Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
5th Report - Get Britain Working: Creating a new jobs and careers service
Work and Pensions Committee
HC 1286
Published 11 September 2025
Recommendations
4
Accepted
Review and develop a strategic funding model for careers advice and providers
Recommendation
DWP should review the funding and funding model for careers advice. It should develop a more strategic model that funds additional sessions for those for whom it will deliver the greatest impact and value for money, and in areas with …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to developing robust performance measures for the new Jobs and Careers Service, building on the "Get Britain Working" outcomes (April 2025) to create specific outcome measures for careers advice. Its evaluation strategy is currently under development and will be shared with the Committee.
Department for Work and Pensions
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6
Accepted
Protect the distinct role of careers advisors and develop their professional training pathway
Recommendation
As part of the new service, DWP should protect the distinct role and skills of careers advisors. It will also need to define the future relationship between careers advisers and work coaches, which will be critical to the success of …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to publishing a detailed transition plan within the next six months, which will outline how the National Careers Service and Jobcentre Plus will be brought together to deliver a unified service and provide clarity to employees and contractors.
Department for Work and Pensions
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8
Accepted
Provide urgent clarity on integration of NCS, future contracts, and devolved operations
Recommendation
DWP has yet to set out how it will bring together Jobcentres and the NCS, putting service delivery at risk. NCS providers are operating under uncertainty, with no clarity about the future of contracts that are currently managed by DfE. …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, acknowledging the need for clarity. It commits to publishing a detailed transition plan within the next six months, outlining how the National Careers Service and Jobcentre Plus will be integrated into a unified Jobs and Careers Service.
Department for Work and Pensions
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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 …
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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.
Department for Work and Pensions
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10
Accepted
Publish a transition plan for NCS and consult unions on integration and contracts
Recommendation
The Government must also provide more certainty to staff and contractors. In the next 6 months, DWP should publish a transition plan for the NCS, setting out how it will be integrated into a new jobs and careers service and …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to provide clarity to staff and contractors. It will publish a detailed transition plan for the National Careers Service within the next six months, outlining its integration into the new jobs and careers service and how contracts will be managed, while also committing to working with unions.
Department for Work and Pensions
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Conclusions (1)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Careers advice helps people achieve their potential, improving employment outcomes, as well as unlocking huge productivity gains with significant economic benefits. However, careers advice in England is a patchwork of services that lacks cohesion and is confusing and fragmented. Overall responsibility for adult careers guidance has fallen between the Department …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's assessment and will bring adult careers advice provision, currently delivered by the National Careers Service, in-house to the DWP from 30 September 2026 to create a single integrated employment and careers support service.