Ofsted's Career Guidance Review: A Missed OpportunityKerry Boffey of FIN argues Ofsted’s CIAG review fell short, for example in addressing the broader context of career guidance for employers and established employees.Ofsted’s recent “independent review of careers guidance in schools and further education and skills providers” was a timely assessment of whether guidance, or Careers Information and Guidance (CIAG), has improved since the government strengthened its enforcement of the Baker Clause.CIAG, once a minor footnote in inspection reports, has now taken centre stage. Analysis by the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) reveals that between May and October 2023, 88 out of 225 inspections of all provider types identified room for improvement in the CIAG offered to learners – the most significant area for improvement.Given the review’s length, it’s surprising that it overlooked significant areas of interest.OVERSIGHT OF ESTABLISHED CAREER INDIVIDUALSThe report focuses primarily on early-career learners and those seeking initial career guidance. It neglects the fact that many further education and skills programme participants already have established careers and seek career development or changes. These individuals require tailored guidance that may include upskilling, transitioning to new roles within their field, or making lateral career moves.LIMITED GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERSThe review’s oversight fails to adequately support employers who want to offer career advice to their employees, particularly apprentices, without encouraging them to leave their current positions. Employers often invest heavily in workforce training and may prefer to facilitate internal career growth rather than losing employees.In the case of apprenticeship levy-paying employers using external providers, providers can spend months or even years building relationships with employers, only to be expected to provide wholly impartial career guidance to the employer’s apprentices which may not be in the employer’s interests or providing a return on the employer’s investment in the training.In an April 2023 inspection report for a police force, Ofsted stated an area for improvement as: “Provide apprentices with sufficient careers information, advice, and guidance about opportunities and career routes outside the police force”. This comment was inappropriate for apprentices committed to a police service career as a vocation. Only recently have some inspection reports acknowledged how unrealistic such expectations are.Related to this is Ofsted’s failure to address the challenge of sharing guidance with higher-level apprentices or how employer providers should offer advice. While the review acknowledges the challenge for providers to balance impartial guidance with maintaining good relationships with current employers, it doesn’t delve into effective strategies or best practices. A deeper understanding of this delicate balance would be beneficial.CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTDespite this omission, it’s encouraging to see Ofsted recognise the importance of continuous learning and development for individuals with established careers. In FIN’s view, career advice should extend beyond initial job placement to include strategies for long-term career growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.This means Ofsted should address how advice can be given to individuals already in senior roles. Tracking the career progression of these individuals within their organisations or in response to new opportunities is crucial for measuring the effectiveness of career guidance. We should take time to reflect on a colleague’s progress to date and celebrate achievements rather than pushing for constant change.DON’T FORGET OTHER OPTIONSThe review briefly mentions that guidance for apprentices interested in self-employment is an area for development. More credit should be given to providers who support learners exploring entrepreneurship and self-employment as v...

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