Education & Skills 
Darren Paffey MP recently chaired a major careers policy symposium convened by the APPG for Skills, Careers, and Employment with the support of the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) to explore progress, challenges and priorities for careers guidance in England. The event brought together government officials, careers professionals, employers, educators, and young people to assess policy developments under the Labour government and identify gaps in service delivery.
Dr. Chris Percy (Strategy and Policy Consultant) presented research demonstrating significant return on investment from career interventions. Cost-benefit analysis typically show positive outcomes, with every pound invested returning 2-4 pounds over 10-20 years through improved tax payments and reduced benefit claims. Dr Percy’s insights had clear policy implications – rather than isolated interventions to achieve ‘quick wins’, sustained, higher-volume engagement yields superior long-term outcomes.
Across a lively panel discussion, participants explored themes such as empowering young people, work experience and employer engagement, supporting adults in career transition, and equity and professionalism.
The event featured contributions from Clare Viney (Careers Development Policy Group), a college student, and Baroness Sue Garden of Frognal, amongst others.
The symposium reflected a sector at an inflection point. The government has articulated ambitious post-16 reforms, promised significant investment, and acknowledged the careers guidance’s multiplier effect across policy outcomes. However, delivery depends on resolving persistent structural barriers, investment of resources and maintaining policy continuity.
Participants concluded with near-universal agreement that coordinated lifelong strategy, long-term funding, and cross-sector partnership are prerequisite to translating policy ambition into lived outcomes for young people and adults navigating England’s constantly evolving labour market.
For a full summary of the session, please contact Alyson Hwang (alyson.hwang@policyconnect.org.uk).
