Welcome to Steven Maclennan

We’re delighted to welcome Steven Maclennan to the CLD Standards Council staff team as Development Officer for Workforce Development.

Steven has worked in CLD across Scotland for over 10 years in youth work, adult learning and employability, across a number of rural and city locations. Steven will be focussing on CLD workforce development and is looking forward to meeting CLDSC members across Scotland in his new role.

Check out our CLD Standards Council staff team page to see who’s who!

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CLD Standards Council Members Conference 2022 – REGISTRATION OPEN!

We’re excited to announce that registration for our Annual Lecture and Members Conference 2022 is now open and it’s ALL ABOUT YOU! 

We will host our Annual Members Lecture on Thursday, 1st December (6-8pm) with the main Conference taking place on Friday, 2nd December (9.30am-4.30pm).

And we are even more excited to say that this year we are holding a hybrid event! Our in-person delegates will join us at the John Macintyre Centre, Edinburgh, with online delegates joining our live streamed keynotes from both days.

We will focus on how best to support and develop the CLD sector workforce – staff and volunteers alike. Sign up for the chance to consider broader issues affecting YOUR practice, take part in workshops highlighting professional learning available to YOU, and connect with YOUR peers from across Scotland.

Book your place at the CLD Standards Council Member Conference 2022.

We’ll be using Zoom as the conference platform and our friends at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) are dealing with booking administration.

And don’t forget to follow and comment on Twitter #CLDSCConf2022.

Closing date for registration is: Friday 11 November for in-person attendance and Monday 28 November for virtual attendance.

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CLD Standards Council – Virtual Member Meet-up November: How CLD Competencies can impact Support and Supervision

Come and join us at the November members virtual meet-up session to take a dive into the CLD competencies and how they align and inform CLD practitioners work and professional learning.

This interactive session will allow you to engage with practical examples of how to connect the CLD competences with your current practice. It will include a session from Karen Delany showcasing good practice on how to use the competencies as a measurement and reflection tool during support and supervision.

Session Aims:

• Explore how CLD competences align with and inform practice
• Investigate best practice regarding using the competencies as a tool during Support and Supervision
• Explore ways to improve practitioners CPD records, using the competencies to reflect and record professional learning and impact

Register for the November Virtual Members Meet-up on EventBrite.

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CLD Standards Council Communications Strategy

As the CLD Standards Council has been growing both in members and staff, it is time to review our communications strategy.  We have started working hard with Mairi Damer from Word Up Communications to examine “everything comms” as to who, how, why and what!

This process is not a quick exercise as we really want to positively build on what we get right as well as look at what needs improved or added.

We already encourage all CLD practitioners and CLD organisations to use the #becauseofcld to help raise the profile of CLD and it is working. 

We would like to hear from you, our members.  What do you think about our communications (bulletin, webpages, social media etc) and what do you want communicated from your CLD Standards Council? If you have any thoughts or feedback please just send a wee email to contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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CLD Standards Council: Have Your Say: 12.30-1.30pm, Friday 11th November: Improving gender balance and equalities within the CLD sector: opportunity to feedback on draft resources

Evidence shows that socio-economic outcomes in e.g. employment, and mental and physical health are still too often linked to gender. Draft resources have been developed to support CLD providers to take a closer look at their policies and practice in relation to gender equality. They have been drafted by a wider stakeholder group, including CLD managers and practitioners, and provide an invitation for CLD services to self-evaluate their current practice and to plan for improvement.

The draft resources are being piloted by several CLD providers across Scotland during Sep-Nov. In addition, the stakeholder group is seeking feedback from interested CLD Standards Council members as well as non-member CLD practitioners, to will help shape the final materials. They want to ensure that the final resources are effective and will be used actively in the future to improve gender balance so the more feedback we receive, the better. 

Come along and join in the discussion as your feedback on these draft resources is important. During this meeting with you, they will:

• Introduce the draft resources
• Take a closer look at, and seek feedback on, the draft data guide
• Take a closer look at, and see feedback on, the draft self-evaluation framework

For more information on these resources please visit Improving Gender Balance and Equalities in CLD: development of new resources webpage.

Register for this CLD Standards Council ‘have your say’ session on EventBrite.

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HMI Community Development Report Webinars

HMI CLD Inspectors have completed a review of community development in Scotland during the pandemic and are hosting a number of webinars to share and promote the report and their findings. 

During each of these themed webinars they will explore each theme in more detail. And  hope that facilitated dialogue around the findings will help inform and lead to improvements in community development.

Webinars have already be held on Volunteering and Community Response. See below for links to information on the webinars still to be held, as well as to sign up on EventBrite for one of the themed webinars on Sharing findings – Responsive, supportive and resilient communities report:

Digital access and workforce development – 13th October 2022 – 12:15-13:30
Planning for the future and next steps – 27th October 2022 – 12:30-14:00
Planning for the future and next steps – 27th October 2022 – 16:00-17:30
Partnership working – 2nd November 2022 – 15:00-16:15

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Supporting Workforce Wellbeing

Supporting Workforce Wellbeing is a Scottish Government funded package which first launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic. The offer is now in its third year and has evolved after listening to feedback.

Education Scotland have centred the 2022-2023 offer on providing mental health and wellbeing support for individuals in the education workforce across the wide education spectrum including Schools, Community Learning and Development and Early Learning and Childcare.

There are some fabulous professional learning opportunities for CLD practitioners.  Now live are:

• Supervision Spaces: Taking Care of Yourself / Taking Care of Others
• Into Coaching
• Group Coaching
• 1:1 Coaching
• Stepping Stones

Find out more about about the Community Learning and Development programmes by using the filter option on the right hand side. 

You can apply from Supporting Workforce Wellbeing webpage and access more general information and resources on wellbeing.

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Trans, Non-Binary and Questioning Coming Out Guide for Young People

11th October was Coming Out day and LGBT Youth Scotland has published a Trans, Non-Binary and Questioning Coming Out Guide which has been co-written with young people.  The Guide has information on topics like:

• Questioning your gender identity
• How to come out in a way that is safe for you
• Exploring gender expression
• Gender Dysphoria and Gender Euphoria
• The rights of trans, non-binary and questioning young people.

Key messages of the Guide

• You are not alone. Lots of other young people are feeling the same way you are.
• It’s OK to be unsure, and to take time to reflect and work out what feels right. You might identify in different ways at different times, and that’s OK.
• Coming out is a personal journey: you can tell people that you are trans, non-binary or questioning in a way that is right for you.
• Your journey with gender expression and identity is unique to you. There’s no right or wrong way to be trans, non-binary or questioning. Young people in the guide give their own ideas about what has worked for them.

Read and download an easy-read and accessible version of the Trans, Non-Binary and Questioning Coming Out Guide. 

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CLDSC Virtual Members Meet-up October & November

Thanks to everyone (CLDSC members and non-members alike) who joined our open session to hear all about our recently published CLDSC Annual Report. 

If you signed up as a new member, don’t forget to register for the next Professional Induction Programme to find out all about the benefits of membership. 

The November Virtual Member Meet-up will take place on Wednesday, 2nd November 2022. Come and join us for an interactive session on the CLD competences, how they can inform your Support and Supervision, and a presentation from Karen Delany who will be showcasing a good practice model. 

Register for the November Virtual Members Meet-up on EventBrite.

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CLDSC Recruitment of Executive Committee Members

The CLD Standards Council are about to begin recruitment for new members of the Executive Committee. We will be looking for members with experience of strategic leadership and planning in a local authority and/or voluntary sector CLD service, or who can provide guidance and support in the areas of business development and planning, performance management, communications and marketing or with digital and IT related practice. Being a member of the Executive Committee places you as a CLD Standards Council member at the core of how the organisation responds, reacts and plans for education reform, the proposed review of the CLD regulations and continuing to inform how we develop the professional practice standards for new and existing CLD practitioners. Further information on the Executive Committee and how to apply to get involved will be available in the coming weeks.

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National Occupational Standards (NOS) – Adult Learning, Family Learning, Community Development

A reminder to sign up and get involved in the review of Community Development and Family Learning NOS and be part of creating a whole new suite of NOS for Adult Learning!

The standards are applicable across the United Kingdom, so we’re offering consultation focus groups across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

We’ve already had over 70 people from across Scotland register to join one of the consultation focus groups taking place in October/November 2022, but we need YOU!  Sign up using the EventBrite links below.

Community Development NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 24 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Family Learning NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 31 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Adult Learning NOS Creation Focus Group – Monday 7 November, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

NOS specify the standards of performance individuals must achieve in the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding required for roles, for most employment sectors.  National Occupational Standards can be used to complement the CLD Competences in reflecting on, developing and strengthening practice.  Find out more on the CLDSC NOS webpage.

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Challenge Poverty Week – 3-9 October

This week is Challenge Poverty Week and you can follow what is happening on Twitter using hashtag #ChallengePovertyWeek2022 and  #TurnTheTide. 

Times are hard, and getting harder, for hundreds of thousands of people across the country. A rising flood of living costs is pulling more and more people towards poverty. But together, during #ChallengePovertyWeek2022, we can start to #TurnTheTide on the injustice of poverty in Scotland. Using shared CLD values of compassion and a belief in justice, together we can make sure everyone gets the adequate income they need to live a dignified life, and we can redesign our economy so that it works for all of us.

To register for one of Poverty Alliance’s Get Involved meetings, or for a one-to-one chat please email alyson.laird@povertyalliance.org.

Find out more information on some of the help available in Scotland on the Scottish Government website.

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Cost of Living Crisis for Adult Learning

Adult learners are amongst some of the most marginalised groups in society. We are currently in a cost of living crisis which compounds other aspects of the disadvantage. Some aspects of the crisis cut across the population, for example, Citizens Advice Scotland has found a third of Scots are worried about being able to pay for food and other essentials. LearningLink Scotland is preparing a report on the impact of the cost of living crisis on adult learners. 

Please submit your comments by taking a very short survey.  Learning Link Scotland will then prepare a short report to pass on to Scottish Government and will upload the report to their website.  For further information, contact Jackie Howie at jhowie@learninglinkscotland.org.uk.

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Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

The UKSPF supports the UK government’s wider commitment to level up all parts of the UK by delivering on each of the levelling up objectives:

• Boost productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging
• Spread opportunities and improve public services, especially in those places where they are weakest
• Restore a sense of community, local pride and belonging, especially in those places where they have been lost
• Empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places lacking local agency

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns with Levelling Up White Paper missions, particularly: ‘By 2030, pride in place, such as people’s satisfaction with their town centre and engagement in local culture and community, will have risen in every area of the UK, with the gap between the top performing and other areas closing.’

The Fund’s interventions will be planned and delivered by councils across England, Scotland and Wales – ‘lead local authorities’, working closely with local partners and the Scottish and Welsh governments.

In Scotland, they want to use existing strategic geographies and local authorities to draw on the insight and expertise of local partners, including businesses, the voluntary sector to target interventions where most appropriate.

CLD Organisations and Practitioners have a critical role to guide and support communities and local partners, to engage and support lead local authorities for each place to develop an investment plan. Once plans are approved, partners will be asked to provide advice on strategic fit and deliverability. This will ensure that Fund investments complement other activities in the area and meets Fund and local objectives.   

Find out more information on who the funds are for, how they will be delivered, funding timelines and who should be involved on the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund webpage.

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Scottish Learning Festival – Recordings Available

Recordings from this year’s Scottish Learning Festival are now available for viewing on the SLF2022 – Virtual Event Portal.  Those that registered will receive a code to gain access. If you didn’t sign up, you can still register to view the recordings.  Recordings are available until 30^th November 2022. 

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Virtual Members Meet-up – Tuesday, 4 October 2022, 1-2pm

Know someone who isn’t a member of CLDSC but wants to find out more? Bring them along to our special virtual members meet-up in October!

This open session will give members and non-members a chance to hear all about our recently published CLDSC Annual Report as well as feeding into the plans for 2022-2023. You’ll get the latest updates on our plans for our Members Conference on 1st and 2nd December 2022 (#CLDSCConf2022) and be able to talk directly to the CLDSC staff who deliver services for you.

So, grab a cuppa and a pal and join us!

Register for the October Virtual Members Meet-up on EventBrite.  

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National Occupational Standards (NOS) – Adult Learning, Family Learning, Community Development

Get involved in the review of Community Development and Family Learning NOS and be part of creating a whole new suite of NOS for Adult Learning!

The standards are applicable across the United Kingdom, so we’re offering consultation focus groups across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

We’ve already had 30 people from across Scotland register to join one of the consultation focus groups taking place in October/November 2022, but we need YOU!  Sign up using the EventBrite links below.

Community Development NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 24 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Family Learning NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 31 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Adult Learning NOS Creation Focus Group – Monday 7 November, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

NOS specify the standards of performance individuals must achieve in the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding required for roles, for most employment sectors.  National Occupational Standards can be used to complement the CLD Competences in reflecting on, developing and strengthening practice.  Find out more on the CLDSC NOS webpage.

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CDAS Conference 2022

The CLDSC were out and about again last week and were thrilled to support and participate in the Community Development Alliance Scotland (CDAS) Conference 2022, in Edinburgh. There were a wide range of excellent workshops on topics such as CD policy in Scotland, Poverty and Human Rights, as well as a very informative and inspiring talk from Professor Alan Miller regarding the proposed new Scottish Bill on Human Rights.  

If you missed it then you can catch up what happened by searching #CDASconf22 on Twitter or visit the CDAS website.

During the “market place” section of the day CLDSC were able to connect with community development organisations, practitioners and volunteers, and we had a great time discussing the benefits of CLDSC Membership, as well as our Approvals, Standards Mark, Professional Learning opportunities and so much more.

Kirsty even had time for a cuppa whilst CLDSC conference planning with Sarah Latto from Volunteer Scotland!

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HM Inspectors find community development outcomes improving across Scotland

Education Scotland’s HM Inspectors have found the Community Learning and Development (CLD) sector and its partners across Scotland are helping to secure better outcomes for individuals most marginalised or socially isolated during and since the pandemic.

Inspectors carried out a thematic review of community development practice in response to COVID-19 and have now published their report ‘Responsive, supportive and resilient communities: A review of community development during the pandemic’, which outlines their findings. HM Inspectors will also be hosting webinars to provide an opportunity to talk through the findings.

Find out more and sign up on EventBrite for one of the following themed webinars on Sharing findings – Responsive, supportive and resilient communities report:

Volunteering – 7th October 2022 – 12:15-13:30

Community response – 11th October 2022 – 12:15-13:45

Digital access and workforce development – 13th October 2022 – 12:15-13:30

Planning for the future and next steps – 27th October 2022 – 12:30-14:00

Planning for the future and next steps – 27th October 2022 – 16:00-17:30

Partnership working – 2nd November 2022 – 15:00-16:15

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Improving Gender Balance and Equalities: consultation on new resources

Evidence shows that socio-economic outcomes in e.g. employment, and mental and physical health are still too often linked to gender. These draft resources have been developed by a multi-agency working group to support Community Learning and Development (CLD) providers to take a close look at their policies and practice in relation to gender equality. They provide an invitation for CLD services to self-evaluate their current practice and to plan for improvement. 

Education Scotland is inviting feedback from CLD providers on the draft resources to ensure that the final materials are effective and will be used actively in the future to improve gender balance.  The more feedback received, the better!

For more information visit the Improving Gender Balance and Equalities in CLD: development of new resources webpage.

Feedback can be submitted until the end of November 2022. For any CLD providers interested in piloting the resources, please contact Oonagh.mcgarry@educationscotland.gov.scot by 7th October 2022.

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National Conversation on Education

The Scottish Government announced that they are inviting everyone who has an interest in the future of our education system to join the National Discussion and work together to drive change within Scottish Education. 

We are calling all of you amazing CLD practitioners out there to get involved to support all aspects of lifelong learning within this national discussion on Scottish education reform. Education is not something that only happens in a classroom and with young people, but with families, adults and communities. As CLD practitioners, you can help spotlight the critical informal CLD learning being carried out across Scotland, as well as support and encourage ALL learners to have a voice.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“We want to bring the widest possible range of voices and views into the room. It is our children and young people who hold the biggest stake in our education system.”

She added that Professor Ken Muir, in his recent report, had:

“challenged all of us to work together to establish a consensual vision for education, which can genuinely put the learner at the centre”.

This is a chance to pause, reflect and contribute to an exciting future vision for education in Scotland. You can take the survey yourself, and encourage your learners to do the same, or even host a group discussion.  

Find out more about the National Discussion on Scottish Education and keep an eye on future bulletins for information on how you can sign up for a CLDSC group discussion.

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Who Cares? Scotland Rally: Open to All

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National Occupational Standards – Adult Learning, Family Learning, Community Development

CLD Standards Council Scotland (CLDSC) has been granted a contract from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to carry out reviews of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Community Development and Family Learning, and also create new NOS for Adult Learning.  

As these standards are applicable across the United Kingdom, the CLDSC will be working with a range of national and local organisations from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales. 

NOS specify the standards of performance individuals must achieve in the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding required for roles, for most employment sectors.  National Occupational Standards can be used to complement the CLD Competences in reflecting on, developing and strengthening practice.  Find out more on the CLDSC NOS webpage.

If you’d like to get involved in the consultation, sign up below for any relevant focus groups taking place in October/November 2022.

Community Development NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 24 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Family Learning NOS Review Focus Group – Monday 31 October, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

Adult Learning NOS Creation Focus Group – Monday 7 November, 2-4.30pm, Zoom

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Scottish Government Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy Review 2022: CLDSC Consultation Submission

The Scottish Government has recently undertaken a consultation to gather views on what a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland should look like. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy guides the work that the Scottish Government and partners will do to improve mental health and wellbeing in Scotland. The final Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy will be published later in 2022.

The CLDSC recognises that there is common ground between public health services and Community Learning and Development (CLD) in terms of values, outcomes and practice methods. Registered members of the CLDSC (currently over 2,850 in number and steadily increasing) are involved in supporting individuals and communities across Scotland.

The CLDSC consulted with a selection of its CLD practitioner members to form a response to the consultation. This response reflects members’ own experiences; it does not seek to speak on behalf of communities. Using questionnaires and a focus group, we gathered member’s voices in response to key areas of the consultation. Specifically, feedback was gathered to explore how CLDSC members can input and support the development of the Scottish Government strategy for the benefit of CLD practitioners, communities and of the learners it works with.  

This report submission provides a high-level analysis of the feedback received from CLD workers and volunteers across the sector.

View the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy CLDSC Submission.

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Virtual Members Meet-up – Tuesday, 4 October 1pm-2pm

Know someone who isn’t a member of CLDSC but wants to find out more? Bring them along to our special virtual members meet-up in October!

This open session will give members and non-members a chance to hear all about our recently published CLDSC Annual Report as well as feeding into the plans for 2022-2023. You’ll get the latest updates on our plans for our Members Conference on 1st and 2nd December 2022 (#CLDSCConf2022) and be able to talk directly to the CLDSC staff who will be delivering services for you.

So, grab a cuppa and a pal and join us!

Register for the October Virtual Members Meet-up on EventBrite.  

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How Good is our Community Learning and Development? 4th Edition

This framework was published in draft form in 2021 to allow practitioners across Scotland and HMIE to use it in their practice and then provide feedback. The CLD HMIE Team from Education Scotland ran a series of webinars in late 2021 to support practitioners to become familiar with the draft framework. As a result of feedback from practitioners, small changes have been made to the final document. 

HMIE are now planning to run a series of webinars from October 2022 to April 2023 aimed at the CLD sector. Each webinar will have a theme and use Quality Indicators to help practitioners explore how they could use them to improve practice. 

Dates and times are as follows and each webinar can be booked using the links below:

• Revisiting the Framework – Monday, 3rd October, 11.30-12.15
• Governance for Boards, management committees and trustees – Tuesday, 4th October, 11-12
• Improvements and standards – Wednesday, 12th October, 1pm-2pm
• Impact on supported, funded or commissioned organisations – Monday, 31st October, 11-12 
• Improvements in Performance – Monday, 21st November, 10-11am

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Education Scotland Webinar – CLD: Understanding and challenging poverty across Scotland’s communities

As part of Challenge Poverty Week 2022, Education Scotland colleagues are hosting a webinar on Monday, 3rd October, 2pm-3.30pm, which will take a closer look at the picture of poverty in Scotland’s communities.

The webinar will start with an input from Professor John McKendrick, Professor of Social Justice and co-director of the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit (SPIRU).  It will then explore the ways in which CLD practice mitigates and tackles some of the root causes of poverty with an input from Karen Delaney, Moray Council.

It will provide a reflective space to explore how the CLD sector understands the impacts of poverty and can support positive outcomes on lives affected by the impacts of poverty.  

Register for CLD: Understanding and challenging poverty across Scotland’s communities on EventBrite.

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Cùram, Caint, is Coimhearsnachd / Care, Language and Community

Fife Council are hosting an online conference on 26 September (09.30am-4pm) bringing colleagues from CLD together with those working in care and language development, to share best practice from across Celtic speaking nations and develop new ways to work in partnership.

This free event will explore the relationship of first language use in care and wellbeing, both personal and social, and community development, challenging us to re-imagine the role of older and vulnerable adults in our communities from that of services users to key assets in creating learning communities and the formation of language nests.  Examples of best practice will be shared from Wales, Ireland and Nova Scotia as well as here in Fife.  

This event is open to anyone with an interest in sharing practice and exploring new ways of working across the professional strands.

For more information email Gaelic.Development@Fife.gov.uk.

Book your place on Cùram, Caint, is Coimhearsnachd/ Care, Language, and Community on EventBrite. 

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Professional Approval – University of Glasgow – BA/BA (Hons) Community Development

Professional Approval was awarded to the BA/BA (Hons) Community Development programme delivered by the University of Glasgow.

The Approval Panel would like to note their thanks to the delivery team for the work they undertook in preparing a detailed and succinct submission document.

The Senior Management Team within University of Glasgow also asked to note their appreciation of the hard work of Helen Martin and Joyce Nicholson on their leading of this programme, as well as the amazing work that Amanda McDonald undertakes to ensure that there is a good practice placement experience for all involved.  

The Panel found a lot of positive areas between the submission documents and the discussions throughout the event. Here are just a few of the areas the panel highlighted: 

• It is clear that the success of this programme is based on relationships and on a few occasions during the process, the Panel heard it was “like being a family”. This was very clear in messages from Students, Senior Management, and Practice Placement Supervisors and extends out to the University Glasgow’s wider community. 
• The students provided a very clear message that they had lots of opportunity to input to all areas of the programme’s content and the delivery. As a result, they felt their voice was heard and could see changes to the programme implemented.  
• It is evident that having a dedicated role(s) for Practice Placement (PP) provides students with a substantial level of support while on practice placement. To provide support at this level and quality evidences a huge commitment from the University. 
• The Panel were keen to note that they were impressed by the focus on research and especially opportunities to undertake CLD specific research. It was heartening to see this research reaping benefits and encouraging a cross-sectoral approach with research that will impact across the CLD field. In particular, how it relates to the intersections of Community Development, Childhood practice and Teaching. The Aspiring headteachers programme is an example where joint working with headteachers and CLD student practitioners completing their placement in schools are now seeing the value of the approach. As a result, they want to do more to support implementation of CLD methodology and pedagogy in their schools. 

As a final comment the panel wanted to share their view that “The time commitment from staff is over and above normal expectations and really needs to be given the recognition it deserves.”

Well done!  

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CLDSC on the road again!

We were delighted to take CLDSC on the road again this week for the first time since 2020 with a stall at the Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) annual conference. You can follow what happened at the conference by searching #DTAS22 on Twitter.
 
We were able to connect with community development volunteers and staff throughout the day, giving them information on the benefits of CLDSC membership, details about how to gain Standards Mark for their organisations and signposting a range of professional learning opportunities.
 
We’re looking forward to conference season this autumn to continue getting back ‘out there’ in person.
 
If you are hosting an event or conference and would like a CLDSC information stall, please get in touch by emailing contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

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Scotland’s Policy Conference

Last week our Director, Dr Marion Allison, joined Councillor Susan Aitken, the leader of Glasgow City Council and Ms Kaukab Stewart MSP, Deputy Convenor of the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee to present at Scotland’s Policy Conference about Glasgow’s Economic Renewal. Marion highlighted the role CLD plays in meeting the learning needs of young people, adult learners and communities and considered how wider the use of micro-credentials and the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework could contribute towards improved democratic engagement, socio-economic outcomes and a move towards a wellbeing economy.  

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CLDSC Virtual Members Meet-up – 4 October, 1pm

Come and join us for a special virtual members meet-up in October, and bring along your non-CLDSC pals too! We’re having an open session (so members and non-members alike can attend) to hear all about our recently published CLDSC Annual Report. It’ll also be your opportunity to feed into the plans for 2022-2023, hear about our upcoming conference, and talk directly to the CLDSC staff who will be delivering services for you.

Topics will include a look back at 2021-22, plans for the future, an update on the CLDSC staffing structure, and a chance to hear about our committee work and how you can get involved.

We also want this to be an opportunity to sign up new members, so if you know anyone who works in CLD who isn’t yet a member please bring them along too.

Register for the October Virtual Members Meet-up on EventBrite.

And Thank You

Thanks to everyone who attended the September Virtual Members Meet-up. We had an in depth and insightful discussion around some of the consultation questions posed in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Review which impact on CLD practitioners. Your valued input, along with the outcomes questionnaire will help form CLDSC response on behalf of members.

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SLF 2022 – CLD Focussed Sessions

The learning from the past two years of the pandemic has strengthened the view that placing the humanity of education at the centre is a crucial message for Scottish education at all sectors and stages. This year’s theme for the Scottish Learning Festival is Being Me, Being Us: Placing learners at the heart of Scottish Education.

Find out more and register for the CLD focussed sessions on offer:

Wednesday, 21st September

• 12:30-13:15 How good is our Saturday Night (project)? Using the new community learning and development framework to evaluate youth work.
• 15:45-16:30 Meaningful Parental Engagement around Starting School: Sharing the Glasgow ‘Families in Partnership’ Approach.

Thursday, 22nd September

• 10:00-10:45 Intergenerational learning opportunities: An essential approach for children and young people within education.
• 14:00-14:45 How youth work is key to recognising achievement in a reformed education system.
• 15:45-16:30 The impact of Social Media in the CLD Sector.

And you can also sign up for the in person satellite events (or watch them live streamed) taking place across the country.

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CLD Talks Podcast

They have Talks with front line community workers from third sector and statutory organisations, managers and decision makers to share practice, promote their work and some feel good moments of their careers. It’s now in its 5th season and in this week’s episode, Conor is joined by Suzanne Clark, Service Manager and CLDSC member Kieran Wardrop, Team Co-ordinator, from Vibrant Communities in East Ayrshire. Listen in to hear all the chat about Vibrant’s origins, how they have developed and so much more!

Access the CLD Talks podcast where you will find all streaming platforms and follow CLD Talks on Twitter @CLDTalks to join in the conversation.

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Free Numeracy Training for CLD Practitioners

Are you a CLD Practitioner who is interested in easing anxiety in #numeracy and #Maths with young people?

Are a CLD practitioner working in Scotland and are interested in getting involved or finding out more about the project?  If you’re based in the South East of Scotland, the next programme begins on 18 October 2022, and anyone can attend the programme starting on 1 December 2022.

You can find out more by emailing training@nationalnumeracy.org.uk or register for the free training at the National Numeracy website.

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University of Glasgow – Professional Approval Panel Visit

The Approval Panel for University of Glasgow BA/BA (Hons) Community Development took place on 24 August 2022; a long awaited return to in person approval visits.  

Do we hear you asking – what is an approval visit? Or maybe you are curious as to why it might be important to University of Glasgow and their CLD students? Then we can fix that with some light reading about approvals. 

CLDSC would love to be able to tell you the outcome of the approval panel visit with University of Glasgow but the Approval Panel will be reporting to the Approval Committee of CLDSC for official sign off on 01 September 2022 so you will just need to ensure you read the newsletter next week to get the update. In the meantime, why not read more about the Approval Process.

The Approval Panels frequently comment that their own Professional Learning and networking has benefited from being involved in an Approval Visit.   Think you would like to support the CLD Sector in this quality assurance role by becoming an Approval Panel Member? 

To find out more please get in touch at ApprovalCLD@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

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New Dyslexia Scotland Website will help CLD

Dyslexia Scotland is encouraging the CLD workforce to sign up to their new website.  

The charity, which is blazing the trail to a dyslexia-friendly Scotland, has created a new digital space with information and resources on dyslexia that will help the sector support dyslexic learners. Educators are a key audience that the site caters for, with professional learning and bite-size guides to support all practitioners.  

This new site also provides the dyslexic community with an easy-to-navigate digital space, with resources to support any stage in their life journey, from school transitions through to adult life, learning and work. Practitioners – and learners themselves – can access vital equalities information to support with common issues faced by the dyslexic community, from how to find out if you are dyslexic through to career and employment advice.

Dyslexia Scotland Chief Executive Cathy Magee said: ‘Our new website coincides well with the launch of the Adult Learning Strategy for Scotland 2022-27. We hope that CLD practitioners looking for ways to develop connections for learners and find ways to address the often-invisible barriers that adults face. We encourage the CLD workforce to access our resources and use them to empower learners in your community.’  

CLD workers who sign up for Educator Membership on the new site will receive an exclusive digital badge, copies of Dyslexia Voice magazine for themselves and colleagues and exclusive discounts in the online shop.

Find out more about Dyslexia Scotland.

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Upcoming Conferences

WCDC Conference – 3-5 October 2022

This year’s World Community Development Conference (WCDC) focuses upon social inclusion as the global challenge for community development policies and practice over the coming years.  Co-organised by International Association for Community Development (IACD) and the Inclusive Practices Network, the virtual host is Georgia.

Register for the WCDC 2022 Conference and follow the latest updates on social media: #wcdc2022@wcdc2022 and watch the conference promotional video on YouTube.

Youthlink National Youth Work Conference – 8 November 2022 

The theme of this year’s Conference is Tackling Poverty: The Power of Youth Work to Change Lives and will take place in Glasgow on 8 November. The focus of the conference will be youth work and poverty. Registration will open soon. 

CLD Standards Council Scotland Annual Member Conference

And not forgetting our members conference beginning with the Christmas lecture on 1st December (6-8pm) followed by the main conference on 2nd December. Both are taking place at the John Macintyre Centre, Edinburgh. Registration will open soon – meantime, save the dates!

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Working with ESOL Literacies Learners and looking for some training?

Dundee and Angus College are running an online Teaching ESOL Literacies to Adults (TELtA) Course, starting on 24^th October and running online, Monday evenings for 20 weeks. 

This SQA Module (Level 9) is an introduction to Teaching ESOL Literacies to Adults will teach you how to analyse and evaluate adult ESOL literacies within a Scottish context, identify and assess ESOL literacies learners and their learning needs, apply skills and strategies to support ESOL literacies learning and plan and deliver ESOL literacies learning. 

Cost: £140 (eligible for SDS Individual Training Account Funding) 
For more information and to apply contact Dundee & Angus College

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ASH Scotland Funding

ASH Scotland is looking to fund youth organisations in Scotland, supporting young people aged 11-25, to create new, innovative resources or approaches around smoking and other health behaviours that impact on mental health and wellbeing. Applicants can apply for up to £2500 to help with project costs.

If successful, your organisation can expect to receive:

• A grant of up to £2500. This should be used within the 6-month period from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023. 
• Support from an ASH Scotland Development Officer. The officer will be available to provide guidance and support to each successful organisation over the grant period.
• Staff and volunteer training and learning opportunities.

Find out more about ASH Scotland Young People and Mental Health Fund.

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Strut Safe Initiative

Strut Safe was founded by Rachel Chung and Alice Jackson following the murder of Sarah Everard in March of 2021. Strut Safe is an initiative to help anyone who feels unsafe when walking in public. They have volunteers based across the UK ready to take calls and stay on the line with you until you get in the door. 
 
Share and save the number: 0333 335 0026.
 
Strut Safe are also seeking phone volunteers from anywhere in the UK to join their team!  Find out more about Strut Safe.

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CLD Catch Up

Last week team CLDSC met with colleagues from Education Scotland CLD, HMIe CLD and the Scottish Government CLD Policy Unit. The jam packed agenda included CLD career pathways, professional learning, the recently launched adult learning strategy and the current CLD plans. Information sharing included CLD regional events and discussions focused on what the cost of living crisis, digital learning and the recent SQA results mean for the CLD sector.

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CLDSC Professional Induction Programme – open for registration!

So far we’ve had 8 sign-ups for the CLDSC Professional Induction Programme due to start in September this year. That means there’s still space for up to 10 more CLDSC members to take part, each of whom who will be matched up with a buddy and have 3 full months’ to complete the online course. 

The professional induction programme is for new and longstanding CLDSC members alike. It was created to introduce members of the CLDSC to the purpose and functions of the Council and what is expected of membership based on its professional standards.

Register your interest in participating in the course. If we can’t fit you in this cohort then we’ll note your interest for the next cohort starting in January.

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WE NEED YOUR INPUT: Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation

A wee reminder that we would like your support to gather CLD Standards Council (CLDSC) members’ voices, in response to the current Scottish Government review of the Mental Health and Wellbeing (MH&W) Strategy. CLDSC have looked at some key areas of the consultation, and have created 3 ways in which you can have your say:

1. Complete a survey on the proposed outcomes. The questions (1-7) are directly from the main consultation, however you do have an opportunity to add comments and pose any questions you may have in section 8. It should only take a few minutes of your time and the survey will be open until 3rd September.
2. Attend our next Virtual Members Meet Up on 1st September, at 4pm, where we will be discussing some of the other key areas in the MH&W consultation. Register for the September Virtual Members Meet Up on Eventbrite. 
3. The consultation closes on 9th September 2022 and you can access the full Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation if you would like to complete an individual and full response.

Thank you in advance for your time and support with this strategy consultation. If you have any further questions, please email us at: contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

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Education Scotland – New Educator Leadership Programme

Growing from the success of Education Scotland’s Teacher Leadership Programme (TLP), the new Educator Leadership Programme (ELP) welcomes Early Learning and Childcare practitioners, Community Learning and Development practitioners and classroom teachers to bring together their skills and experiences. It creates space to collaborate and share practice across sectors, while keeping the learner experience at the centre through a focus on practitioner enquiry.

Applications are open until Friday, 2nd September ahead of the Induction Day on Tuesday, 6th September. 

Find out more and apply for the Educator Leadership Programme.

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Education Scotland – Supporting Workforce Wellbeing

Supporting Workforce Wellbeing is a Scottish Government funded package which first launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic.

The offer is now in its third year and has evolved after listening to feedback from the education system.

The 2022-2023 offer is centred on providing mental health and wellbeing support for individuals in the education workforce across the wide education spectrum including schools, Community Learning and Development and Early Learning and Childcare. 

Find out more about Supporting Workforce Wellbeing where you can search for the for the offer and apply for the relevant programmes. 

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Conference Season is here!

There are lots of CLD professional learning opportunities coming up at a variety of conferences over the coming months.  Below is September’s offering with more to come next week.

DTAS – 4th and 5th September 2022

The Development Trusts Association Scotland annual conference and AGM is returning as an in-person event in 2022, for the first time in three years. The theme for this year is Gather, Connect and Thrive. Bookings for the conference have now closed, but you can follow events on Twitter @DTAScot and #DTAS22.

CDAS – 20th September 2022

Community Development Alliance Scotland is holding its annual conference on 20th September in Edinburgh with a focus on #StrentheningCommunityDevelopment. The conference will explore the challenges and opportunities we currently face and the next steps for community development in Scotland, and beyond.

Speakers include: Tom Arthur MSP, Scottish Government – Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth; Prof Alan Miller, Professor of Practice in Human Rights Law School University of Strathclyde; and opportunities to participate in workshops, world cafe open space for networking and reverse panel inputs from membership organisations.

Find out more and register to attend the CDAS Conference. 

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National CLD Numeracy Practitioners Network Meeting – 6th September

Booking is now open for this practitioners’ network meeting, on Tuesday, 6th September from 10am-11.30am. There will be information about Maths Week Scotland along with sharing of practice, including online resources. 

Book your place for the National CLD Numeracy Practitioners Network Meeting.

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Becoming a Numeracy Champion – free training available for CLD practitioners and STEM Ambassadors

Following on from the success of Phase 1 of a STEM grant, this programme is being offered free to CLD practitioners in the South East (Oct-Nov), Northern Alliance (Sep-Nov) and Tayside (Nov-Dec). There is also a ‘mop up’ session for all areas (Dec). 

The programme consists of 3 x 2 hour workshops and was highly valued by previous participants. Dates and registration details are below: 

• Northern Alliance – Numeracy Champion Training: 1st, 8th and 15th September – 9.30am-11.30am 
• South-East Collaborative – Numeracy Champion Training: 18th, 25th October and 1st November – 1pm-3pm  
• Tayside Collaborative – Numeracy Champion Training: 30th November, 7th, 14th December – 9.30am-11.30am 
• All Regions Numeracy Champion Training: 1st, 8th and 15th December – 9.30am-11.30am
  

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Illuminating Leadership Events – 20th and 21st September

After a successful Illuminating Leadership Festival earlier this year, Collective Leadership for Scotland and partners are now inviting you to join the Autumn Illuminating Leadership Event Series. A variety of events will take place over the course of 2 days, during which participants and hosts can reflect, share, and identify ways in which they have taken ideas and learning into practice. All events are free and open to all, regardless of background or practice setting.

Events include: 

• Collective Circle for Change
• Coaching for Systemic Change
• Creative Inquiry
• Facilitating in Complexity

Find out more and book a space on the Illuminating Leadership – Collective Leadership for Scotland website.  

You can also follow on Twitter @CollectiveScot and check out  #IlluminatingLeadership.

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CLD Summer 2022

Huge thanks to all the CLD: youth workers, community workers, parent helpers and volunteers. You just smashed Summer 2022 making lots of memories with and for young people and their families all over Scotland. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and pictures @cldstandards #BecauseOfCLD.

We hope you have a deserved break before the autumn session.

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College Sector Engagements

South Lanarkshire College Staff Development Event

Last week our Director, Dr Marion Allison, was pleased to be a panel member at South Lanarkshire College’s all staff development event. The topic of the day was ‘Success’ and Marion’s contribution focused on the pathways and partnerships between CLD practitioners and colleges in supporting learners and communities to develop and achieve their desired and required skills, knowledge and career opportunities.  

College Development Network Judging Panel

Marion also had the tough task of taking part in the judging for the College Development Network’s College Awards, noting it was inspiring to learn more about the outstanding work, partnerships and programmes going on across the college sector in Scotland. Look out for the shortlist announcements over the next few weeks @ColDevNet.

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation and Virtual Members Meet Up

A reminder that we would like your support to gather CLD Standards Council (CLDSC) members’ voices, in response to the current Scottish Government review of the Mental Health and Wellbeing (MH&W) Strategy. We have 3 ways in which you can support this consultation. You can do 1, 2 or all 3 of these options as outlined below. The more responses we gather, the more informed a response we can give.
 
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy guides the work that the Scottish Government and partners will do to improve MH&W in Scotland. This will include an overall shared vision, a set of outcomes, and how these will be achieved and measured to improve people’s MH&W. Scottish Government want to make sure that the Strategy does the right things to improve MH&W for people in Scotland. It is crucial that we support CLDSC members to input and support the development of this strategy, for the benefit of CLD practitioners, of the communities and of the learners we work with.

1. Survey

CLDSC have looked at some key areas of the consultation, and have created a survey which focuses on a section regarding proposed outcomes for people and communities in the strategy.

Complete the survey on these outcomes. It should only take a few minutes of your time and the survey will be open until 3rd September.

2. Meet Up

At our next Virtual Members Meet Up on 1^st September, at 4pm, we will be discussing some of the other key areas in the MH&W consultation, such as:

• Looking after your MH&W
• Barriers to accessing services and support
• Current impact on MH&W for young people and families
• CLD & partnership work to supporting MH&W

If you would like to come along and join us at this 1 hour session, you can register for the September Virtual Members Meet Up on Eventbrite. 

3. Full Response

The consultation closes on 9th September 2022 and you can access the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation if you would like to complete an individual and full response.

Thank you in advance for your time and support with this strategy consultation. If you have any further questions, please email us on: contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

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CLDSC Professional Induction Programme – Register to participate

We are pleased to announce that, following its launch at the Gathering by Jamie Hepburn MSP (Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training), the CLDSC Professional Induction Course is running its first full cohort from September 2022. The cohort will consist of up to 18 CLDSC members who will be matched up to buddies and have 3 full months to complete the online course. 

For new and longstanding CLDSC members alike, the professional induction programme was created to introduce members of the CLDSC to the purpose and functions of the Council and what is expected of membership based on its professional standards.

Register your interest in participating in the course.

If we can’t fit you in this cohort then we’ll note your interest for the next cohort starting in January. 

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Concept – new edition

The Summer edition of Concept – the Journal of Contemporary Education Practice and Theory, is now available to view and as always, it is a great mix of articles and reviews. Articles include ‘Post Covid Youth Work and Mental Wellbeing of Young People; Participatory Action Research and Disability Activism; and Rethinking Community Activism as Policy, Politics and Practice’.

Have a read, reflect and clock up some time towards your CLDSC Professional Learning commitment. 

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DIGI Ken CLD? How digital looks within the sector

Don’t forget to sign up for Education Scotland’s conversation around How Digital looks within the CLD Sector on 25th August at 4pm. They will be exploring how digital can enhance CLD Practice, while discussing practical solutions to the challenges that we are facing. With inputs from several organisations that will be sharing their experience of using digital approaches, to the introduction of the Digital CLD award, this promises to be a session full of creative dialogue and will highlight How Digital Can Improve the CLD Sector.

Find out more and sign up for DIGI Ken CLD? How digital looks within the sector on Eventbrite. 

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Digital Youth Work Live and Online – 30th August, 1.30pm-3pm

Join them on 30th August 1.30pm-3pm for Digital Youth Work Live and Online, a 90-minute online session to get your digital youth work kick-started for the session and an introduction to the rest of the programme.

This introductory event will be ideal whether you are using – or thinking about using – digital as an element of your youth work and a great way to connect with others involved in this area. There will be a strong focus on using digital for ‘in person’ youth work; as online continues to be important for many, YouthLink will be including opportunities to think about that too. This is interactive discussion based training, so come ready to share your ideas, resources, examples and advice and hear about some great practice too.

Register for Youth Work Live and Online.

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Scottish Learning Festival – 21-22 September 2022 – Registration now open!

Registration is now open for Scottish Learning Festival 2022. 

This year’s theme is Being Me, Being Us: Placing learners at the heart of Scottish Education.The theme puts learners at the heart of Scottish Education and reflects The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) and also the themes of Ken Muir’s recent reform report ‘Placing Learners at the Centre’ and the OECD 2030 report. The ‘Being Me’ element links to the Education Scotland and Scottish Government publication, Realising the Ambition: Being Me (PDF). The theme champions learner-centred pedagogy and the importance of meeting learners’ developmental needs over time; highlighting that learners develop their individual skills, knowledge and attributes at different rates according to who they are. 
 
There is an expansive virtual SLF Programme. As well as the virtual events, there are six Satellite Events – SLF2022 taking place across the country. These events will be in person, but will also be live streamed.

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SQA Appeals Process – A Short Reminder

On Tuesday 9th August, thousands of young people across Scotland received their results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards. 

A quick reminder that a variety of information is available for parents and pupils on the SQA’s Appeals 2022 service.

This includes key information and resources:

• A decision tree to help pupils decide on whether you should submit an appeal  
• What you need to know about the appeals process
• Where to submit an appeal

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Virtual Members Meet Up: Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation – 1st September 2022, 4pm

The next Virtual Members Meet Up will take place on Thursday, 1st September, 4pm-5pm. This month we are focusing on the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy consultation.

The Strategy will guide the work that the Scottish Government and partners will do to improve mental health and wellbeing in Scotland. This will include an overall shared vision, a set of outcomes, and how these will be achieved to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing. It will also describe how we impact will be measured. Scottish Government want to make sure that the Strategy does the right things to improve mental health and wellbeing for people in Scotland. They also want your views on whether the draft overall vision, and our draft outcomes, are the right ones.

We want to gather your voice to respond to some key areas of the consultation. It is crucial that we explore how CLD Standards Council members can input and support the development of the strategy, for the benefit of CLD practitioners and of the communities and learners we work with.

You can sign up for the session on the September Virtual Members Meet Up EventBrite page. 

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CLD Changes Lives!

As we all know, CLD definitely does change lives and at CLDSC we are keen to showcase some of the amazing work that goes on in the CLD Sector. 

In last week’s bulletin we highlighted some fabulous work from Dundee City Council, taken from their CLD Review report 2020–2022. But we know there’s more happening across the country too.

What have the communities you work with done? What was the feedback from activities you engaged with them in? What was the impact?

Let’s share the stories as a celebration of the CLD Sector. We want to hear all about it! We need you to send us links, photos, stories, quotes, and really tell the tale of how CLD Changes Lives!

Do it now! Send information to contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk. Someone may just enjoy that wee 5 minutes of fame! 

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DIGI KEN CLD? How digital looks within the sector

Education Scotland would like to invite you to join them in a conversation around How Digital looks within the CLD Sector on the 25th, August at 4pm. They will be exploring how digital can enhance CLD Practice, while discussing practical solutions to the challenges that we are facing. With inputs from several organisations that will be sharing their experience of using digital approaches, to the introduction of the Digital CLD award, this promises to be a session full of creative dialogue and will highlight How Digital Can Improve the CLD Sector.

Find out more and sign up for DIGI Ken CLD? How digital looks within the sector on Eventbrite. 

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IACD Practice Insights Magazine – Call for Abstracts

IACD sees community development as a necessary and important strategy for positive strengthening of individuals and systems, and want Practice Insights to highlight how the challenges of the climate crisis are compelling innovation, encouragement, opportunity, and resilience. Suggested topics include the role of community development in:

• Local responses to supporting communities impacted by climate change due to acute disasters and/or chronic stress
• Re-shaping of public services in response to community needs and weaknesses in systems highlighted by climate change
• The role of young people as caretakers, community organizers, and advocates in climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Innovations in technology for the purposes of addressing climate change at the community level
• Creative innovations to climate protection, social connection, and communication
• Coordination with public health and/or medical health responses in the face of acute emergencies related to climate change-related weather events

If you have experience of working with communities on issues that relate to climate change, why not write about it and send an abstract describing your article in 500 words or less by 15 September, 2022 to Paul Lachapelle at: paul.lachapelle@montana.edu

Don’t worry if you are not experienced in writing for publication, IACD will provide supportive comments and suggestions on your proposal (“abstract”) and your article. 

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New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy – Implementation and Impact Survey

A short online survey that was developed to explore the implementation and impact of the New Scots Refugee Integration strategy has been extended and now ends on Friday, 12th August 2022. Practitioners are invited to complete this survey if they or their organisation have been involved in activities which support the integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in some way.

This will be the last opportunity to fill out the survey. Organisers want to gather data from as many practitioners as possible to ensure a wide range of perspectives are represented in the findings.

The survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete and all responses will be anonymised.

Complete the survey.

If you would like to respond but you cannot do so by Friday, 12th of August, please email: Asiya.Hamid@scotcen.org.uk.

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Challenge Poverty Week – 3rd-9th October 2022

Times are hard, and getting harder, for hundreds of thousands of people across the country. A rising flood of living costs is pulling more and more people towards poverty. But together, during #ChallengePovertyWeek2022, we can start to #TurnTheTide on the injustice of poverty in Scotland.

Getting involved is easy and fun! To help your organisation plan how they will get involved, the Poverty Alliance are running a Get Involved meeting on 1 September 2022 at 2pm, designed to showcase the different ways your organisation can take part in the week, and to help you plan your activities.  

Find our more information about Challenge Poverty Week and sign up to reserve your place! If you have any further questions, email suzi.murning@povertyalliance.org.

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Women’s Experience of Poverty

The Poverty Alliance and the Scottish Women’s Budget Group are looking to speak to women living on low-incomes about the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

They are interested in speaking to a range of women across Scotland including disabled women, women from minority ethnic communities, women with caring responsibilities, single parents and single women.

People taking part will receive vouchers for their participation. Please share with anyone you think might be interested!

For more information, please email laura.robertson@povertyalliance.org or call on 07867 818239.

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SQA Outlines Support to Young People

On Tuesday 9 August, thousands of young people across Scotland received their results for their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, National Progression Awards, Skills for Work Awards, National Certificates and Awards. SQA has published the 2022 results and headline figures. 

SQA’s Appeals 2022 service is free of charge.

If learners have a query about their certificate, they can call SQA’s Candidate Advice Line on: 0345 279 1000.

Further information can be obtained from:
Skills Development Scotland’s Results Helpline: 0808 100 8000
UCAS: 0371 468 0468 / UCAS Clearing resources

And don’t forget to check out the #NoWrongPath Campaign which demonstrates that many people in interesting job roles across Scotland may not have taken a straight, obvious or traditional path to get there – that there is #NoWrongPath.

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CLDSC Annual Report 2021-22

We are delighted to share the CLD Standards Council Annual Report April 2021-March 2022 with you!  

This annual report summarises the vast range of project work undertaken by the CLDSC and its members over the year, as well as highlighting the impact and influence this work has had throughout the CLD sector.

Supporting our members and their practice contributes to the support given to learners and communities. Thank you to all of our members, committee members and partners for their ongoing contributions and support of the CLD sector in Scotland.

Please note that on the website, there are two versions of the Annual Report available: the report slides on the graphic design platform named ‘Canva’, or an alternative PDF version of the report that can be downloaded.

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The Community Learning & Development Digital Device Fund

The Community Learning & Development Digital Device Fund is provided by the Scottish Government and managed by The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). The objective of the fund is to provide capital funding to voluntary sector CLD organisations across Scotland to purchase digital devices that can be used by learners to support their learning.

Organisations can apply for up to £15,000 for the purchase of digital devices and the deadline for applications is 16th September 2022. Find out more information and apply on the funding portal.

Please share with any relevant CLD voluntary organisations you are working with and if you use social media, you can retweet SCVO’s tweet about the CLD Digital Device Fund from your account. 

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Tackling Sectarianism CPD for Youth Workers

The training will explore the various resources available to youth workers to use in their practice. Participants will have a brief introduction to the topic of sectarianism and will also be able to have a go at some of the interactive activities available. There will also be information available on where participants can do some self-directed learning at a later stage.

A range of dates are available between September 2022 and March 2023. For more information and to book a place, visit the YouthLink Scotland webpage for Tackling sectarianism CPD for youth workers. 

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The Scottish Cyber Awards 2022

The Scottish Cyber Awards are for anyone working in the cyber field who feels they, or someone they know, is going above and beyond their day job to make a difference to the cyber security of Scotland. Nominate yourself or share the love and nominate a colleague or partner who is excelling.

Award Categories include: 

• Leading Light Innovation
• Best Cyber Education Programme
• Diversity Champion
• Outstanding Young Person in Cyber

Find out more and apply at the Scottish Cyber Awards webpage. Applications close on 31st August 2022.

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CLD Changes Lives!

Dundee City Council’s CLD Review Report 2020 – 2022 gives us a wealth of material to use in what we hope will be a recurring item in the weekly CLDSC Member Bulletin. This is only a snippet of the stories and more will be shared in future editions.  

The Hilltown Community Larder began November 2020 in response to the crises people found themselves in during the pandemic.  The Larder began as a partnership with Hilltown Local Management Group, the Coldside Community Forum and the Community Empowerment Team (CET).  A Committee now runs this with the support of the CET.   

Quote from the Larder volunteer: “Being able to volunteer here, saved me during lockdown by giving me a purpose.” GT

We helped distribute over 60,000 food bags in response to demand due COVID

The report from Dundee City Council gives a flavour of what CLD did during the pandemic, showing how we continued to engage with young people, families, adult learners and community organisations; particularly in our most disadvantaged communities and how we supported people in their communities.

Well done to all involved.

We need to celebrate and shout from the rooftops about the amazing stuff we do in the CLD Sector, so go on, send us your stories! contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

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Virtual College Expo22 – Tuesday, 23rd & Wednesday, 24th August 2022

The theme of Rewrite the College Story: Learning Experiences, Skills Development, Anchoring Communities is embedded throughout the action-packed programme for the Virtual College Expo22. It offers a wide range of inspirational keynotes, workshops, seminars, and panel sessions.  

View Virtual College Expo22 programme (PDF) for more information on speakers and sessions and book your free place.   

Follow on Twitter @ColDevNet #CollegeExpo22

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Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Workshops

SCQF is hosting a range of workshops over the next few months, both in person and online:

Would You Credit It? – Thursday, 1st September 2022 – 10am-4pm
This full day in-person workshop is designed to support individuals and organisations who are developing, or who already have, a learning programme which they are considering having Credit Rated for the SCQF. Venue: SCQF Partnership Officers, 201 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LW.
Find out more and register for Would You Credit It.

My Skills, My Future – Tuesday, 13th September 2022, 10am-3pm
A full day in-person workshop for those wishing to use the ‘My Skills, My Future’ suite of resources to support individuals in identifying the skills they have gained from other experiences outwith formal qualifications. Venue: SCQF Partnership Officers, 201 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LW. 
Find out more and register for My Skills, My Future.

An Introduction to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Tuesday, 20th September 2022, 10am-12:30pm
An online workshop for employers who are looking to recognise the learning that employees have gained through life, work and educational experiences.
Find out more and register for An Introduction to Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL).

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