New Frontiers is the IAG Partnership for Cumbria and is lead by Connexions Cumbria. The Adult Guidance Manager sits on the Ulf steering group acts as the strategic link between the project and partnership.

IAG policy (information, advice and guidance on learning and work) is a relatively new government policy and aims to deliver a coherent IAG service through a range of organisations from various sectors and work to national quality standards. Until recently there were initially 75 IAG partnerships in England, each currently with their own unique branding. Wales and Scotland have different arrangements. Some of these partnerships are merging and will become coterminous with Learning & Skills Council/Connexions boundaries.

Partners within New Frontiers offer free information, advice and in-depth guidance services. Adult guidance advisers have linked in with local Learner Reps from Furness General Hospital and Westmorland General Hospital to offer careers guidance on both sites.

The role of the Learner Rep is pivotal in bringing IAG into the workplace and enabling members/employees to easily access a service, which they may not use outside of work.

The next steps is to draw Learner Reps more closely into the partnership at local area network level where they have the opportunity to link into the wider network of providers and draw on the expertise and specialisms of others.

Unions and employers have the opportunity of becoming full members of IAG partnerships and access the range of benefits provided by that partnership such as NVQs in guidance, professional development training, information resources and support in achieving the national quality standard for information, advice and guidance called matrix.

For more information contact:

Janet Doolan, Adult Guidance Manager, Connexions Cumbria

T 01229 400038

E janet.doolan@connexionscumbria.co.uk

February 2002