Information, advice and guidance (IAG) support

The Diploma support programme offers IAG support through SSAT IAG Champions, a set of IAG frameworks and an online IAG community.

SSAT IAG Champions
The SSAT IAG Champions are based in regions and provide IAG expertise to local partnerships to ensure the provision of high quality IAG for the Diploma. Their work involves development of the IAG workforce, sharing good practice and supporting actions to implement the IAG Quality Standards. They have a remit to:

• help consortia access and develop IAG frameworks
• help IAG representatives access and contribute to strategic decision-making processes locally
• support effective local networking
• give advice and support on DCSF-funded audits of the IAG quality standards.

View a list of regional SSAT IAG Champions

IAG frameworks
Six groups within the workforce have been identified by the programme as having important roles in providing IAG for young people considering a Diploma.

• Diploma practitioners - teachers and others involved in planning and teaching Diploma programmes
• personal tutors - tutors helping learners review progress, manage their learning and plan ahead
• IAG advisers - guidance staff within schools, colleges and work-based training providers; personal advisers (PAs) and careers advisers in external IAG/Connexions services; Aimhigher advisers
• careers education managers and teachers - staff in schools, colleges and work-based training providers who lead and plan programmes of careers education in the curriculum and/or who teach such programmes
• 14-19 online prospectus teams - individuals who are responsible for collecting, collating and presenting information on 14-19 opportunities and progression routes for the local area online prospectus
• HE admissions tutors, employers and training providers - higher education staff, employers and training providers who recruit learners progressing from 14-19 education and training.

An IAG framework has been created for each of these six groups. The frameworks have been designed for SSAT IAG Champions to use with consortia IAG leads and local IAG staff to develop appropriate CPD sessions for a wide range of staff involved in supporting young people's decision-making. For details on how to access the IAG frameworks, please contact your SSAT IAG Champion.

Online IAG community
Our online IAG community will launch in December 2008. This will offer you a forum for open discussions, question and answer facilities, access to shared resources and examples of best practice.

Find out more about the IAG community

Online resources
Over the coming months development materials, ideas for IAG activities, case studies and Diploma line materials supporting the delivery of the Diploma will be made available through the Resource library. Other materials will include progression advice for each level of the Diploma, specific to the line and choice of additional and specialist learning.

Visit the Resource library

My Development activities focused on IAG are available now. To access these, go to My Development and select Information, advice and guidance.

Contact us
To request further information about IAG support, email iaggateway@ssatrust.org.uk or call the IAG support line on 020 7802 9007.

Useful websites

• Directgov - information for young people on the Diploma, with sections for teachers, employers and parents.
• CEGNET - the website of the DCSF's national support programme for careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG). The site provides up-to-date information on developments in CEIAG, a wealth of practical resources and many useful links to other websites for IAG and careers education.
• IAG Workforce - provides access to many resources to support workforce development and CPD for IAG and careers education. It also offers downloadable versions of the Quality Standards for Young People's Information, Advice and Guidance and User Guide.
• QIA Excellence Gateway - provides support and resources for staff in further education and skills.
• ACEG - Association for Careers Education and Guidance - promoting excellence and innovation in careers education and guidance for all young people.