We know from research that most individuals can manage their own careers better if they have some support in doing this from other people in the workplace. Research carried out by CIPD and NICEC found that effective career discussions help employees but also have business benefits. We also know that organisations are often wary about raising expectations around promotion and feel uncertain about what the future holds. The result is that many organisations fail to give their staff any clear or positive messages about careers. This workshop recognises the powerful effect regular "career conversations" can have on individuals and the well being and growth of organisations wishing to develop and retain their talent and increase their effectiveness. It will provide participants with an opportunity to explore issues around effective career discussions and to discuss the benefits to individuals and employers.
Ann Ruthven is the Career Development Service Manager, Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL) with over 20 years experience in the career guidance field. This includes working as a Careers Adviser, a Personal Development Planning Officer and Human Resource and Quality Manager for a Careers Service.
Ann was Business and Systems Manager at the Guidance Council. This role involved the management, development, and quality assurance of services to providers of guidance services. Her responsibilities included project managing the National Guidance Research Forum for the DfES. She also undertook a range of research and development projects related to career guidance for the DfES and other organisations. She has worked for NIACE and as Assistant Director at the Learning Curve, an organisation that works in partnership to develop, promote and deliver learning to Voluntary and Community Organisations across the South West, where she managed their learning and guidance provision.
At CEL Ann is responsible for developing and providing career development support for individuals and organisations in the further education sector through consultancy, workshops and career coaching. She has also managed a number of research projects including one on staff recruitment in the FE Sector and another on student governors.
Ann is currently the Chair of NAEGA an organisation that promotes adult guidance on learning and work across the UK. | 
