Information for New Service Delivery Agencies
The aim of the Nextstep London West network is to include a sufficiently broad
range of service delivery agencies to meet client needs. We are concerned
to ensure accessibility, capacity to meet demand, and responsiveness to individual
circumstances (for example clients with disabilities, offenders and refugees).
Nextstep delivery agencies provide information, advice and in some cases more
in-depth enhanced services and/or guidance. The LSC definition of information and advice has
recently been updated. Delivery agencies are required to ensure that staff
delivering these services are competent. NVQ training in guidance is desirable.
NVQ qualifications in guidance (level 4, or 3 working towards 4) are a requirement
to deliver enhanced services and guidance. All agencies wishing to join the
Nextstep network must become Matrix accredited.
We can help you address this by offering training and support.
The national strategy for Information Advice and Guidance is derived from the government skills strategy "21st
Century Skills, Realising Our Potential, Individuals, Employers, Nation" July
2003. It is described in detail in three documents:
The strategy involves a national entry point for adult learner enquiries,
provided by learndirect and a "no wrong door" approach to accessing services through the
Nextstep referral network. All adults will have an entitlement to free information
and advice but face-to-face advice services will be targeted at those yet
to achieve a level two qualification.
Delivery agencies joining the network will be given a monthly allocation
of funding for advice clients (yet to achieve a level two qualification)
and a monthly target for information clients. They will be provided with
resources to help stock an information library, and access to training activities.
Delivery agencies are required to record client data in a computerised management
information system (MIS), and to export that data using an automated process
to the Nextstep Team. This enables us to collate performance reports, check invoices
and collect ESF match funding evidence. Payment for advice services delivered
(within the allocation) are made on a monthly basis.
More details about nextstep nationally can be obtained from the
nextstep stakeholder web site.
It provides more information about nextstep and the option to download a range
of helpful documents.
