The following documents can be downloaded or ordered from www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications by typing key words into the search box:

Building on the Best, DCSF, 2007 (see summary below)
The Work-related Learning Guide, Second Edition, DCSF, 2009

IAG Strategy: Quality, Choice and Aspiration, 2009

Of interest will be the QCDA guidance on Career, work-related learning and enterprise 11-19: www.qcda.org.uk/20339

There is also useful information on www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters

A summary of the key points in the Building on the Best report is below. 

• Excellent progress has been made by schools, EBLOs, and others involved in delivering a range of work-related learning and enterprise education. Young people enjoy enterprise activities and they and employers value work experience.
• However, there is more to be done to ensure that all 14-19 students have access to really high-quality, innovative and relevant WRL opportunities. There is no shared understanding of what WRL is, the activities it can involve, or the learning outcomes it can support, and WRL is interpreted differently for pre- and post-16 learners.
• In addition, OfSTED identified a small proportion of work experience placements that did not lead to effective learning, and reported that a minority of schools had not acknowledged that WRL applies to all students. The CBI’s report ‘Time well spent’ also found scope for improvement including drawing on the views of learners themselves.
• Cultural attitudes about industry and education jargon present employers with difficulties.  Employers do not fully understand the role they can and need to play in WRL. They can also be confused and irritated by the number of separate contacts they receive.
• Local brokerage is key to engaging new employers and then to retaining and increasing the offer from them. EBLOs are a vital part of the local delivery chain in providing links to the employers involved in offering WRL opportunities.
• The presence of so many different players in the past has at times led to confusion and duplication.  Setting improved standards for work-related learning intermediary organisations will provide the opportunity for new organisations who can meet the standard to enter the market.

The IEBE has already put into place a quality award for EBPOs to improve standards across the sector.  The Award for Education Business Excellence is managed by the IEBE and accredits organisations to the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ National Standard for Education Business Partnership Organisations (May 2008).

The rigorous accreditation process involves self-assessment which is then verified by external scrutiny.  A key consideration for organisations looking to work with, fund or contract a good EBPO will be wither they have or can demonstrate the ability to achieve the National Award.