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Need-to-know: DfE updates statutory careers guidance

Updated guidance places more emphasis on governor support and includes new expectations for work experience activities for years 7 to 9. It comes into force in September 2025.

New
on 9 May 2025
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You're expected to support and be 'actively engaged' in your school's careers programme

Your school’s careers programme should have your board's ‘explicit backing’, according to the Department for Education's (DfE's) updated statutory careers guidance. (In the previous version, this only applied to the senior leadership team.)

Governors should also be 'actively engaged' in setting the direction for a whole-institution approach to careers guidance.

Engage with your school’s careers programme by reviewing and questioning it, and approving it. It’s likely that you already meet this expectation through the work of your careers link governor. 

The guidance includes advice from the Careers & Enterprise Company on developing a strategic careers plan, to help your board and your school meet expectations.

New work experience expectations for years 7 to 9

Your school should also provide 1 week's worth

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