The new Standards Council for Community Learning and Development (CLD) in Scotland is being established to improve training and skills for those active in community learning and development practice. This will contribute to raising standards and quality across the wide range of practitioner activity.
The development of a national body for CLD was a commitment made in the Scottish Executive's report, Empowered to Practice: The Future of Community Learning and Development Training in Scotland (February 2003). This considered the future of CLD training in Scotland.
Three main functions have been identified:
- To deliver an approvals structure for professional qualifications, courses and training and development opportunities for everyone involved in CLD.
- To consider and establish a registration system available to practitioners delivering and active in CLD practice.
- To develop and establish a model of supported induction, CPD and training opportunities.
An Interim Council developed recommendations which went to the Cabinet Secretary and were approved in March 2008. These included an indicative list of responsibilities for the Standards Council:
- To approve CLD training, skills and development opportunities
- To implement a system of registration for CLD practitioners
- To work with Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) to develop models and standards for the delivery of continuing professional development and training
- To work with employers and LLUK to ensure high quality workforce development strategies, including the design of their supported induction
- To advocate on behalf of the sector on matters pertaining to registration, training courses and CPD in CLD
- To advise government with regard to registration, training courses and CPD in CLD.
There is an expectation that the responsibilities of the Council will grow as demand and experience develops.
During 2007-2008, the Interim Standards Council staff team offered a discussion event to each of the 32 CLD partnerships and a range of other interested parties. 34 events were delivered to over 800 people and you can read the report outlining the key themes to come from the discussions and online feedback giving views. Our frequently asked questions page also covers some of the issues raised.
Once the council is formally set up, the role of Community Education Validation and Endorsement (CeVe) to approve community learning and development courses will become part of the CLD Standards Council remit.
Please refer to the Standards Council Latest News section for an update on progress.
If you would like further information, please view our Information Leaflet. You can also contact us by email.