This policy aims to ensure that learners receive the necessary support and guidance to help them make informed choices about their career paths, develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, and achieve their full potential.

This policy applies to all learners undertaking training programs within our organisation.

It also applies to all staff who are involved in the delivery of training programs, as well as those who provide career education, information, advice, and guidance to learners.

Our IAG policy is based on the following principles:

• Every learner has the right to access impartial and high-quality information, advice, and guidance.
• Our IAG provision will be learner-focused, flexible, and responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
• Our IAG provision will be based on a partnership between learners, education providers, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Our IAG provision will be regularly evaluated and improved to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
• Our IAG provision will support learners' employability skills development through mentoring and CV writing.
• Our IAG provision will ensure compliance with relevant legislation and procedure.

The objectives of our IAG policy for Choices Academy are as follows:

• To provide learners with comprehensive and up-to-date information about the healthcare sector, including job roles, career pathways, and employment trends.
• To help learners identify and develop their skills, interests, and values, and to relate them to potential careers in the healthcare sector.
• To provide learners with access to a range of career education activities, including workshops, careers fairs, and work-based learning opportunities.
• To provide learners with impartial and confidential advice and guidance on their career options, including advice on job search, applications, and interviews.
• To support learners in developing the skills they need to manage their own careers effectively, including skills in networking, self-promotion, and career planning.
• To support learners' employability skills development through mentoring and CV writing, with specific SMART targets set for each individual.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation and procedure related to IAG provision.
• To develop interactions and interact with a range of media to provide learners with information and advice through a variety of channels.

To achieve our objectives, we have set the following SMART targets;

Employability
By the end of their training program, 90% of our learners will have developed a personal development plan that includes at least two specific goals related to employability.

Mentoring
All learners will have access to a mentoring program, where they will receive regular one-to-one support and guidance from a mentor who is an experienced healthcare professional.

CV Writing
All learners will receive a one-to-one session with a careers advisor who will provide guidance and support in creating a professional CV that is tailored to the healthcare sector.

To achieve our objectives, we will:

• Provide learners with a comprehensive induction that includes information on IAG provision and how to access it.
• Develop and deliver a range of careers education activities that meet the needs of learners and are accessible to all.
• Provide impartial and confidential advice and guidance to learners through a range of channels, including one-to-one meetings, email, and telephone.
• Ensure that all staff involved in the delivery of our training programs receive appropriate training on IAG provisions, legislation, and procedures.
• Regularly review and evaluate our IAG provision to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
• Work in partnership with employers and other stakeholders to identify emerging skills needs and to develop appropriate training provisions.
• Provide mentoring to learners to support their employability skills development, with SMART targets set for each individual.
• Provide CV writing support to learners, with SMART targets set for each individual.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and procedure related to IAG provision.
• Develop interactions and interact with a range of media to provide learners with information and advice through a variety of channels.

All education and training programs will be designed to meet the needs of the healthcare sector and to provide learners with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in healthcare.

Programs will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain relevant and up-to-date. Education and training will be delivered by qualified and experienced healthcare professionals, who will provide learners with a high standard of teaching and support.

The policy will promote the use of technology and online learning resources to enhance the learning experience and improve accessibility.

The policy will encourage collaboration between education providers and healthcare employers to ensure that learners have access to work-based learning opportunities.

Information on healthcare careers will be regularly updated and made available to learners through a variety of channels, including online resources, prospectuses, and guidance materials.

Careers' advice and guidance will be provided by qualified and experienced advisors, who will support learners in making informed decisions about their education and career paths.

The policy will promote the use of digital tools and platforms to provide learners with access to high-quality advice and guidance services, regardless of their location or circumstances.

The policy will promote the use of mentoring and coaching programs to provide learners with additional support and guidance throughout their education journey.

The policy will ensure that all learners have equal access to education and training opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The policy will promote diversity and inclusivity within the healthcare sector and will encourage the recruitment and retention of learners from underrepresented groups.

The policy will ensure that education and training programs are designed to meet the needs of learners with disabilities or additional support needs.

The policy will promote a culture of continuous professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning within the healthcare sector.

Healthcare employers will be encouraged to provide their staff with opportunities for CPD and career development, including access to training, mentoring, and coaching programs.

The policy will promote the use of digital tools and platforms to support CPD and lifelong learning, including online courses, webinars, and e-learning resources.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to learners and staff in a timely and appropriate manner.

We will monitor the implementation of this policy to ensure that it is being followed and that it is achieving its objectives. Feedback from learners, staff, employers and other stakeholders will be used to inform our ongoing development of IAG provision.

SMART targets will be set for each learner to ensure their employability skills development and progress are measured and reviewed regularly.