‘Connexions helps with joint working’

Improved joint working is one of the main achievements of
Connexions partnerships since they were set up.

About half of stakeholders asked said that joint working was one of
the main things that had improved, according to a study of phase
two and three Connexions partnerships.

However, the study also shows that stakeholders, including social
services, the probation service and local education authorities,
are divided over whether Connexions has had an impact on their
organisation. Although 54 per cent reported at least a fair amount
of impact, 43 per cent said the impact had been negligible.

One fifth of stakeholders said that a lack of staff and personal
advisers, and insufficient time with individuals, were problems
with the service. Twelve per cent also highlighted that there had
been a reduction in the universal service in favour of services for
those most in need.

Just over a quarter of young people said that there was a lack of
awareness of Connexions.

The study involved about 1,700 stakeholders and 500 young
people.

– Report is available from
www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RBX05-04.pdf