1. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 Developing quality assurance and evidence-based research in guidance – introduction for discussions Raimo Vuorinen, Ph.D. Coordinator of the ELGPN Finnish Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyväskylä, Finland Peer Learning Event on Quality in career guidance and counselling – Towards European frameworks for the training and competence of career guidance practitioners Cedefop, 14. October 2008

2. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 Recent activities in evidence-based practise and policy development OECD/EU studies Cedefop studies and PLAs National initiatives within EU National initiatives overseas e.g. Canada, Australia and NZ This is a topic of common concern

3. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 Cedefop 2008: Evidence-based guidance policy development is being reinforced, However –Partnerships are tentative –Governments have tight budgets for guidance –Professionalisation of career practitioners is in early stage Quality assurance of career services is attracting increasing attention, However –National feedback mechanisms in early stages –Most of the feedback mechanisms administrative or practitioner centered –QA mechanisms are developed for specific sectors

4. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 QA and evidence-based practise and policy development in the ELGPN Work Programme Thematic Acitivity 2009-2010; Evidence-based practise and policy development –This Thematic Action addresses the recommendations of the Council Resolutions on Lifelong Guidance (2004, 2008) –It builds on The previous Cedefop studies of indicators and benchmarks in career guidance at European level and of quality-assurance systems for guidance, The Cedefop peer learning activity in the fields of QA systems and indicators held in 2004/05 The EU common reference points for such systems The recommendations based on these studies produced by the European Commission’s Lifelong Guidance Expert Group The existing national initiatives on quality-assurance systems, as well as on evidence-based practice and policy development in ELGPN member countries.

5. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 QA and evidence-based practise and policy development in the ELGPN Work Programme A long-term objective is to further elaborate the meta- criteria for quality assurance included in the EU common reference tools on lifelong guidance. The aim is to develop a proposal for a common framework for quality assurance from a lifelong guidance perspective. The activity aims to identify the existing evidence of guidance outcomes as a part of the quality discussion. Another goal is to establish a link between indicators for lifelong guidance provision and the EU indicators on education and training systems. Participating countries: BG, DE, DK, EE, EL, FI, HU, LV, PT, UK

6. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 QA and evidence-based practise and policy development in the ELGPN Work Programme, further steps Defining the nature of lifelong guidance services, using existing frameworks for this. Defining the contexts in which quality was examined and the perceptions of different stakeholders on quality issues. Mapping the existing and current research and initiatives in ELGPN member countries related to this topic. The goal is to update the existing knowledge base since the Cedefop studies and peer learning events conducted in 2004/05. The focus on indicators will be on three main areas: the economic, social and learning outcomes of guidance. Based on the findings and best practice in the member countries, recommendations will be made for further steps to develop a quality-assurance framework for lifelong guidance. This work package will be conducted in co-operation with Cedefop and ETF as well as with parallel EU and international research initiatives

7. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 Reflections of the discussions on 13.10.2008: Training of guidance practitioners /counsellors as a quality indicator as such? Competences of guidance practitioners/counsellors in implementing quality services? Role of guidance practitioners/counsellors in documenting the services? Role of guidance practitioners/counsellors in obtaining information from users in the development of the quality of guidance provision?

8. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 Suggested themes for discussions during this PLA role that well-educated/trained guidance practitioners play in quality assurance? how the evidence-base can be expanded? what types and levels of training are most effective in training specific types of staff for specific jobs? whether we need lots of people with training at master's level, or a mix of those with high qualifications and those who can deliver less specialised services which OECD suggest is what is needed by most people?

9. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 How the evidence-base can be expanded? …

10. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network http://elgpn.eu Coordinator: elgpn@jyu.fi RV/14/10/2008 What would you like to take home with you…?