Stage one assessment
Building commitment

What

This stage of the IiC award addresses the importance of leadership within a school/college/work-based learning provider along with engagement from all key stakeholders to establish the scope and purpose of careers education, information, advice and guidance

When

Check out:

  • The date of your next full governing body/College Council/Board meeting
  • Forum for student voice or learners
  • Date of next organisational newsletter
  • Development planning cycle

How

Examples of written evidence for this stage

  • Commitment letter signed by Head Teacher/Principal and chair of governors
  • Extract from minutes of relevant meetings/notes of presentations to governors
  • Staff bulletin
  • Newsletter for students/parents
  • School/college prospectus
  • Copy of the school/college development/improvement plan
  • Action Plan for completing the full award

Top 10 tips for getting started

  1. Get to grips with the indicators for Outcome 1 and be clear you know what is required
  2. Set yourself a deadline to collect and to collate your evidence – add some time on!
  3. Get your colleagues and students on side – what are the benefits to them and the school. Don’t work in isolation. Set up a short term task group
  4. Ensure you have the strategic and operational support – consider setting up a steering group
  5. Build links with the Governing body/College Council/Board and consider identifying a named link
  6. Carry out a gap analysis. Prioritise ways and means to address gaps
  7. Construct an action plan
  8. Identify good provision e.g. from websites, good practice examples within this handbook and from experienced practitioners in your local consortia
  9. Make use of the support available from your external IAG provider
  10. Buy a large file, some dividers and plastic wallets for managing your evidence. It should be no more than 2 lever arch folders. An electronic portfolio is also acceptable