Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Provide clarity on accountability, devolved arrangements, and eligibility for new careers service
Recommendation
In its response to this inquiry, the Government should provide clarity on: • the accountability arrangements for its new jobs and careers service and for adult careers services generally, including any joint arrangements between DfE and DWP; • the planned arrangements for the jobs and careers service in Scotland and Wales, where careers support is a devolved matter, including how it will ensure consistency across Great Britain and avoid duplication in devolved settings; and 19 • any eligibility criteria for accessing careers support through the new jobs and careers service, including age limits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, clarifying that accountability for adult careers transferred to DWP. They will work closely with devolved governments for Scotland and Wales, and state that anyone seeking work, increased earnings, or a career change will be able to access support, with tailored options available.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Accept a. On 16 September 2025, the Prime Minister issued a statement outlining the transfer of responsibility for adult careers from DfE to DWP. As a result, accountability for adult careers has transferred to DWP and joint arrangements between DfE and DWP regarding adult careers are no longer required, but we will maintain alignment with DfE’s provision for young people to ensure a seamless service. b. As the Committee notes, careers is devolved in Scotland and Wales, and we are committed to working closely with the devolved governments to ensure consistency across Great Britain. We will design, develop and test the service in partnership with the devolved governments, considering learning and best practice from those services. This will support us to develop a new service that is locally tailored and embedded, designed to meet the different needs of local labour markets, local people and local employers. c. Anyone who wants to look for work, increase their earnings or change their career will be able to access careers support in the new service. We recognise that people are individuals with different support needs, and we want everyone who wants it to be able to access tailored support. For the majority of those not claiming benefits and who are seeking employment support or careers advice, this will best be served digitally, through a self-service option. However, we recognise this will not be appropriate for everyone and other channels of support will be available. This approach will increase the reach of the new service, allowing for a more targeted approach, with additional in-depth support to be provided to those customers who face significant barriers to making progress into work or learning. Any future eligibility criteria will be centred around these principles. This includes supporting young people under 18 not receiving careers support in schools and colleges, as detailed in the Get Britain Working White Paper.