Notes from meeting on 8.6.11

• Got 1639 responses from 3012: 545 return rate which is very good.

• Top three reasons for advice were college/sixth form choices, higher education and applications/CV’s.

• Other reasons were housing, bullying and volunteering opportunities.

• Vast majority found it easy to see their PA • Got good responses (over 85% favourable) for knowledge of PA’s, support received, listening well, good support, help with all issues raised, independent advice, all options given, having enough time with the PA and confidentiality.

• Two areas for development (less than 85% favourable) were the PA doing everything they promised to do and knowing at the end of the interview what the young person had to do next.

• The information received will be used to improve services in the coming year. It can be tracked to individual schools and workers so managers can help the PA’s improve.

• Andy explained the future for connexions. There will be an all age careers guidance which will be online and telephone based. Each school will have to provide independent advice guidance and support around careers but they can do this how they like. Connexions are going to offer schools their service. Vulnerable young people and those not in education, employment or training will continue to receive connexions service.

• Discussion about the connexions ‘brand’. Members thought it was a good brand as it is well known and understood what connexions do.

• Question was asked about whether connexions direct was still working? He was unsure but would get back to Mark who would pass this on.

• Suggestion was made that connexions widen its age range to all secondary school pupils, not just 13 plus.

• Question about the training workers received to deal with bullying etc. Andy said all workers were trained primarily in careers but had training on other aspects and came from different back grounds e.g. teachers, youth workers • Question about being independent and giving a full range of careers options not just what was ‘expected’ of pupils from a particular school. Andy said PA’s should give the full range of options and then allow the young person to choose what to follow up on.

• Question about young people who may be being unrealistic about their careers choice. Andy said PA’s would always try to help but it was important to have a ‘Plan B’ if this doesn’t work out.

• Andy promised to let cabinet know what he would be doing with the information he had got today • Mark thanked Andy for his report and the cabinet agreed that connexions had been the best service they had worked with for giving them good feedback and properly involving them.

2. Youth Service review meeting and questionnaire • Deferred until next meeting 3. Campaign areas questionnaire • Deferred until next meeting 4. UKYP national sitting • Booked.

5. Davyhulme Youth Centre update • Deferred until next meeting 6. Youth Cabinet exchange 7. Deferred until next meeting 8. Manor High School update 9. Deferred until next meeting 10. Local Councillor Shadowing Award • Mark has a document with the councillors of those who were interested. Will send out with ScribblePad from today.

11. Alcohol consultation feedback • Deferred until next meeting 12. British Youth Council Convention August 11th • Deferred until next meeting 13. Myplace Fuse update • Simon gave brief update. Members can attend a meeting on June 28th.

14. Youthforia June 2nd Bury • Naadhirah gave a brief update about what happened.

15. Trafford Young Carers group • Deferred until next meeting 16. Government policy on youth decision making • Deferred until next meeting 17. Evaluating new services update (Services for young carers and siblings of children with CAN/ Promoting positive behaviours and preparing for adulthood) • Deferred until next meeting 18. Greater Manchester transport plan • Deferred until next meeting 19. School nurses research • Deferred until next meeting

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