Written question asked by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 January 2011. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 14 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Vocational Guidance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what mechanisms he plans to put in place to ensure that common professional standards for careers and Connexions services in local authorities are maintained in (a) 2011-12 and (b) subsequent years of the comprehensive spending review period;

Answer: Alongside the establishment of an all-age careers service, schools will be required to secure access for their pupils to independent, impartial careers guidance.The Government are taking steps to raise the quality and profile of the careers profession, and have accepted the recommendations of the Careers Profession Task Force, set out in its report, ““Towards a Strong Careers Profession””, published in October 2010. The 14 recommendations include the development of common professional standards and a code of ethics. A strong emphasis is also placed on ensuring all careers advisers receive effective initial training and continuing professional development to carry out their role. The Government are working with the Careers Profession Alliance and other sector organisations to implement these recommendations.

Secondary information