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European and national policy documents have been drawing attention to the strategic importance of career guidance for lifelong learning and progression in education, training and employment. However, there is a lack of compelling evidence regarding the nature of effective career guidance and its benefits. Despite this lack of evidence, in England, the strategic, economic role of guidance has been emphasised and guidance provision for those under 19 years has recently been enhanced and 'refocused' on the socially excluded. A five year study is currently underway which is researching the nature of effective career guidance for adults in England, how it can be encouraged and supported and what the barriers are to effective guidance. Fifty case studies have been completed (2003/2004) and clients will be followed up over a further four year period (2004- 2007), to track their progress and development. This paper examines findings from the first phase of the research.