The National Careers Service, launched last month, has announced a new council to support the government led service. WEA’s Chief Executive Ruth Spellman has been appointed a member of the council.
Ruth Spellman acknowledges the need for the new service and stressed the importance of careers advice for all adults, especially in today’s economic climate.
She said 'I welcome the government’s announcement today that there will be a new council to oversee the new national careers service. In difficult economic times it is vital that young people and adults get high quality careers advice and support, particularly those people who are most vulnerable.’
The WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) provides part-time course to over 60,000 adults a year. For many these provide the skills and confidence to change their lives and to return to the workforce. An independent service, accessible to adults from any part of the country is a valuable additional resource to people dealing with transitions in their careers or lives.
She said ‘Any of us can lose our job and many of us need to acquire new skills throughout our working lives. I particularly welcome the all age aspect of the new service. As a newly appointed council member I hope to be able to contribute to the National Careers Service, support those who are delivering the new service and develop the gold standard service which has been clearly articulated by the Minister John Hayes.’
Skills Minister John Hayes said:
“The National Council for Careers will help to create a new beginning in careers guidance by improving professionalism, forging links with business and ensuring advice reflects the competition and complexity of the labour market.
“I am delighted that Dr Deirdre Hughes and a team of experienced and dedicated professionals have agreed to work on this extremely important council which will be at the forefront of transforming careers guidance. The Council includes representatives from across the public, private and third sector, as well as from the careers profession, and with a range of backgrounds including HR, finance and communications.”
Ruth Spellman is the new General Secretary & Chief Executive of the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and took up her post at the beginning of April. She has previously had leading roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors. These have included the NSPCC, Investors in People, The Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Chartered Management Institute. In 2007 she was awarded an OBE for services to workplace learning. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Cranfield in 2010.
Find out more about the National Careers Service here