Certain examples of good practice emerged from the literature surveyed. International strengths and weaknesses were highlighted in several reports, with references to various countries’ performance across the world. The majority referred to states within Europe, North America and Australia, with occasional references to Asia. Africa and South American examples proved rare.

A selection of examples of good practice are given below, with the caveat that none were regarded as having totally produced solutions to the wide range of challenges facing the guidance community today. This table is not intended as a comprehensive list and comments from users of this report would be appreciated, to inform the future development of the NGRF website.

Country

Example of good practice

Australia

• Research and information systems
• International focus

Canada

• Practitioner standards
• Careers management
• Education in schools
• International focus

Denmark

• Integration of services at local level
• Client-centred environment
• Legislative framework – all sectors

Germany

• Vocational training
• Career Information centres

Ireland

• Information dissemination (see www.fas.ie)

Italy

• Information accessibility in English and native language (see www.centrorisorse.org/en)

Norway

• Innovation in public service provision
• Website
• Delivery centres

United Kingdom

• Information systems
• Quality systems
• Practitioner training & development

United States of America

• Service delivery
• Internet services and computer-aided guidance