The ICG is bringing to you news that nextsteps is to be re-contracted. Louise Proctor, Lifelong Learning Director at the Learning and Skills Council, stated the following;
'As you aware the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funds discrete face-to-face information advice and guidance (IAG) services for adults under the nextstep brand. The service was last tendered in 2004 for a three-year period that ended on 31 July 2007.
Since then there has been a comprehensive review of IAG by Government which led to a recommendation in Prosperity for all in the global economy- world class skills (published in December 2006), for a new universal adult careers service.
As arrangements for the new adult careers service were still unclear when decisions needed to be made about the re-contracting of IAG services it was decided for 2007/08 only to roll over existing contracts.
The purpose of this communication is to notify you that the LSC will shortly be inviting expressions of interest for the supply of IAG provision for Adults from 2008/09 onwards from organisations that are already in receipt of LSC funds and from organisations who wish to offer LSC funded services for the first time. The precise specification of the nature of the service and of the tender are still being finalised.'
This obviously has a significant impact on adult guidance in England. Andy Freeman, Chair of ICG Adult Guidance Committee comments;
'This is a major step towards the launch of the Adult Advancement and Careers Service proposed by government. ICG supports this development and is working closely with policy makers to promote a universal and high quality service to all adults both in and out of work. Elements of the new Adult Careers Service will be trialled over the next two years with the aim of full implementation in 2010-11.'
Anticipating these changes ICG is presenting a one day conference in London on Tuesday 11 March, The Changing World of Adult Guidance. Keynote speakers will be Gareth Dent, former Operations Director UfI and Dr Barrie Hopson, author of 'Build Your Own Rainbow'.
Gareth will be able to give current views on these major developments and Barrie will give a perspective on guidance with older adults .A wide variety of workshops appropriate for both practitioners and managers will also be available. Full details will be available in the next week. | 
