1. Careers Guidance and Higher Education David Smith Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Relations) Canterbury Christ Church University

2. Why ‘independent’ advice and guidance is so vital HM Govt commitment to ‘open up the market’: historic perspectives unhelpful Key information set (KIS) and ‘fair access agreements’ will ‘inform the market’ but require interpretation Financial stake shared by student and taxpayers in new ratio Employability agenda vital for individual, for institutions and for economic growth Pledges on post-compulsory vocational routes (higher skills and advanced apprenticeships, continuing professional development (SSCs), employment based training in professions (inc education, health)

3. Browne Review and the ‘wicked issues’ on guidance Inadequacy: (Sutton Trust) ‘ half of young people consider the advice and guidance that they received....to be inadequate’ Low aspiration: 3000 pupils in every school cohort have results that would allow entry to most highly selective courses/institutions..but do not do so Prior institutional influence: independent schools, grammar schools, SFCs versus comprehensive schools, FE colleges

4. Kent and Medway Progression Federation Builds on the legacy of a successful Aim Higher approach Canterbury Christ Church Univ, UoKent, UoGreenwich, UCreative Arts, KCC, Medway DC, Kent schools, Medway schools, KAFEC Agreement Autumn 2011: mentor network; cross authority liaison; training on database, progressions accords, information services; targeted outreach (inc to vulnerable groups); UCAS support; reports and information distribution; calendared programme of events/visits/presentations

5. The employability agenda Destinations of Learners in Higher Education (DeLHE) – tracks graduate employment League table (CCCU 3 rd highest UK university) Incentivising ‘STEM’ subjects Local Enterprise Partnerships and the ‘skills for business growth’ agenda Kent Economic Board and South East LEP Focus on measures to support the ‘lost generation’

6. And the future? 2012 entry? History doesn’t help us! Fees and funding – core and margin approach – new market/ new delivery models (HE in FE, HE/FE partnerships, new providers, new products??) Localism and the skills escalator UCAS review and reform ‘Putting students at the heart of the system’; (more and flexible choices; key customer information; new funding model; tight labour market ) THEREFORE first class information and guidance is vital!!