2. What are quality awards in CEIAG
Framework of standards that learning providers can use for self-review and evaluation of their provision
Quality in Careers Standard (QiCS)
In England there are a number of quality awards for CEIAG, provided by career guidance companies and local authorities. Each of the awards provides a framework of standards that schools and colleges can use for self-review and evaluation of their provision, and they each offer the option of external accreditation leading to an award. Some of the awards are specific to their local areas, others are available more widely. 12
In 2012 the Quality in Careers Standard (QiCS) was established, to provide national validation of the various awards and to ensure that they were each of sufficient rigour. The CDI is a member of the Consortium that oversees the QiCS. Most, but not yet all, of the quality awards have achieved the national criteria. Further details of all the available quality awards, and the Quality in Careers Standard, can be found at
The quality awards are voluntary but the Statutory Guidance to schools, published by the Department for Education in March 2015, recommends that all schools should work towards a quality award national validated by the QiCS. Ofsted has placed increased emphasis on the inspection of CEIAG in schools and colleges in its common inspection framework 2

3. Why do Inspiring IAG? Statutory guidelines
Demonstrates your standards to others (Ofsted!)
Proves to the students and parents that they are getting the very best
Gives CEIAG a higher profile in school
Personal achievement for the staff
Ensures your provision is effective
The Government recommends that all schools should work towards a quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance as an effective means of carrying out a self-review and evaluation of the school’s programme
Holding a careers award demonstrates to those outside the institution (for example OfSTED) that a high standard has been reached. Gaining accreditation for your CEIAG provision proves to the most important members of your institution, young people and their parents/carers, that they are getting the very best from all their careers activities – from careers lessons, impartial information about options in learning and employment, up to that most important opportunity to access face to face careers guidance.
What is in it for the staff leading on and delivering CEIAG?
Going through the award process will definitely give careers work a higher profile in your institution and will increase the involvement of senior leaders. Your institution will be able to use the award logos and will have a framed certificate for display – as well as personal certification for the staff who work so hard to put together the portfolio of evidence.
Will going through the award process help me to develop more effective CEIAG provision?
Absolutely! The award process will make you take a close look at what you are doing, to celebrate what is good, to update and refine – and to reassess anything that isn’t working. The process will encourage you to evidence a more structured policy and associated careers programme. The award process, in partnership with consultancy support from Prospects, will help you to improve and develop careers work. 3

4. Statutory Guidance
“Career guidance and inspiration in schools (DFE March 2015)”
Evaluation and monitoring of advice and guidance- 3 pronged approach
Schools should work towards a CEIAG quality award
Matrix standard for independent careers providers
Minimum qualification standard for careers professionals
New careers strategy delayed by the Euro referendum……??? 4

5. Statutory Guidance Ofsted Inspection Framework- September 2015
Personal development, behaviour and welfare. Judgements and “grade descriptors”
OUTSTANDING: “ High quality, impartial careers guidance helps pupils to make informed choices about which courses suit their academic needs and aspirations. They are prepared for the next stage of education, employment, self-employment or training”
GOOD: “Pupils use careers guidance to make choices about the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training” 5

6. National Developments
“Advancing Ambitions: The role of career guidance in supporting social mobility”
Oct 2014, Sutton Trust Report
“Attendance at the school is high. Our pupils have a goal, and are therefore less likely to be disengaged with school. For our pupils school has a purpose – it’s not just about grades, but also about what those grades will lead to.”
Chris MacKay, Careers Coordinator, Wellington School, Altrincham
“The Economic Benefits of Career Guidance”
July 2015, Tristram Hooley and Vanessa Dodd,
Alongside this some key developments nationally.
Correlations between outcomes measured by the DfE and schools/colleges holding a CEIAG Quality Award.
At GCSE those schools which hold a Quality Award report better exam results and less unexplained absences.
At A-level there is also a correlation, with less unexplained absences and a positive impact on destinations. 6

7. Impact on schools and student outcomes
Impact on structures and systems:
Self assessment of CEIAG using comprehensive Framework and Audit Tool
Development and action plans
Rigorous evaluation processes
Raised profile of CEIAG
Enhanced parental awareness
More coherence to CEAIG provision
Enhancement of CPD for staff. 7

8. Inspiring IAG Unit I Management and Leadership Unit 2
Design and Delivery of CEIAG
Unit 3
Working with Partners
Unit 4
Information and Communication
Unit 5
Outcomes for Young People
Unit 6
Involving Parents and Carers
Quality awards for Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance
New legislation, no national quality award to support standards
Development of Inspiring IAG; 10 Local Authority areas in Greater Manchester
Pilot commenced 2009; launched in Nov 2010.
3 stages - explain

9. Award Progress and Achievements
Stage One
Self assessment and action plan against all 6 units
Stage Two
Examination of key documents, procedures and processes
Stage Three (Gold)
Full day assessment in school
Annual reviews and re-accreditation
Up to one year between stages 9

10. Gatsby Benchmarks
1 Good Career Guidance (The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, 2014) hhtp://
2 “Please note that the national validation criteria ( ) for the Quality in Careers Standard define the organisational, professional and curriculum development and accountability processes that underpin quality (and thus must be assessed by Quality Award providers) whilst the welcome Gatsby Benchmarks describe the components (Benchmarks 2-7) of a stable careers programme (Benchmark 1). Hence we affirm that only with external assessment of the quality of CEIAG, by a nationally validated CEIAG Quality Award, can a school be confident it provides the quality of the best for all of its students”
QiCS Guide for CEIAG Quality Award Provider
Up to one year between stages 10

11. Gatsby
Up to one year between stages 11

12. Up to one year between stages12