Information, advice and guidance

You are entitled to: 

• Free 1:1 meeting with comprehensive information and advice about learning and work at your local Adult Learning Centre 
• A safe, healthy and welcoming environment in which to discuss your needs 
• Impartial, confidential information and advice from qualified and experienced staff 
• A referral to other adult learning providers, or other services and partners where it is deemed more suitable and appropriate 
• Information and advice on a range of extra support, for example, childcare; funding; Adult Learning Support; additional English and maths 
• Learning support if you have a disability in line with the Equality Act 2010 
• Information in an accessible format. For example, on request, we can change the print size and/or colour of text and background to make it easier for you to read 
• Bring an interpreter where required to support with understanding of content of IAG 
• Equality and respect as an individual 
• A serious response from Adult Learning if you are discriminated against 
• Opportunities to comment on the quality of the Information and Advice provided via learner feedback surveys 
• Appropriate signposting to careers guidance with appropriate providers, services 

What we ask of you: 

• Take advantage of the information and advice about courses offered by Adult Learning 
• Respect the values, privacy and property of others 
• Let us know if you have physical or sensory disability, mental ill health or learning disability as we may be able to offer additional support 
• Do not accept any form of discrimination and report it if it happens 
• Comply with health and safety requirements 
• Give feedback to Adult Learning on the Information and Advice provided to enable us to improve  

Different needs, different support 

It is important to Adult Learning that learners choose the right course, whether it is to help you get a job, or develop your skills for work or improve your health and well- being. 

We have a qualified experienced staff on hand to help you make the right choices and a range of support measures that we can put in place to help you reach your goals. We will however make it clear what we can offer you, how it will be done, by when and by whom. 

We are here to support you and look forward to welcoming you to Adult Learning. 

Overview 

This strategy will outline how Adult Learning will continue to plan, deliver and evaluate the provision of educational advice and information to adults over the age of 19. 

What is IAG? 

Information: 

• means the provision of information on learning, training and work, without any discussion about the relative merits of the options through:
• printed materials such as leaflets and posters.
• audio-visual materials via the internet, Adult Learning website and social media channels.
• verbal information on a face-to-face basis through local centres or via telephone or live online events.
• verbal and audio-visual information via online learning platforms. 

Advice: 

• requires more interaction with the service user, usually on a one-to-one basis. It may require explanation of some of the information provided, how to access and use information, and a recognition of when more in-depth services may be required by the user. 

Guidance: 

• uses qualified staff and links with other services and partners to ensure learners are supported in the correct manner. 

What is the purpose of information and advice provision?  

To ensure that adults are supported to make informed decisions which enable them to engage in appropriate learning programmes, complete the intended learning outcomes and achieve personal learning goals. 

Advice and information will be impartial and will signpost individuals to wider guidance services, such as careers guidance and other education and training providers who are better placed to meet their needs. 

Our foundation for planning and delivery of IAG: 

Person centred approach, we will:

• Act with integrity, placing people and communities at the heart of what we do
• Passionate about improving lives through learning
• Inspire and empower people to reach their potential
• Use innovative solutions

Principles of Coherent IAG Service Delivery 

• Accessible and Visible – IAG services should be recognised and trusted by users of the facilities and have convenient entry points from which learners may be signposted or referred to the services they need and be open at times and in places which suits learners’ needs.
• Professional and Knowledgeable –Staff delivering IAG should have the skills and knowledge to identify quickly and effectively learners needs. They should have the skills and knowledge either to address the learners needs or to signpost or to refer them to suitable alternative provision.
• Effective Connections – Links between IAG services should be clear from the learner’s perspective. Where necessary, learners should be supported in their transition between services.
• Availability, Quality and Delivery – IAG services should be targeted at the needs of the learners and be informed by social and economic priorities at local, regional and national levels.
• Diversity – The range of IAG services should reflect the diversity of learners needs.
• Impartial – IAG services should support learners to make informed decision about learning and work based on the learners' needs and circumstances.
• Responsive – IAG services should reflect learners present and future needs.
• Friendly and Welcoming – IAG services should encourage learners to engage successfully with the Adult Learning
• Enabling – IAG services should encourage and support learners to become lifelong learners by enabling them to access and use information to plan their careers, supporting learners to explore the implication for both learning and work in their future career plans.
• Awareness – Adults should be aware of the IAG services that are relevant to them and have well informed expectation of those services. 

Adult Learning Disability and Inclusion Principles 

• Our IAG offer will always be learner centred and will address equality and promote diversity.
• Information and advice giving will take account of the requirements of individuals who use alternative forms of communication.
• Adult Learning will use a range of methods to help adults be better informed about learning opportunities. 

The key aims of our strategy is: 

1. To provide all learners and potential learners, with clear information and advice to make informed choices about their learning within and beyond Adult Learning.
2. To ensure that the provision of information and advice is in line with Adult Learning’s Disability and Inclusion Principles.
3. To enable staff to support learners in achieving agreed learning outcomes and personal learning goals.
4. To help learners plan their future learning to support their personal and work aspirations.
5. To provide signposting and referral to careers guidance services and other services available where required. 

Adult Learning works closely with partner organisations to create bespoke learning programmes to suit the needs of the people who use your services. We understand that some vulnerable learners can find it difficult to commit to regular attendance over a number of weeks, while some can find it difficult to focus for the duration of a single session. We listen to what you need, and can create tailored learning in the best combinations for you from our selection of tasters, workshops, and short and longer non-accredited and accredited courses. You can work with Adult Learning for just a taster session, over a term or over a whole year to provide your service users with the best chance possible to add valuable learning to their lives.
Adult Learning courses organised with partner organisations are free to learners.