SECTION 1: CONTEXT

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. • Uphold Green Labyrinth’s mission statement: "Empowering Learning, Transforming Lives" in relation to Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG).
2. • Provide clear guidelines to staff, learners, parents, carers, and employers on Green Labyrinth’s IAG intent, implementation, and impact.
3. • Ensure compliance with the Matrix Standard, Department for Education (DfE) contractual requirements, and best practice in the sector.

SECTION 2: STATUS

2.1 This policy was approved by the Board of Directors on 13 March 2025.
2.2 The Information, Advice and Guidance Policy links to the following:

1. • Learner Agreement
2. • Green Labyrinth Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
3. • Careers Strategy and Progression Framework

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

3.1 Information

1. • Facts or knowledge imparted through research or reliable sources.
2. • Usually provided as a one-off and not reviewed.

3.2 Advice

1. • A recommendation based on the learner's situation and the available information.
2. • Can include personal judgment but must remain unbiased and informed.

3.3 Guidance

1. • Direction and structured support towards a defined outcome or goal.
2. • Delivered by trained staff, including an independent Level 6 Careers Advisor who tracks learners' career aspirations, interests, and engagement in Careers sessions.

3.4 Youth Definition

1. • In line with international standards, the United Nations defines youth as individuals aged 15-24.
   
   

SECTION 4: INTENT
Green Labyrinth is committed to providing high-quality, impartial IAG to empower learners in their career, education, and training choices. Our IAG services adhere to the following principles:

1. • Accessibility and Visibility: Ensuring that IAG services are widely available, well-publicised, and accessible in suitable formats and locations.
2. • Professional and Knowledgeable: Staff undergo regular CPD and training to provide accurate, up-to-date information.
3. • Effective Connections: Facilitating seamless transitions by signposting learners to external agencies and organisations.
4. • Availability, Quality, and Delivery: Targeted IAG interventions are recorded, audited, and quality-assured.
5. • Diversity and Inclusion: Recognising and addressing the varied needs of all learners.
6. • Impartiality: Providing unbiased guidance that supports learners in making informed decisions.
7. • Responsiveness: Tailoring IAG services to reflect current labour market demands and future workforce needs.
8. • Welcoming Environment: Creating an inclusive, learner-focused atmosphere.
9. • Enabling Learners: Encouraging lifelong learning and self-directed career planning.
   
   

SECTION 5: IMPLEMENTATION
5.1 General IAG

1. • Embedding IAG into classroom discussions and curriculum activities.
2. • Promoting external career events, job fairs, and training opportunities.
3. • Providing learners with access to trusted, current and evidence-based career resources.
   
4. • Integrating employability skills development through interactive learning.

1. • All learners have access to one-to-one sessions with a Level 6 Careers Advisor.
2. • Learners apply Employability Portfolios to real-world career applications.
3. • Each learner is assigned a mentor upon enrolment to support wellbeing, progression, and career planning.
4. • Work placement opportunities are facilitated based on individual career aspirations.
5. • Green Labyrinth seeks funding for eligible learners to support vocational training and digital access (e.g., laptops, specialist equipment).
6. • Weekly Careers Tutorials covering CV writing, interview techniques, and employer expectations.
7. • Development of Skills Builder Framework, reinforcing transferable skills essential for employment.

1. • Regular staff training to ensure accurate curriculum guidance.
2. • Marketing materials are reviewed to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.
3. • Green Labyrinth representatives attend open evenings, school events, and career fairs.
4. • Dedicated school outreach to provide IAG on study options and career pathways.
   
   

SECTION 6: IMPACT
Green Labyrinth will evaluate the effectiveness of IAG services through:

1. • Learner and Employer Feedback via structured surveys and focus groups.
2. • IAG Observations to assess delivery and effectiveness.
3. • Self-Assessment (linked to the Matrix Standard) to ensure continuous improvement.
4. • Departmental Meetings where IAG is a standing agenda item.
5. • Monitoring and Reporting on learner destinations, progression, and employment outcomes.

1. o At least 85% of learners to report they received useful IAG in annual surveys.
2. o 80%+ positive feedback on careers guidance from learners and parents.

1. o 90%+ of learners to progress into further education, apprenticeships, or employment within 6 months of course completion.
2. o Increase in positive destination tracking accuracy to at least 95%.

1. o 100% of learners to have at least one recorded IAG intervention during their programme.
2. o 75%+ of learners to participate in careers tutorials and employability workshops.

1. o 100% of staff delivering IAG to undertake annual CPD training on careers and employability guidance.
2. o Regular IAG observations conducted, with at least 90% of sessions rated good or outstanding.

1. o At least 10 employer partnerships established annually for work placements and career guidance.
2. o Regular employer feedback surveys with 80%+ satisfaction rate.

1. o Annual self-assessment review linked to Matrix accreditation to be reviewed by SLT
2. o IAG as a standing agenda item in SLT meetings.
   

1. o Implement robust tracking mechanisms ensuring that learner destinations are accurately recorded and reviewed every 6 months.
2. o Develop a learner alumni network to track long-term career success.
   
   

SECTION 7: MONITORING
7.1 This policy is monitored by the Senior Leadership Team, and reported termly to the Board of Directors. This also ensures alignment with Matrix Standards, DfE requirements, and best practice.

SECTION 8: REVIEW
8.1 This policy is subject to annual review.
8.2 The next scheduled review date is August 2025.
8.3 Review Process: