Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, and if so with whom, any consultation took place on the decision not to extend the National Career Services contract in prisons in England; and if so, whether that consultation requested information on the provision of an alternative service.

An internal review of the National Careers Service (NCS) in custody delivery, including views of Governors and learning and skills staff, was considered by the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

A range of services will continue to be available to meet the careers advice needs of prisoners. Experienced Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) providers, Department for Work and Pensions work coaches, and Community Rehabilitation Companies will all be remaining in place.

We are now working to put in place an alternative approach to commissioning Information, Advice and Guidance services as part of the new education reform arrangements in prisons.