As the professional membership body for all CLD practitioners across Scotland, we want to ensure we offer equal opportunities, prevent discrimination and support under-represented groups across our membership. We have been focusing on developing our work across Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) internally with our ED&I strategy as well as setting clear outcome measures and strengthening our equality impact assessment processes. We have also supported the development of a member led ED&I forum by listening to what you, our members, are asking of us. To continue progressing all equalities work, and to do this well, it essential we also improve our own data systems regarding the monitoring of the diversity of our members and capturing essential data that can inform and shape us as an organisation.

To help us achieve our aims the wonderful volunteers on our Registration Committee have been looking at how best to know and grow our membership, and as part of this we have developed a membership diversity monitoring form. We will be sending this out to all our current members in January 2024 and completion of this diversity monitoring form is voluntary. The collection of diversity information on all our members is essential to enable us to identify where we need to focus our resources on regarding strengthening diversity, as well as assessing the value of particular strategies, and measure our progress. It will also enable us to improve information to support workforce development and professional pathways moving forward. The collection of diversity information from January 2024 with new membership applications also enables us to see the diversity of those entering the profession as well as those members currently practising.

It is essential that we carry out this diversity monitoring exercise to help the Registration Committee identify where we need to strengthen diversity within our membership and raise the profile of the profession. Data gathered will inform our plans for promotional activity and recruitment, specifically around engaging with CLD practitioners from across the protected characteristics, as well as strengthen cultural awareness. Ultimately this will all help us collectively to support the CLD sector, as well as our members, and contribute towards making Scotland a fairer society for all to live, work and volunteer in.
Keep a look out for further information in the New Year as before we embark on gathering this data in January we will provide members with full details of the process for gathering, storing and using ED&I information, including assurances around all data gathered will be anonymous, secure and separate storage and that any information gathered will not be used to discriminate against, harass or victimise anyone but will support the understanding of our membership and help to develop stronger, more diverse CLD workforce.

Some of you may already know that our development officer Vikki Carpenter offers collaboration and support to Community Development Alliance Scotland (CDAS) as an Ex Officio on their Board. Recently, at the Community Development Alliance Scotland Annual Conference some of the CLD Standards Council team were out in force supporting this fabulous annual community development event.

We were working hard at our market place stall, offering our amazing goody bags whilst promoting CLD as a sector, the role of the CLD Standards Council as the professional body for the CLD, and the benefits of membership. It was marvellous to meet so many new faces and be at a conference to promote and implement community development policy and practice. What a terrific bunch of a motivated of individuals and organisations.

At the conference we were also co-facilitating a workshop on Community Development Policy and Practice: National & International Standards in Community Development. Some of you might have joined our very own Kirsty Gemmell, along with Anna Clarke from the International Association for Community Development at one of their three workshops where they were focusing on the three key standards for community work across UK and Ireland.

1. All Ireland Standards for Community Work (PDF)
2. Community Development National Occupational Standards (PDF)
3. IACD International Standards for Community Development Practice (PDF)

There were some critical and informative discussions around navigation of these documents, their alignment and synchronisations, as well as the differences in implementation across the home nations. Discussions were had around navigation between documents, how they are implemented differently across the UK and Ireland, clarity and synchronisation of the 3 standards, and how they are have clear articulation connected to values. Participants also posed questions opening discussion about the importance of meaningful community engagement regarding CD policy and standards, how those consulted need to see their voice as well as the change that follows, connecting their input throughout processes, our role around climate change, human rights and being the vital but often exhausting link between grassroots and legislation/policy shapers.

There was a lot of conversations throughout the day around rights, inclusion and the role of CLD so here is a quote, given to us during the conference from Claire MacGillivray from Making Rights Real. Claire informed us that when talking about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at its launch in 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt stressed that human rights must have meaning in the ‘small places, close to home’.

“Where, after all do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home, so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any map of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works…

Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.”

E Roosevelt

You can read our response to Scottish Governments recent consultation on the proposed Human Rights Bill for Scotland.

Don’t forget to sign up to attend our annual CLD Standards Council Member Conference on 7 November 2023. It’s a toofur – 2 for 1 – CLD Standards Council Member Conference AND The Gathering!

More detail on our programme is below:

• There are no Career Pathways in CLD – or are there? 
  Explore the career pathways that currently exist for CLD practitioners at all stages and identify barriers and solutions to participation.
  11am – 12pm

• CLD research influencing practice – and vice versa!
  Presentations from CLD Standards Council members on research into key issues affecting our sector followed by questions and discussion.
  Dawn Brown (MSc) – Understanding the role of community development in supporting recovery in communities post pandemic.
  Beth Parker (MSc) – Bringing community development theories and post humanist theories together to underpin outdoor education with women.
  Laura Sutherland (PhD) – Understanding the construction and civil engineering industries’ contribution to social change through community engagement
  1.30pm – 2.30pm

• CLD Standards Council – More Members More Clout!
  Hear from members of the CLD Standards Council Registration Committee and find out what membership is all about! Explore the work of the Standards Council and learn about all the member benefits. See how membership of this professional body for CLD in Scotland supports the promotion and recognition of the sector as a critical and valued profession.
  3pm – 4pm

• Evening Lecture – CLD: Live Long and Prosper
  Dr Annette Coburn (University of West of Scotland) will encourage us to consider how Community Learning and Development contributes to the wellbeing economy, enhancing the chances for people to live a good life.
  4.30pm – 7pm (including networking drinks 6pm – 7pm)

Register for your place at CLD Standards Council Conference @ The Gathering.

If there’s one reason to be happy that the nights are drawing in, it can only be the return of The Winter Learning Festival for CLD!

Organised by the regional professional learning networks, Education Scotland and CLD Standards Council, the Winter Learning Festival offers an exciting programme of free online learning for those working or volunteering in CLD.

Over the course of October to March, each regional network takes a week and offers a variety of professional learning activities. Activities are open to CLD practitioners across Scotland, so join in and get connecting with others across the country.

First up, from 30th October – 3rd November, it’s Learn North. Take a look at their programme page on I-develop to see the full range of what’s available and how to register! To whet your appetite, you can sign up for a Gaelic Who’s Who, Health Issues in the Community overview, A Journey to Youth Governance and more. And who could resist the Big Learn North Quiz Finale to round off the week?!

From 13th – 17th November, South East and Central Consortium take the lead with sessions including An Introduction to Children’s Rights in a CLD Context and Youth Voice in Forth Valley and West Lothian.

Winter Learning Festival Dates:

• Learn North – 30 October – 3 November 2023
• CLD Standards Council Annual Conference – 7 November 2023
• South-East and Central Consortium – 13 – 17 November 2023
• Education Scotland – 15 – 19 January 2024 – dates to be confirmed
• West Alliance – 5 – 9 February 2024
• South-West Alliance – 19 – 23 February 2024
• Tayside and Fife Alliance – Dates to be confirmed

You will find more details about what’s on offer each week and links to register on the Winter Learning Festival I-develop page.

At the CLD Standards Council, we try to get out and meet up with members and potential members as much as we can. We enjoy a good catch up with CLD folk and it is great to keep up to date on all the amazing Adult Learning, Community Development and Youth Work happening right across Scotland, all under the banner of CLD.

Vikki Carpenter, one of our Development Officers, along with Julie Beckett from the CLD team within Education Scotland recently went to visit the winners of the Education Scotland CLD award, Tannahill Community Centre at Ferguslie Park in Paisley. First impressions were that this amazing community centre was like a Tardis but sadly no David Tenant to be seen!

On the day they met with Jamie Mallan, the Business Transformation Manager of this community hub along with some of the CLD team and community members. Jamie leads a diverse team of staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to deliver services that address poverty, isolation, housing, loneliness, poor mental health, digital exclusion and educational attainment. It was clear that the local people and community organisations see this centre, and their CLD team, as the ‘go-to’ place for support and information. Innovative and creative in their response to the needs of customers and stakeholders, there is a whole host of opportunities from baby massage to a food pantry, ESOL classes and talent shows!

Vikki was also invited to be part of the CLD Team at Aberdeen City’s CPD day recently. Over 70 CLD workers attended the full day in Cummings Park in Aberdeen. The theme of the day was the CLD Competences and Vikki was delighted to get the ball rolling with a presentation on the CLD Standards Councils work. It was an extraordinary day, hearing about the inspiring, positive programmes happening right across Aberdeen city, delivered by this local authority’s Adult Learning Team, Localities Team, Communities Team, Family Learning Team, Fairer Aberdeen Team, Healthy Minds Team and Youth Work Team. It was impressive to hear about the vast amount of communities they support, as well as the volunteering opportunities and the connections across all of their teams and stakeholders to support individuals and community groups across the city.

Ross, our Assistant Director, is putting the kettle on and we would love you to join him at the Training Suite, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, on Tuesday 26th September between 3.30 pm and 5.00 pm. So please don’t leave him all on his own to eat the biscuits!

We want to know about all things CLD in the Angus area, so this members drop-in event is a great way for us all to connect, swap CLD stories and support the continued building of positive local CLD networks. You can also learn more about the work of the CLD Standards Council committees and its staff team.
Ross is hoping that these drop-in events will become a regular fixture in the diary across the Tayside & Fife area and is looking forward to the opportunity of meeting you. If you can’t make it but are keen to have the opportunity another time just let us know by dropping us an email using contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk

We would also be keen to hear from anyone who would like us to come and promote the CLD Standards Council and the benefits of membership at their organisation or an event, or perhaps you have some creative ideas about supporting us to run a members in person meet up in your area.

This year it’s a Conference with a difference! On Tuesday 7 November we will host #CLDSCConf2023 as part of The Gathering!

As well as the Lecture CLD: Live Long and Prosper (no we haven’t gone Star Trek daft) we’re hosting three seminars/workshops – see our event timetable below:

• There are no Career Pathways in CLD – or are there? Explore the career pathways that currently exist for CLD practitioners at all stages and identify barriers and solutions to participation. 11 am till 12 pm
• CLD research influencing practice – and vice versa! Presentations from CLD practitioners/researchers followed by questions and discussion. 1.30 pm till 2.30 pm
• CLD Standards Council – More Members More Clout! Find out how you can support the recognition of CLD as a professional approach with confident competent practitioners. 3 pm till 4 pm
• CLD: Live Long and Prosper: Evening Lecture. Consider how Community Learning and Development contributes to the wellbeing economy, enhancing the chances for people to live a good life. 4.30 pm till 7 pm

The Gathering takes place over 7 and 8 November 2023 at the EICC, Edinburgh and we will also have a stall in the Exhibition Area for both days, so please pop along and say hello!

So as well as our own CLD Standards Council sessions, you can also take part in everything else available from the packed programme of workshops, seminars, activities on offer at The Gathering over the 2 days.

The full programme launches on 22 September. If you have pre-registered, you should receive an email with details of the programme where you can then select the individual events you want to attend. Don’t worry if you haven’t pre-registered – just visit The Gathering website anytime after 22 September and sign up!

#BecauseOfCLD #SCVOGathering

New CLD Standards Council Committee Members

12 new members have been appointed across the 3 Standing Committees and as we welcome them we thought we would give you some update information. As a member-led organisation we have a governance structure designed to allow the voice and views of our membership guide how the organisation functions and grows. We currently have 4 committees for members to be appointed to – Executive, Approvals, Professional Learning and Registration.

To be included within any CLD Standards Council (CLD SC) Committee individuals must be registered with CLD Standards Council Scotland – Registered or Associate Membership.

To be considered as a member of a Committee individuals must obtain agreement and support from their line manager or governing board, to ensure time will be available to attend committee meetings and for participation in committee work.

Committee members are there to represent the views of the CLD field/sector and not the views of their employer/organisation as an employee.

Committee members commit to attending scheduled committee meetings or will intimate apologies as far in advance as possible.

The Executive Committee has overall direction setting and reporting responsibilities for the work of the CLD Standards Council and is led by a member who has been approved by the Cabinet Secretary for Education. The process of appointment is robust and involves an application stage, an initial interview with a sifting panel and then a final interview with the Chief Executive of the host agency – Education Scotland. Following that process, the Chief Executive make their final recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary.

The role of the organisational Chair is to guide the organisation over a 4 year term of office. This involves providing strategic direction and guidance to the Executive Committee and Director, representing and promoting the organisation across the CLD, Education and Public sectors and making representation on behalf of the membership to policy-makers, decision-takers and funders on CLD workforce support and professional standards.

The 3 Standing Committees – Approvals, Professional Learning and Registration – have a key role in overseeing and directing the work of the CLD Standards Council within the committee area of responsibility. The committee’s work closely with the staff team to achieve the ambitions of the committee work plan. The committees are required to keep the executive committee informed of progress and development of the work it is responsible for, highlight any issues of note or concern and refer any decisions with implications for the Council as a whole to the executive and the CLD Standards Council Director. There are opportunities for the 3 committees to work on shared projects and areas of interest.

We warmly welcome the 12 new committee members onboard and are very much looking forward to working alongside the committees over the next few months, to develop and publish their work plans and celebrate their success. If you would like any more information on our committees, you can visit further pages on our website or please get in touch by emailing us contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk

Sue Briggs, author and former CLD Strategic Development Officer with Aberdeenshire Council was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) at Holyrood Palace recently by King Charles III. This award was given for her service to Community Learning and Development with her career in CLD spanning over 40 years including local, regional and national work.

Sue told us “I was very proud to hear the proclamation in the Palace of Holyrood House….”Mrs Susan Briggs for services to Community Learning and Development in the North of Scotland” as I stepped forward to receive my MBE. It was important to me that CLD was named in that arena. I accept that award on behalf of very many practitioners, managers, community leaders and organisations who embrace CLD as a path to tackling poverty and inequalities through learning and development in challenging settings.”

Sue was delighted to be awarded this honour and firmly believes many more people in CLD deserve recognition for their work. She went on to say ““Community learning and development work has been really important to me in my career and receiving the honour, for me, is about more than myself – it’s about everybody else who contributes to this field of work.”

Congratulations Sue from all of us at the CLD Standards Council.

News article from the member Bulletin August 2023