Understanding the Impact of Connexions on Young People at Risk

The Connexions Service was launched in April 2001, with the aim of helping young people make informed choices and so aid a successful transition to adult life. It does this through improved partnership working and a network of
Personal Advisers (PAs) – the key instrument in creating impact in young people’s lives. A primary target of the Connexions Service is to reduce the proportion of 16-18 year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and it also contributes to other crosscutting targets.

This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the impact of the Connexions Service on young people, particularly those at risk of underachievement and disaffection. It examined what brought about impact in what circumstances and how those changes occurred. The starting point was the work carried out by PAs with and for young people and in particular how
the young people view that work. Both the direct work with young people and the wider work of PAs, as seen in brokerage or advocacy were considered. The explanations sought covered a broader canvass than the PA role alone and included the relationships to other policies and to contextual factors, such as labour market conditions, which influence the life-chances of young people.