Client needs for coherent information, advice and guidance services ...

combine their visit with other activities and therefore not have to face the stigma of
being seen to attend classes. Where basic skills provision was available as an
integrated part of other learning or training provision, there appeared to be far less
resistance from learners. Indeed one lifeskills provider stated that several of the
young people on the training would “spend all day, every day with the basic skills
tutor, if that was an option”.
666 Providers reported that basic skills is regularly combined with other learning
options: almost any learning activity can be designed to include an element of basic
skills. Promoting stand-alone basic skills courses was seen as less effective;
marketing using the ‘Gremlins’ logo had not proved very productive. Several
providers felt that the term ‘basic skills’ itself needs reviewing; they suggested that
an approach that emphasises ‘skills development’ or ‘skills improvement’ would be
more attractive.
667 Jobcentre clients are screened every six months for basic skills needs and are
encouraged to take up provision; this is sometimes made a condition of the
Jobseekers Agreement for long-term unemployed clients. 35 It was suggested by
some advisers that the repeated screening of the same client every six months is an
inappropriate use of resources. However, there is no system in place to ensure that
the results of basic skills screening are seen by subsequent advisers or at the point
when a previously screened client returns to make a new claim after a period of
employment.
668 The consensus was that assessment services should be more widely available, and
offered with the minimum of waiting time, so that those clients willing to pursue that
route could be seen without loss of momentum. Assessors would need specialist
training, however: this was not seen as part and parcel of front-line IAG.
learndirect
669 By far the majority of (but not all) advisers were aware of the learndirect advice line
and several reported that it is useful when trying to identify unusual or obscure
training opportunities. One adviser had found it particularly helpful when working
with prison inmates who could be released to anywhere across the country.
However, few advisers signpost clients to learndirect unless they are unwilling or
unable to access face-to-face IAG services.
670 Learndirect advisers have ready access to information about major IAG agencies and
are able to signpost clients to these services effectively. However, learndirect
advisers do not have contact details for ‘ultra’ local services (e.g. specialist
community based agencies working with particular ethnic groups). Such services
are subject to constant change and it can be counterproductive to give out
inaccurate or out-of-date details.
In-work IAG
671 One of the providers involved in the research offers in-work IAG, funded by the
IAGP, through arrangement with employers. Links are strong with at least some
other core members of the IAGP and this private sector organisation is regularly
involved in organising and contributing to IAGP events and meetings.
35 One specialist basic skills tutor raised concerns about the quality of Jobcentre Plus screening and commented that initial
diagnoses were often incorrect. This tutor argued that the limited training given does not enable advisers always to be able
to distinguish specific weaknesses in numeracy and/or literacy from dyslexia or a more general learning
difficulty/disability.
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