A Standards Council for Community Learning and Development in Scotland
In November 2006, the First Minister and the Scottish Executive cabinet approved the setting up of a Standard Council for Community Learning and Development. A team was set up within Learning Connections to establish an interim council and to support them in developing a business plan and establishing the CLD standards council by April 2008. The first meeting of the interim council was in June 2007.
The three main functions of the Standards Council will be:
- to approve professional qualifications and courses for everyone involved in CLD
- to offer a registration system for everyone delivering community learning and development
- to support induction to the profession and provide access to continuous professional development
The purpose and aims
The purpose and aims of the Standards Council, as agreed by the Interim Council in November 2007, are as follows:
Our purpose
"The Standards Council for Community Learning and Development will work with the sector to establish and maintain high standards of practice in CLD across Scotland."
Our responsibilities
The Standards Council will:
- Approve CLD training, skills and development opportunities;
- Implement a system of registration for CLD practitioners ;
- Work with LLUK to develop models and standards for the delivery of continuing professional development and training;
- Work with employers and LLUK to ensure high quality workforce development strategies, including the design of their supported induction;
- Advocate on behalf of the sector on matters pertaining to registration, training courses and CPD in CLD;
- Advise government with regard to registration, training courses and CPD in CLD.
Our objectives
- Groups and communities will be supported by reflective, competent and confident CLD practitioners (whether paid or voluntary) to achieve their goals and aspirations.
- Practitioners will receive appropriate initial training and support to fulfil their roles.
- Practitioners will actively and continuously develop their skills and practice.
- There will be a robust standard of professional debate in the sector.
- Employers will promote, acknowledge and value the skills, knowledge and understanding of practitioners.
- The CLD sector will be widely recognised and valued amongst other professional disciplines,
The above purpose and aims will go to the Cabinet Secretary for final approval.
We are currently engaged in a series of Information and Discussion sessions around the country. Please see our frequently asked questions page for the latest feedback from these sessions. You can join in the discussions online by completing our survey questions.
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 our 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 Helen Trataris (administrator).