MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

economic and commercial development overview and scrutiny committee

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Report prepared by Orla Sweeney, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

1.           CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE REVIEW

1.1        Issue for Consideration

1.1.1   At the meeting of 23 December 2014, the Economic and Commercial Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolved to conduct a review into careers advice and guidance in the borough.

1.1.2   The Committee has carried out a number of evidence gathering sessions with a variety of organisations and witnesses.  Members have also visited a local a Further Education College and School.

1.2        Recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Officer           

1.2.1   It is recommended that the Committee interview the witnesses to gather evidence for the review.

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

1.3.1   The scoping document (Appendix A) for the review is attached to this report. This document outlines the reasons for recommendation.

1.3.2   The Committee is advised to interview the witnesses in order to understand what careers advice is currently on offer, establish any gaps in order to determine what the barriers to employment are for young people in Maidstone.

1.3.3   Members may wish to ask the following questions of the external witnesses:

·         What, if any, involvement have you had with the delivery of careers advice and guidance in Maidstone?

·         Do you feel there are any areas that could be improved?

·         What experience have you or your organisation had in providing work experience (either for children of school age or those who are older)?

·         What do you feel are the barriers to employment for young people?

·         What types of skills are required for employment in Maidstone?

·         Are these skills being met? If not, why not?

·         What could Maidstone Borough Council do to help with the delivery of careers advice and guidance?

1.3.4   Members may wish to ask the following questions of the internal witness:

·         What does Maidstone Borough Council do to support careers guidance in Maidstone?

·         Does the Council engage with employers and schools? And how?

·         Does Maidstone Borough Council offer Work Experience?

·         The Committee have been informed of ‘coffee mornings’ run to engage with young people and a mentoring scheme, how are these schemes run? What is their success rate and is it a model that could be offered to local employers?

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1   The Committee could choose not to interview the witnesses, but this would mean the review of Careers Advice and Guidance would not be evidence based.

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

1.5.1   This review has an impact on the following corporate objectives:

·         For Maidstone to have a growing economy; and

·         For Maidstone to be a decent place to live.

1.6        Relevant Documents

1.6.1   Appendices

Appendix A: Careers Advice and Guidance Review Draft Scope

1.6.2   Background Documents

None

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?                  THIS BOX MUST BE COMPLETED     Yes                                               No     If yes, this is a Key Decision because: ……………………………………………………………..   …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….     Wards/Parishes affected: …………………………………………………………………………………..   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..