Festive edition
2020: a COVID Christmas
In December 2019 COVID-19 was a far off disease causing havoc on distant shores. This year, the very same virus has resulted in a pandemic that has changed our lives and the face of CLD practice across Scotland. Like many, the CLD Standards Council (CLDSC) had to quickly adapt to working from home and providing our services using a range of digital platforms. Our learning curve was steep! However, with your help and patience we have been able to stick to the FACTS.
F is for Face Coverings (and Fun)
Face masks are the health essential of 2020 and our Members applied a CLD professional approach to this rule. Accessing and distributing PPE and supporting learners and young people to design their own masks helped to reduce anxieties and keep people safe while still having fun participating in virtual learning and discussion activities: online quiz or Zoom bingo anyone?
A is for Avoid Crowded Places (and Agile)
As lockdown kicked in, the CLD sector proved just how agile it is. People worked across CLD practice. From adult learning to youth work and everything in between, Members worked with learners and communities from home, learned new digital skills, delivered food, medical equipment and learning materials. The speed and ingenuity of our sector did not go unnoticed. Try buying a gazebo or camping chairs and you’ll probably find that they were sold out to support outdoor, pop-up community spaces.
C is for Clean hands (and Collaboration)
Not only did we clean our hands, we worked with everyone and anyone. Partnerships were even more prominent across CLD, with Members reporting that working across sectors and organisations were key to improved service delivery. With our Chair representing the CLD sector at the Ministerial Leadership Group and leading the CLD partnership group, key collaborations have resulted in supporting the workforce via the CLD guidance, online “Blethers” and CLD webinars.
T is for Two Metres Distance (and Teamwork)
As physical distancing became the norm, the CLD Standards Council Committees connected online. The Approvals Committee continued its programme, implemented the Annual Review system, developed COVID practice placement guidance and continued to work with our UK partners. The Professional Learning Committee ensured that Member support was high on the agenda. Members’ Catch Ups supported peer learning, with the question “Digitally Agile or Fragile” proving to be a hot topic. The launch of Professional Pathways Report provided a picture of CLD professional learning opportunities across the country and the refreshed Code of Ethics resource is a handy guide for practitioners in these mercurial times. Membership continues to grow with the Registration Committee supporting registration renewals and IRP (Individual Recognition Process) requests. Development of a member Alumni featured in their work as did Fitness to Practise matters in collaboration with the other committees. The Executive Committee supported the development of a CLDSC Logic Model to help us focus on our goals and strengthen our planning and evaluation, the recruitment and induction of new Council members and the renewed Framework Agreement with Education Scotland and the Scottish Government. There have been a range of Cross Committee working groups that have seen the CLDSC consider and progress items such as Equality, Inclusion, Professional Induction and Practice Placement Supervisor Training.
S is for Stay Safe (and Self Care and see you in the New Year)
In line with our Self Care ethic, staying safe remains the top priority for us all. Staying connected with the CLD family has sustained and supported our health and wellbeing throughout the year. I would like to say a huge thanks to you all for your engagements and contributions. From responding to our Newsletters to following us on Twitter, completing Members’ surveys and participating with Members’ catch ups you have truly helped to highlight the essential nature of professional CLD practice. So, here’s to a safe and healthy 2021 for us all.
Marion
Virtual Meet Up 17 December 2020 5-6pm
Join us with a mince pie and a mulled wine to connect and reflect on our year. There might even be a Christmas Quiz! Register for the meetup on Eventbrite.
CLDSC Holiday Dates
The CLDSC office will be closed for the festive break from this Friday the 18th December and will reopen on Wednesday 6th January.
We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful festive season.
CLD Standards Council