems.

The open discussion that followed the panel presentations was truly thought-provoking, with engaging responses to pressing questions from Lord Aberdare and Andrew McGregor from Unison.

Key takeaways:

• Investing in career guidance is investing in a better future for the UK workforce.
• A Career Guidance Guarantee could ensure that everyone has access to high-quality career guidance throughout their educational journey and beyond.
• The Department for Education should consider the development of a new and comprehensive careers strategy that addresses the changing needs of the workforce and the dynamic nature of the job market.

If you would like further information, please get in touch with Peter Wilson, Senior Researcher in Education and Skills, at Peter.Wilson [at] policyconnect.org.uk (Peter[dot]Wilson[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).