The first interim report presents a comparative analysis of questionnaire data and has a dual focus:

1. First, the varied professional contexts in which guidance is delivered, with an emphasis on the organisational cultures in which guidance practitioners operate.
2. Second, the similarities and discrepancies in the perceptions of guidance held by:

• fifty clients from the participating organisations who had received guidance;
• the guidance practitioners who provided the guidance; and
• ‘expert witnesses’, who were independent third parties.

The second interim report, which will also be based on data collected during the first phase, is scheduled for autumn, 2004.  This will present an in-depth analysis of fifty recorded guidance interviews.  Emphasis will be given in the analysis to the identification of good practice together with the strategies and skills used by the guidance practitioners, so that issues can be raised relevant to the improvement of guidance practice.

The fifty clients who participated in this study will be followed-up over a four year period (2004-2007).