National Careers Service and the National Careers Council

Thursday 10th May 2012 Written Statements

[The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (Mr John Hayes)]

On 5 April 2012, I launched the National Careers Service, and published “The Right Advice at the Right Time” in which I said that we would establish an independent National Council for Careers.

I am now writing to announce that I have appointed Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE to be the council’s first chair. Dr Hughes has a wealth of experience in the careers guidance sector; she is a commissioner and member of the executive board of directors at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). She was recently awarded an OBE in the 2012 new year honours list for her services to careers guidance. She will be supported on the council by a team of experienced and dedicated specialists drawn from across the public, private and third sector, as well as from the careers profession, and with a range of backgrounds including HR, finance, and communications.

The National Council for Careers will be a driving force for excellence in careers guidance and will provide independent, expert advice to the Government on the future development of the National Careers Service.

The National Careers Service and the National Careers Council will transform the provision of careers guidance, which is a vital part of an efficient labour market which drives growth. I have today published a press release which gives more details including the names of the members of the council. It is available from www.bis.gov.uk.