Ofsted recognise the importance of careers hubs in ensuring effective employer engagement and their wider contribution to careers education and guidance.

There have been substantial changes to the careers landscape in England over the past decade, including the introduction of the Gatsby benchmarks and Baker clause. In 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) asked Ofsted to review careers provision in schools, further education and other training providers. During the spring term 2023, Ofsted carried out research visits to 30 schools and 14 further education and skills providers, reviewed a sample of inspection evidence and held focus groups with inspectors, employers and independent learning providers.

Their final report, published in September 2023, concluded that schools, colleges and skills providers were aware that an effective careers guidance programme can help all pupils and learners, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve their aspirations.

It also recognised the importance of careers hubs in ensuring effective employer engagement and their contribution more widely to careers programmes.

The review saw many examples of good practice, with most schools, further education and skills providers demonstrating commitment to providing effective careers guidance to their pupils and learners. The report also makes recommendations to further improve careers guidance.