The Competent, critically reflective practitioner

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Competent CLD practitioners will ensure that their work supports social change and social justice and is based on the values of CLD. Their approach is collaborative, anti-discriminatory and equalities-focused and they work with diverse individuals, communities of place or interest and organisations to achieve change. They can influence or lead people, understanding when this is or is not appropriate.
Central to their practice is challenging discrimination and its consequences and working with individuals and communities to shape learning and development activities that enhance quality of life and sphere of influence. They have good interpersonal and listening skills and their practice demonstrates that they value and respect the knowledge, experience and aspirations of those involved. They will initiate, develop and maintain relationships with local people and groups and work with people using:

  • non-formal contact;
  • informal support; and
  • informal and formal learning and development opportunities;

Competent CLD practitioners will also have self-management skills that are appropriate to the level at which they are practising. While these are not detailed in the competences, they are covered through the SCQF framework and the National Occupational Standards.
CLD practitioners need to be clear about the intention of any intervention they undertake, how it will support social change and how it relates to the outcomes they want to achieve.

Critically reflective CLD practitioners

CLD practitioners are aware of their values and principles and critically reflect on their practice and experience so that they integrate their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes and use these effectively in their work. They use self-assessment, participative processes and evidence of the impact of their work to plan and manage their activities.
As a reflective practitioner you take responsibility for your own learning and seek to develop your skills, knowledge and key attributes. You are able to choose the practice role that is suitable to the situation.

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