Lifelong guidance policies: Work in progress : a report on the work of the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network 2008-10

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to communicate the outcomes of the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network (ELGPN) 2009-10 to relevant policy-makers and stakeholders at both European and national levels.

The ELGPN represents a major development in support of national lifelong guidance policy development in Europe. The ELGPN currently consists of 26 member countries (AT, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, FR, HU, IS, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, SE, SK, Sl, TR, UK), with 4 additional countries as observers (BE, BG, IR, RO). The participating countries designate their representatives in the network, and are encouraged to include both governmental and non-governmental representatives. As a Member-State-driven network, it also represents an innovative form of the Open Method of Co-ordination within the European Union (EU).

Members report that participation in the network has enriched their awareness of possible responses to common challenges and given them a fresh perspective and new insights into their national provision. Specific issues where progress is considered to have been made include:

•Support for improved co-ordination of services (currently all 30 countries have either set up or are in the process of developing a guidance forum or other mechanism). •Emergence of common understanding of career management skills. •Appreciation of the potential of new technologies to broaden access to services by complementing face-to-face provision with telephone and interactive internet-based services. •Understanding of the need for a stronger evidence base, linked to quality assurance.