Assessing the Net Added Value of Advice and Guidance

Pollard E, Tyers C, Tuohy S, Cowling M | Research Report RR825A | Department for Education and Skills | Jan 2007

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This research explores the impact of information, advice and guidance (IAG) on adults in work or education, and specifically investigates the relative impact of more in-depth careers support (advice and guidance) over that of information provision.

The research design was a longitudinal survey of recipients of careers support (or recipients of IAG). The first survey took place in 2004 and involved more than 4,000 individuals. The second survey, in 2006, followed-up these original participants, achieving almost 1,300 interviews.

Key findings:

  • IAG is generally more effective when experienced as part of an ongoing process, rather than as an isolated event.
  • In-depth support is positively associated with a range of observable learning and career outcomes.
  • In-depth support helps people recognise and value what they have achieved, increases confidence in planning for the future, and general self confidence.
  • Low-skilled adults are likely to need more than initial in-depth support if they are to make progress in the labour market.
  • People who receive in-depth support engage in a different, more work-focused type of learning experience in the medium term from those who received information only.

The report concludes by drawing these key findings into a broader whole and discussing the implications for future IAG services.

A separate technical report on the survey and analysis methods used in this assessment is available top download here.