Career IAG with disadvantaged adults: The policy context

Abstract

The Smoothing the Path report (Hawthorn & Alloway, 2009) is very timely in relation to the current work on developing a new adult advancement and careers service. This article outlines the origins and key design features of the new service, with particular attention to the tensions between its universal and targeted aspects. It then examines the rationale for the involvement of the voluntary and community sector in policies for career information and guidance, recent policy with regard to the involvement of this sector, and different strategies for working with the sector. Finally, it indicates some of the policy issues illuminated by the report.