The most effective network in our work – Example from Ireland

Aisling Roche and David O’Grady

April 29th 2011

Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

Dublin City

Gougane Barra, Co. Cork

Kilkenny Castle

Lakes of Killarney, Co. Kerry

Clonaslee, Co. Laois

My school

Facts about Ireland

Population of Republic of Ireland: 4.1mPopulation of Northern Ireland: 1.7mUnemployment rate: 14.7% (March 2011)

4.4% (March 2007)Currency: Euro since 2002

Guidance in Education

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%

Guidance in Secondary school

Guidance Activities in Post Primary

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

My network:The IGC – Institute of Guidance Counsellors

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

Qualifax

I use it everyday in my workI encourage my students to use it in their

own timeI encourage parents to become familiar

with itContains a calendar of career events It is constantly being updated because of

feedback from GC’s