Professional approval route

The Professional Approval process is the route offered for degree and postgraduate programmes.

About the professional approval process

The process combines a:

• significant written submission 
• two-day visit from an approval panel

Requirements of the written submission

The written submission should demonstrate and illustrate how the training programme/course prepares trainees to undertake community learning and development work which recognises the needs of:

• the community and employers
• the role of other agencies
• professionals
• part-time staff
• volunteers

It should also demonstrate:

• that the training programme/course is consistent with the values and principles of CLD and CLD national priorities as outlined by the CLD Standards Council
• how the training programme/course is mapped to the Competences for CLD
• the details of the curriculum outline how the training programme/course recognises the SCQF levels and tariffs
• methods for the accreditation of  prior learning and experiential learning.
• the relationship between theory and practice within both institution and practice based elements.
• how the training programme/course addresses the needs of inter-professional collaboration and equal opportunities

The panel visit

The approval visit involves meeting over one or two days at the university, college or organisation seeking approval. The meeting will be attended by a group of peers, normally convened by a member of the Approvals subcommittee.

At this meeting the group will:

• look at the programme documentation
• formulate questions which will be discussed with members of the programme team

It is normal for the approvals group to meet with staff delivering the course, students and fieldwork practitioners supervising placements.

Getting approval

At the end of the approval visit, the panel gives a decision on whether the training programme has been approved. This often includes:

• conditions which must be met before the programme starts
• recommendations which are points of development for the programme team

The process is based on dialogical and developmental debate and attempts to avoid the feeling of an inspection. 

Timescales

The professional approval process takes as long as is necessary for the provider to:

• have discussion with the Development Officer
• put together the relevant documents
• arrange a visit and implement any conditions arising from the visit

Although the process will vary for each learning provider, the following timeline gives a rough indication of the time required for the various stages.

• 10 weeks prior to intended approval visit date: initial draft submission document to Development Officer
• 4 weeks prior to intended approval visit date: confirm date with Development Officer, panel and provider
• 2 weeks prior to intended approval visit date: final submission document to Development Officer

The role of the development officer

The Development Officer’s role is to support and guide learning providers through the process and to deliver Approval reports to the Approval Committee. They coordinate the process and liaise between the learning provider and the committee.

The Development Officer will be on hand to:

•  answer any questions you have
• provide further information and guidance on the process
• advise on the documents you are required to submit
• support you in the approval process

Please contact us if you would like any further details.

Standards and guidance

There are 2 key documents on the professional approvals route:

• the standards document sets out the principles and values underpinning the process and provides a clear reference to the evidence sought by a professional approval panel
• the process document guides providers through the construction of the written submission and explaining what happens before, during and after the visit.

If you need these documents in an alternative format please contact us.