bss supports National Careers Service Launch with Customer Contact Expertise

bss, the UK's leading provider of outsourced multi-channel customer contact services and  one of only two telephone service suppliers for the National Careers Service, today announced how it has supported the Skills Funding Agency during the launch of the National Careers Service.

The National Careers Service is designed to transform the way people receive careers advice and guidance and is delivered via phone, web and face to face meetings. bss has been providing Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) expertise since the inception of Next Step, the service which the National Careers Service took over in April this year.

Joe Billington, Director of the National Careers Service said: "The National Careers Service gives people access to high quality careers advice where and when it is needed. As one of two telephone service suppliers, bss plays an important part in ensuring that the information and advice provided is of a high quality, demonstrating their expertise in the field of information, advice and guidance. With the support of bss there has been a smooth transition to the National Careers Service, whilst maintaining consistent service levels."

The National Careers Service helps people find the right combination of information and advice, enabling them to progress in learning, work and life. The service is available to people aged 13 and over supporting them throughout their career.  It can be accessed over the telephone, on-line and there is also access to face-to-face careers advice in the local community.

bss has set up dedicated contact centres in Manchester and Leicester with over 200 members of staff to provide expert careers advice. Call advisers are professionally qualified to provide advice and support and bss has two tiers of call advisers who work on the service: frontline and career coaches.  Frontline staff and career coaches undergo an extensive induction training programme at bss. Career coaches also receive external training and achieve NVQ Level 4 in advice and guidance and some progress onto postgraduate careers guidance qualifications - all facilitated by bss.

Dani Muir, Sales and Marketing Director at bss said: "In the current economic climate, it is critical that people have access to accurate information about careers and training within a matter of a few clicks - whether that's over a phone, mobile or a computer screen. bss has a strong track record of delivering excellent multi-channel IAG services and we are delighted to have been able to support the launch of the National Careers Service."

Notes to the Editor

For editorial information please contact:  Chevaan Seresinhe at Chevaan.Sersinhe@emmettandsmith.com or telephone on 020 7384 7110