Nicol Stephen, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, yesterday delivered his statement announcing the Scottish Executive's decision to separate Careers Scotland from the Scottish Enterprise Network.
The decision was debated yesterday in the Scottish Parliament and has an effect on many of the ICG members currently working for Careers Scotland, although Careers Scotland Highlands and Islands will remain within the Highlands and Islands network and will not be affected.
Christina Allon, director of Careers Scotland, said: "We welcome the Scottish Executive's decision and look forward to working with them to finalise the details of our future governance arrangements. We are grateful to our colleagues in Scottish Enterprise for the support they have given us in creating Careers Scotland out of the 67 different organisations that came together in 2002.
"We now have a single cohesive organisation delivering a consistent set of products, services, working practices and quality standards across the country supported by a national ICT infrastructure and client management system. Evaluations and customer feedback show that we are making a difference to people of all ages in Scotland and an independent review against OECD standards cited Careers Scotland as an international exemplar of best practice. That is an excellent platform from which to build on into the future.
ICG President Dr Rachel Mulvey today responded saying: "We understand the reasoning behind this decision, and are pleased that all stakeholders will be encouraged to contribute to the consultation on the new structure, which will be introduced from 2007. Our Institute is ready to play its part in such a consultation process.
"We are also pleased with the commitment to work with the grain of the Duffner review. and its recommendations for an all-age guidance service. Scotland has demonstrated the benefits of this approach, having established what is recognised as a world class service in the last few years. We would hope that the all-age approach continues, for the benefit of individuals and communities in Scotland .
"As the new structures are introduced it is essential that service quality is not compromised - adequate funding will of course be a key concern."
The Institute will continue to work with members in Scotland to monitor progress and will keep members informed of this via email bulletins as events unfold. | 
