The Ariadne project ran from October 2002 to October 2004. Its overall aim was to look at the underlying assumptions for Internet/Web-based  guidance tools so that they could be integrated thoughtfully into practice.

One important output from the project was the production of a set of guidelines,  rehearsing the key arguments relating to the integration of web-based tools in careers guidance practice. The project paid particular attention to the quality and ethical aspects of offering technically mediated careers guidance services.  In the guidelines, Mulvey (2004) argues that we need to accept ethical protocols have limits, even if web-based career guidance does not. As we expand our repertoire of professional practice through the integration of web-based tools in career guidance, so we will forge a framework, drawn from our practice base thus far, which will sustain our practice of the future.  Four ethical principles are set out underinning ethical codes of practice that are commonly found in helping professions in western countries. These are:

• beneficence
• non-maleficence
• autonmy
• justice

It is argued that this can help orientate and support professional practice within careers work.  For each of these principles, a number of questions are identified that can be used to explore ethical issues in web-based guidance.

The project team drew on these Guidelines to develop a training model (see below) which can be adapted for delivery in a range of contexts, to support development in the area at both national and international level. This training model was refined through an iterative process of delivery and evaluation with career guidance professionals in the four project countries.

Further information about this project can be found at the project website.