Vol. 458 No. 8
139 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the way in which the In-Career Development Unit within her Department is structured; the way in which it is funded; its terms of reference; and the amount of funding allocated to the unit annually. [17808/95]
The structure for In-Career Development is set out in the White Paper Charting our Education Future. At central level, the structure provides for an in-career development unit in my Department. The unit is advised by two committees, one for primary and one for second level issues, and representative of management bodies, teachers, providers and parents. A policy development commitee, composed of senior Department officials and chaired by the chief inspector, advises on the work of the unit.
Administratively, the in-career unit, in common with other sections-branches of the Department where substantial expenditure is involved, is headed by a principal officer. There are three senior inspectors working full-time in the unit, as well as some other management and administrative staff.
Funding to the unit for in-career activity is provided under Vote 26, subhead B6. Estimated expenditure under this Vote for 1995 is £6.6 million. Administrative costs are provided for under my Department's administrative budget.
The main functions of the in-career unit are set out in the White Paper Charting our Education Future. Broadly, these are in-career policy formulation, in-career priorities and to manage overall in-career provision in a cost effective way to ensure that programme priorities are met and quality courses are provided.
