The most effective network in our work – Example from Ireland

1. The most effective network in our work – Example from Ireland Aisling Roche and David O’Grady April 29th 2011

3. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

4. Dublin City

5. Gougane Barra, Co. Cork

6. Kilkenny Castle

7. Lakes of Killarney, Co. Kerry

8. Clonaslee, Co. Laois

9. My school

10. Facts about Ireland • Population of Republic of Ireland: 4.1m • Population of Northern Ireland: 1.7m • Unemployment rate: 14.7% (March 2011) 4.4% (March 2007) • Currency: Euro since 2002

12. Guidance in Education

13. Types of Post Primary Schools • Secondary schools – privately owned (religious orders) 55% • Vocational schools – managed by Vocational Education Committees 33% • Community & Comprehensive schools – managed by Boards of Management 12%

14. Guidance in Secondary school

15. Guidance Activities in Post Primary

16. Qualifications for Guidance in Post Primary A recognised teaching qualification (Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma in Education) A recognised qualification in guidance counselling 5 Universities offering Masters/ Postgraduate/Graduate Diplomas in Guidance Counselling Duration of Programmes - 2 years part time/ 1 year full time

17. My network:The IGC – Institute of Guidance Counsellors

18. Who are the IGC? • The Institute of Guidance Counsellors was established in 1968. • It is the professional body representing over 1200 practitioners in second level schools, third level colleges, adult guidance services, private practice and in other settings. • On behalf of its members and their clients the Institute has a liaison and advocacy role with government departments, management and trade union organisations, national parent bodies, higher and further education institutions, employment and training agencies.

20. What does the IGC do? • The institute has a constitution and a code of ethics. • It promotes standards for entry into the profession and for the practice of guidance and counselling. • It supports the professional development of its members through in-career training.

21. I follow the IGC code of ethics • Guidance Counsellors respect the dignity, integrity and welfare of their clients. • GC’s are responsible for maintaining trust by setting and monitoring appropriate boundaries in the relationship, and making this explicit to the client and relevant others. • The Institute of Guidance Counsellors strongly recommends supervision as an integral part of the professional practice of members.

22. IGC Structure • The Institute of Guidance Counsellors is organised around a branch structure.  • There are 16 branches around the country in different geographical regions.  • Each branch has at least one representative on the National Executive Committee. • This is the body which implements motions passed at the Annual General Meeting and manages the affairs of the Institute between AGMs.  • The National Executive normally meets at least ten times per year.

23. Why I find the IGC effective • Annual General Meeting of all the guidance counsellors in Ireland. • Branch meetings five times a year where training takes place • Counselling supervision once a month with an experienced counsellor

24. My other network:Qualifax • Qualifax is Ireland’s National Learners’ Database. • It is the "one stop shop" for learners. It provides the most comprehensive information on further and higher education and training courses. 

28. Qualifax • I use it everyday in my work • I encourage my students to use it in their own time • I encourage parents to become familiar with it • Contains a calendar of career events • It is constantly being updated because of feedback from GC’s