About IAG at TESS Group
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) is central to our mission to Transform, Empower, Skills, and Success. We are committed to providing every learner with the support they need to achieve their goals and progress in their apprenticeship and career.
What is Information, Advice and Guidance?
IAG is the support we provide to help you:
- Clarify your starting point – understanding your current skills, knowledge, and circumstances
- Identify your goals and targets – what you want to achieve in your apprenticeship and beyond
- Plan how to achieve your goals – the steps and support needed to succeed
The Three Elements of IAG
Information
We provide impartial facts about careers, learning, funding, and support services. This helps you make informed decisions about your future.
Advice
We help you interpret information and apply it to your situation. We discuss options and support you in making decisions that suit your circumstances.
Guidance
We provide specialist, one-to-one support from trained professionals. We work with you to develop plans and overcome barriers to achieving your goals.
Your IAG Journey
IAG is not just a one-off conversation. It runs throughout your apprenticeship journey:
Pre-Programme
Before you start your apprenticeship, we help you understand whether the programme is right for you and what to expect.
On-Programme
During your apprenticeship, we support you with learning, assessment, progress, and any personal circumstances affecting you.
Post-Programme
As you complete your apprenticeship, we help you plan your next steps and celebrate your achievements.
Formal IAG at Key Points
IAG is built into key moments in your apprenticeship journey:
Initial discussion to confirm the apprenticeship is right for you and that we can meet your needs.
Thorough guidance on the apprenticeship structure, expectations, and your entitlements and responsibilities.
Discussion of your starting point in English, maths, and digital skills, with planning for any support needed.
Regular check-ins to discuss learning progress, any challenges, and adjustments to your support.
Guidance on progression routes following your apprenticeship, including further training, employment, and career planning.
Our Commitment to You
Impartial
We provide unbiased information and advice, even when it differs from what you might want to hear.
Timely
We provide support at the right moment in your journey, when you need it most.
Professional
Our team is trained and qualified to provide expert guidance and support.
Accurate
All information is current, reliable, and regularly updated.
Accessible
We adjust our support to suit your needs, including learning needs and accessibility requirements.
Relevant
All guidance is tailored to your individual circumstances, interests, and goals.
Recorded
We keep secure records of IAG support to track your progress and ensure continuity.
Inclusive
Everyone can access IAG regardless of background, abilities, or circumstances.
Compliant
All IAG is delivered in line with GDPR, safeguarding, and equality requirements.
Supporting You Beyond TESS Group
We signpost you to specialist support services for wider issues that may affect your learning. These include:
Career and Learning Support
Welfare and Personal Support
Financial and Practical Support
Equality and Diversity in IAG
We are committed to delivering IAG that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all learners. We consider:
- Protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation)
- Socioeconomic circumstances and barriers to learning
- Language and communication needs
- Learning differences and support requirements
- Cultural, religious, and personal values
All learners receive equal access to high-quality IAG, with reasonable adjustments made as needed.
How We Measure Success
We monitor the impact of IAG through learner outcomes:
- Retention: Are learners staying on their programmes? (Target: 85%+)
- Achievement: Are learners successfully completing their apprenticeships? (Target: 60%+)
- Progression: Are learners moving on to further training, employment, or other positive outcomes?
- Satisfaction: Are learners satisfied with the IAG and support they receive? (Target: 85%+)
We use this data to continually improve our IAG offer.
Matrix Standard
TESS Group operates within the Matrix standard framework for IAG delivery. Matrix helps us ensure that our guidance services are professional, accountable, and regularly reviewed for quality.
Supporting Policies
IAG is delivered in line with our other key policies:
- Equality and Diversity Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Complaints Procedure
- GDPR and Data Protection Policy
- Safeguarding and Prevent Policy
Your Right to IAG
Every learner has the right to access quality IAG. You should not be disadvantaged in accessing support based on any protected characteristic or circumstance. If you feel IAG has not been delivered fairly or professionally, please contact us through our Complaints Procedure.
Get in Touch
For questions about IAG or to discuss your support needs, please contact TESS Group:
Address: 109 Innovation Centre, Green Street, Northampton, NN1 1SY
Telephone: 01604 210 500
Contact: Email via our main office
We're here to support your success.