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In the latest (Autumn 2004) issue of News and Views page 17, we report on an impending alliance between The Guidance Council and NIACE. This has now moved forward to a formal announcement of the current position after the approval of a strategic alliance by the Boards of both organisations. A position statement is reproduced below. Guidance Council and NIACE Position Statement The Guidance Council and NIACE are delighted to confirm a new strategic alliance, which has recently been agreed by the Boards of both organisations, subject to the agreement of the Charities Commission. Discussions are now taking place to ensure a smooth transition during the coming weeks. The Guidance Council will continue to exist as a separate company and will retain autonomy in its governance and future operations. Its commitment to an all-age, UK wide agenda remains. The coming months will see the further integration of the Council within NIACE, including the move of its headquarters to Leicester. In the future, NIACE will provide operational support to enable the Council to focus on developing its core business. The Guidance Council will benefit from the established infrastructure and specialist expertise that NIACE can offer. It will strengthen NIACE's links with career guidance agencies across the UK bringing an all-age perspective which is relevant to the family learning agenda, and helping to strengthen the inter-generational dimensions of NIACE's work. The alliance will help each organisation to further its objectives in promoting lifelong guidance and lifelong learning. Each organisation's AGM will be invited to approve reciprocal arrangements to allow membership of the other body with all benefits bar voting rights. Further information on this will be provided to all members in due course. In the meantime, if you require any further information please contact either: Anne Parkinson, Policy, Communications and Public Affairs Manager The Guidance Council or Alastair Thomson, Senior Policy Officer NIACE Tel: 0116 204 4200/1 |