Individual Recognition Process

What is it ?

 Our individual recognition is the process by which an individual who does not have a degree level qualification, recognised or endorsed by the CLD Standards Council for Scotland, can apply to be a registered member of CLD Standards Council. IRP recognises a comparable level of CLD experience and practice as professionals who have completed an endorsed CLD qualification and one years post qualification CLD practice. Successful completion of IRP leads to registered (full) membership of the Standards Council.
IRP may be used as evidence of recognised professional experience and practice. Applicants need to be aware that successful IRP is not an endorsed CLD degree.
The IRP process has been developed to recognise experienced CLD practitioners who have entered the profession through non-traditional routes and who have developed their CLD knowledge base through many years of professional practice, continuous learning and reflective practice. It also provides recognition for experienced CLD practitioners with comparable international qualifications.
The CLD Standards Council is a member of the UK wide Joint Education and Training Standards (JETS) Co-operative. JETS is administered by its members: ETS (England), ETS (Wales), the North-South ETS (All Ireland), and CLD Standards Council for Scotland, who individually maintain their own list of endorsed qualifications. These qualifications are deemed mutually acceptable and recognised as conferring professional qualification by each jurisdiction: England NYA ETS, North South ETS, ETS Wales, CLD Standards Council Scotland. For more detail on these, and the JETS Youth Work Recognition Process, contact the Registration Development Officer by emailing: registration@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

The procedure for Individual Recognition is consistent with the values and principles of CLD. It aims to be clear, fair and non-discriminatory.

What does an Individual Recognition application involve ?

Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their experience and practice has equipped them to a standard comparable with professionals who meet the criteria for registration as a full member of the Standards Council.
The applicant must provide evidence of this on a written application supported by one or more professional references (from registered member(s) of the Standards Council). Applications are assessed by a panel consisting of members of the Standards Council Registration Committee. There may be a request for further information and an interview if required.
Applications for individual recognition must include:

  • Evidence of 1440 hours supervised and assessed CLD practice.
  • Evidence of understanding of CLD competences, values, principles and ethics
  • Evidence of practice (within last five years) in at least two of the three strands of CLD and awareness of all three; Adult Learning, Community Development and Youth Work
  • Evidence of understanding of CLD theory and how it integrates with policy and practice
  • Evidence of two years’ verified CLD practice in addition to requirement (1)

You must provide evidence of CLD practice which has been supervised, assessed and verified by a registered member of the CLD Standards Council. This may be your line manager(s) or another CLD professional. You may apply to the Standards Council for a buddy or mentor to carry out this role, and to support your professional learning, if you do not have access to a registered CLD Standards Council member through your paid CLD work or volunteering.

Further information on the process and evidence required can be found in our Guidelines for Individual Recognition Process document

How to apply

Anyone wishing to be considered under the Individual Recognition Process (IRP) must first apply to become an Associate Member. Apply now

Once associate membership is confirmed, applicants should request an IRP form from the Registration Development Officer.
E mail: registration@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk