The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funds two types of information, advice and guidance (IAG) services about learning and work – discrete and embedded.
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discrete IAG services include nextstep, Skills Coaching and learndirect advice
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embedded services involve IAG being delivered as part of a particular programme and may include, for example, student support services, personal and community development learning and work-based learning provision.
nextstep offers: - an information service about skills, learning and work to all adults aged 20 and over with no upper age limit; and
- a much more targeted advice service to customers who have yet to achieve a Level 2 qualification (five GCSEs at grades A*-C or the equivalent), including for example, advice on preparing a CV, interview skills and services available during redundancy. This advice service is offered through an informal face-to-face discussion – rather than over the phone or via a website.
nextstep also helps adults with English as a second language and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
There is a nextstep service in 47 areas of England, delivered by a main contractor who then sub-contracts at least sixty per cent of the service to other providers, including Further Education colleges and organisations in the voluntary and community sector.
nextstep Delivery Specification
The LSC produces an annual nextstep Delivery Specification that lays out the terms and conditions to which nextstep contractors and sub-contractors must adhere during each contract year. A contract year runs from 1 August to 31 July. The delivery specification includes:
- the LSC's seven national objectives in delivering IAG;
- service delivery priorities;
- key performance indicators;
- an in-depth explanation about the role of the contractor;
- definitions of core services;
- the contract management process.
The LSC’s funding policy is closely tied in with the Annual Statement of Priorities to:
- raise the quality and improve the choice of learning opportunities for all young people to equip them with the skills for employment, further or higher learning, and for wider social and community engagement.
- raise the skills of the nation, giving employers and individuals the skills they need to improve productivity, employability and social cohesion.
- raise the performance of a world-class system that is responsive, provides choice and is valued and recognised for excellence.
- raise our contribution to economic development locally and regionally through partnership working.
nextstep fitting into the big picture
nextstep contractors and sub-contractors complement and work alongside colleagues and partner organisations including learndirect advice; Jobcentre Plus; the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS); Further Education tutors and student services; the Voluntary and Community sector and those involved in work-based learning, including Sector Skills Councils and Trades Unions. Follow the link in the right-hand column to see the big picture.