Are you involved in delivering careers guidance within the voluntary and community sector? You’re not alone in wanting to provide the best possible support to citizens making important career decisions. That’s why I’m excited to share news of the newly published Quality Assurance Guidelines for the Provision and Delivery of Career Guidance in Northern Ireland.
Why do these Guidelines matter?
Recent research highlighted inconsistencies in careers guidance provision across the region. In response, a Steering Group—bringing together the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service, Higher Education institutions and all six Further Education colleges—has developed a set of Quality Assurance Guidelines. These are designed to help every organisation, regardless of size or structure, deliver high-quality, impactful careers guidance.
What’s included?
The Guidelines introduce a Quality Assurance Framework built around six key measures which were finalised after consulting with organisations in the voluntary and community sector.
How can you get involved?
The Guidelines are now available on the DfE Website. By embedding these measures in your organisation, you’ll help ensure that all citizens have access to high-quality careers guidance.
If you have questions or want to know more about how these Guidelines can support your organisation, please get in touch. [email protected]
Opportunity: Funded Level 6 Careers Guidance Qualification via the Open University
Thanks to funding via the Department for the Economy’s Skills Fund, a number of staff within the Voluntary and Community sector will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development via the Open University —at no cost to themselves. This initiative directly responds to feedback from organisations in the sector via the Quality Assurance Guidelines project. By supporting more staff in the sector to become fully qualified, it will help raise the standard of careers guidance delivered across Northern Ireland.
If you’d like to find out more, the Open University will be delivering a webinar information session on 28 January 2026 at 12noon for anyone interested in this opportunity. You can register for the webinar here.
Don’t miss your chance to upskill and make an even greater impact in your community.
