C. Demonstrate an understanding of criteria relevant for choosing between sources
Knowing the sorts of things to look for in a source of LMI have a look at this list (put in link to document that jenny will write and we’ll include as part of this module
elsewhere) Often practitioners say that a major problem for them with LMI is the volume and range that is available particularly through the internet. So how do you know when a source is providing you with information that is of a high quality and reliable.

D. Differentiate between robust and unreliable LMI that is: critically apply appropriate criteria in selecting reliable and valid sources Spend time surfing the net and sifting and sorting the LMI possibilities you encounter according to the quality criteria already identified as important. Sometimes it’s tempting when you find a source of LMI that provides what you think a client needs, but do you feel confident that the sources you are using enable you to provide your client with the best possible information available? It is probably the case that you will have to discard many sources of information once you have applied appropriate selection criteria to judge the quality of sources.
E. Justify choices of LMI
Make conscious choices about the LMI you use, and ensure you believe in it! You will also need good communication skills to argue your case. If a client challenges or disagrees with my LMI I am able to defend what I am saying.
6.3. Interpreting LMI
- interpreting the meaning of LMI into intelligence to guide your clients' decision making. Even information someone else has already interpreted needs to be interpreted by you because of your particular purpose.
A. Interpret the meaning of LMI for clients
Review the different needs of clients that you work with, discuss with colleagues how they approach this, perhaps using some case study examples from your own
practice. Are you able to relate information from primary and secondary sources to the particular circumstances of the client you are trying to help?
B. Adapt LMI into appropriate formats
Review a range of formats for LMI from both written and internet sources to familiarize you with possibilities. This is an area where pooling knowledge and strategies with colleagues internal or external can be invaluable. LMI can be presented in a whole range of formats from quizzes to statistical information. It is relatively rare to be able to use ‘raw’ data with clients, how confident are you in adapting LMI for different circumstances.
C. Use language (both written and verbal) that my clients understand and relate to Don’t forget to ask your clients if they understand what you are saying! Your LMI knowledge and expertise is wasted if your clients don’t understand or can’t accept the message you are trying to give them.
D. Recognize when a client wants and is ready to receive LMI
Just don’t forget to listen to the client and offer rather than impose LMI - it can be a real temptation to rush in with new found knowledge which is not always appropriate or relevant to the client’s needs. If you are fortunate enough to have access to peer reviews or supervisory practice this is one aspect you could ask for specific feedback on. Timing is very important in presenting LMI and you will be in danger of providing information that is ignored by the client unless you have taken account of the readiness of the individual to receive this information
6.4. Presenting LMI
- using LMI in practice in different contexts
A. Develop materials for use in practice Practice! Take any opportunity available to watch colleagues and don’t be too hesitant about trying out new ideas. I feel confident about producing or finding materials relating to LMI that I can use directly with my clients in different circumstances e.g. interviews, group work etc.
B. Support the use of LMI by clients in groups
Once again practice! Take any opportunity available to watch colleagues and don’t
be too hesitant about trying out new ideas. Also, do regularly obtain feedback through e.g. evaluation forms to make sure you are meeting the needs of groups as
far as is practical. If you are required to work with groups of clients, the LMI that you use will probably have to be broad in nature to cater for a varied range of interests. For example a group of final year undergraduates may all seek different career destinations but have common LMI needs in terms of understanding graduate recruitment processes e.g. the number of vacancies, patterns of recruitment etc.
C. Support the use of LMI by clients on an individual basis Reflective practice is at the heart of improving your practice for the benefit of clients. So once again take any opportunity to watch colleagues in action - if possible perhaps suggest discussing case studies at a team meeting as part of an internal training exercise. Also, don’t forget to check clients have understood accurately what you are saying.
Working with clients individually allows you potentially to provide very tailored input - but don’t feel you have to know everything, it is acceptable to say you don’t know and signpost or facilitate the client in accessing and interpreting LMI for themselves.
D. Put together a presentation on LMI for colleagues if required Giving presentations to colleagues can often provoke high levels of anxiety, especially in newly qualified or inexperienced practitioners. However, the more opportunities you have to do this in your employing organization the more confident you will feel in this aspect of your work externally (e.g. if you have to give presentations at open days). Can you communicate key aspects of LMI in you specialist area (if applicable) to you colleagues and p.