Andy Freeman, Chair of the ICG Adult Guidance Committee has convened two meetings of a group to consider collaborative developments relating to labour market information - SSCs, DCSF, UfI learndirect etc. At the last meeting Sue Fairest of Improve reported on developments from the SSC IAG Project 2007/08 which she is coordinating - funding is now available from DIUS to enable the project to continue for another year from April 2008.A key development in the current project has been the establishment of a core offer in relation to LMI which all SSCs will be able to provide.
A recommendation for the 2008 phase of the project will initially focus on the creation of a single web based careers information resource/ portal to be established and maintained by the Skills for Business network. The SSC IAG Network will shortly be creating an Advisory Group to assist in the development and it is intended to include a number of members in of the ICG convened group.
John Thompson (DCSF) identified IAG as one of four building blocks in DCSF for raising participation. They are actively seeking to provide better support for schools and Children and Young People's Services. They have recently re tendered for a teacher support programme of which LMI is a part and recognise the need to raise awareness and competence in delivery of effective LMI; CPD proposals are also being developed in this area.
Members felt the group has been really successful in creating an understanding of current LMI developments but that the developing SSC IAG Network Advisory Group will take over the role in the future. | 
