Transformation of careers services: new

and emerging markets?

Deirdre Hughes,Institute for Employment ResearchUniversity of Warwickdeirdre.hughes3@btinternet.com

Context: Careers Services Transformation

Smart growth – developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation

Sustainable growth – promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy

Inclusive growth – fostering a highemployment economy delivering economic, social and territorial cohesion

Europe 2020 – the post Lisbon strategy

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Careers Services Transformation:

New public, private and social enterprise arrangements?

Aim

To explore public and private sector careers service arrangements, including new social enterprise developments, and to assess the impact of current policy developments likely to influence and shape individual choice in career direction and learning.

ICT and Market Principles (1995 -2004)

The potential of applying market principles to the delivery of careers guidance services.

Lessons learned from the United States - four market-based models of delivery and three possible roles for government

Watts, A.G. (1995). Applying Market Principles to the Delivery of Careers Guidance

Services: a critical review. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 23(1), pp.69-81.

Hughes, D. & Gray, S. (2004). A Market in Career Provision? Learning from

Experiences on the East Coast of America. Derby: Centre for Guidance Studies,

University of Derby.

Range of options available to Government: Stimulate the market to build its capacity

Regulate the market to assure the quality of services and protect public interest

Compensate for market failure , where appropriate.

ICT and Markets (2005-2010) Watts et al (2005) reaffirmed earlier findings

within a UK context

Hooley, Hutchinson and Watts (2010) reaffirmed findings and noted new ways in which individuals use technology and transact with opportunity providers in developing their careers

Watts, A.G., Hughes, D. & Wood, M. (2005). A Market in Career? Evidence and Issues. Derby: Centre for

Guidance Studies, University of Derby

Hooley, T., Hutchinson, J. & Watts, A.W. (In Press). Enhancing choice?

The role of technology in the career support market. Derby: Centre for Guidance

Studies, University of Derby

 

Careers Services Transformation

Themes

The changing landscape

Drivers Enablers Barriers

Implications for delivery

Future landscape

Implications for Governments

Rethinking Public, Private, Third Sector Services

Policy Drivers in England The Government’s ‘Big Society’ vision - influencing the shape and formation of central and localised policies

The Sustainable Communities Act: an invitation to inspire the Big Society (15/12/10)

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill: an essential guide (13/12/10)

Schools White Paper (2010)

Policy Drivers in Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland Future Ambitions: Developing Career

Services in Wales (2010)

Preparing for Success: Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance’ (2009)

Draft IAG Strategy, Scotland (2011)

Interim findings:

“it’s very early days”; “new possibilities are emerging such as

trading arms within central Government”;

“we’re looking at trading services and what we can sell to schools and colleges”;

“a growth in social enterprise companies and mutuals is being encouraged by central Government and Local Authorities.”

Enablers

Focus on outcomes rather than inputs and targets

New public/private/social enterprise partnerships emerging e.g. DWP & Confederation of Recruitment & Employment

Greater flexibility in the new system Facilitated meetings to problem-solve

and identify cost-effective solutions

Barriers

differing cultures, beliefs, values and attitudes in public and private sectors

procurement regulations restrict or prohibit private, private and social enterprise shared dialogue

funding problematic and perceived to operate in favour of large companies

lack of investment available for mainframe and software systems development

Barriers

voluntary and community services perceived to be ‘at risk’ in current fiscal climate

too many bureaucratic procedures in place

limited engagement between public & private sectors in some countries, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Alerts Proliferation of new market players –

high volumes of users but mostly anecdotal evidence of quality assurance and consumer protection

No evidence that charitable funding of careers services can sustain ICT activity on a medium – long term basis

ICT policies perceived to be still operating in ‘silos’

New hybrid arrangements possible but ‘procurement rules’ get in the way!

Austere times should encourage greater creativity, partnerships and innovation

Anticipated political changes 5th May 2011:- Wales National Assembly and Welsh

Assembly Government - Scotland General Election- Northern Ireland Assembly & Local

Government Elections- UK General Election in 2015

New possibilities?

Delivery implications Main issue – future investment in ICT

systems i.e. costs; structure (compatibility; support; hardware; MIS)

Disconnect issue – between Government Departments, particularly in England e.g. private sector not linked to the formation of a new all-age Careers Service

Devolution issue – pace of change & priorities for ppse arrangements highly variable

Consultation questions

1.Are there any new policies and/or hybrid arrangements emerging between public, private and/or social enterprises in your area? If so, please elaborate...

2.How can ICT and careers work succeed in going forward?

Consultation questions

3. To what extent can we learn lessons from other sectors?

4. How can innovation in ICT & careers work be further encouraged?

Innovation in careers provision & ICT

Driven mainly through professionals’ interest and commitment e.g. www.careersinnovation.net

Careers professional associations e.g. UK Careers Profession Alliance

Individuals’ displacement from public sector services

ANO?

Future landscape

Continuum:From: ‘Don’t know – too much

uncertainty to form any clear view’

To: ‘Everything will be online but there also remains a demand for local face-to-face services’

ICT: Past, Present & Future

Also, interesting...

To what extent can technological developments help create ‘pay-at-the-point-of-use’ in relation to accessing careers services?

Not much appetite for this!! Noted: online products already

available but no quality control or assurances

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS

RESEARCH STUDY