CO-DESIGNING AN INNOVATIVE ALL-AGE CAREERS FRAMEWORK IN COUNTY DURHAM

Durham County Council has commissioned Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE from dmh associates to lead a team in developing an innovative all-age Careers Framework for County Durham. This project involves expert researchers and local consultations with key stakeholders in education, careers guidance, employment, and enterprise.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS WILL INVOLVE A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF EVIDENCE, 1:1 & GROUP MEETINGS WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS COUNTY DURHAM, A FORMAL CALL FOR EVIDENCE AND ONLINE SURVEYS.

Please click here to complete the Call For Evidence

Recognising the dynamic evolution of learning, technology, work environments, and the diverse needs of local communities, we are embarking on a transformative journey to co-design a pioneering careers framework. The principles underpinning this work are to promote inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence, empowering individuals of all ages and backgrounds to maximise their talents, skills, and interests through lifelong learning.

We believe that effective career guidance is not just about finding a job—it’s about fostering lifelong learning, resilience, and adaptability. By engaging with young people, adults in various stages of their careers, employers, industry experts, and community stakeholders, we aspire to co-create a framework that reflects the aspirations and realities within County Durham. dmh associates with the support of Durham County Council and key stakeholders, will seek to unlock opportunities, identify enablers and barriers to success, and make recommendations on ‘the art of the possible’ going forward.

Join us on this exciting journey as we harness and capture the collective wisdom and ingenuity of County Durham’s vibrant community. Together, we can co-design the ingredients for a robust Careers Framework where the future is brighter for young people and adults because we shape it together.

Timescale: Early May – Mid-December 2024

• Stage 1: Research into current CEIAG offers both within County Durham, the UK, Europe and internationally.
• Stage 2: Facilitate a mechanism to bring together stakeholders/partner representatives (including employers, delivery partners, schools, individuals etc.) to share views, consider innovative methods, and to agree how the CEIAG offer across County Durham should be improved.
• Stage 3: Prepare an independent report and evidence-base which presents key findings and recommends a way forward.

For more information contact:

Durham County Council Lead Contacts:

Stephen Crass, Policy and Planning Manager – email: [email protected]

Sue Hannan, Senior Project Development Officer (UKSPF) – [email protected]

dmh associates, Project Director: Associate Professor Deirdre OBE                                        

email: [email protected]