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In a complex and changing world all young people need access to good quality, comprehensive and impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG).

Good IAG helps young people make the right learning and career choices so that they can succeed in work while it also helps them to find answers to the questions and issues that can arise in their personal lives.

There are new Quality Standards that set out for schools, local authorities, Connexions services, and others what good quality IAG should consist of.
 
These Standards have been widely welcomed and are endorsed by a large number of key stakeholders.

The Association of School and College Leaders says:

'We strongly support the IAG quality standards which rightly emphasise the importance of ensuring that all young people have access to impartial IAG as they prepare to make key decisions about their choice of pathways through their education and training. Access to provision of this quality should be a basic entitlement for all young people.'

The Standards were launched by Beverley Hughes, the Minister for Children and Young People at The Highfield School in Hertfordshire on 31 October 2007.

They set out the DCSF's expectations of the IAG services that local authorities will commission and manage after they assume responsibility for information, advice and guidance services in April 2008. They are also for use by all managers/providers of IAG. Find out more information about material that will support organisations commissioning and delivering IAG by visiting the website below.

The standards can be used by schools and others to check that the expected standards are being achieved. The school Self Evaluation Form asks schools to evaluate the quality and accessibility of information, advice and guidance. The quality standards will help schools to consider these issues and evaluate their performance.