New Chair and Co-Vice Chairs for Approval Committee
The CLDSC and especially the Approval Committee, would like to note huge thanks to Robert Hynd for being a fabulous Chair. Robert is stepping down as Chair of Approval Committee due to his new HM Inspector of Education role. Robert, many congratulations from all your CLD Colleagues.
The Approval Committee are delighted to announce that they have appointed the following to continue their ongoing work:
- Chair of Approval Committee – Graeme McMeekin
- Co-Vice Chairs of Approval Committee – Dawn Brown and Liz Green
Good luck in these new roles!
Ayrshire College Developmental Approval
Congratulations to Ayrshire College on their re-approval for HNC Working with Communities.
The Approval Panel noted that they were very impressed with the quality of the engaging online material. The submission also provided clear evidence of the commitment to CLD values, principles, code of ethics and competences.
During discussions within the panel and with Ayrshire College it was evident that an update of the Group Award would be beneficial and the CLDSC will work with the FE discussion group and SQA to support this area of work.
Updated COVID Guidance for CLD Students
In response to the continued disruption to delivery of CLDSC approved programmes caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions, we have updated the guidance issued to Scottish Further Education Institutions (FEIs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Due to the exceptional and rapidly changing circumstances, this guidance is intended to manage and minimise disruption to CLD students, whilst seeking to ensure that the quality of CLD learning programmes is not compromised.
You can view the Guidance and FAQs on our website.
Community Covid Response – Omicron variant
The Scottish Community Development Centre has published information on Community Covid Response – Omicron variant. This includes information on the impact for community based services following changes in Scottish Government guidance from 14 December in relation to the new variant, and how you can help protect yourself and others.
1:1 Online Coaching Opportunity
If you are a local authority CLD leader with responsibility for any area of CLD provision, this digital coaching programme has been designed to support you with any of the issues you are facing during these challenging times. As we know that work and life are not separate, there will be space to talk about personal as well as professional issues.
The programme is delivered by coaches, all of whom have experience of working and coaching within education. You will meet your coach online using a video conferencing face-to-face tool that suits you and your coach. Coaching programmes are 2 hours in length and you can divide the time available to you however works best to achieve your aim.
CLD Standards Council member Stephen Jack, participated in the last round. Stephen, a Lifelong Learning Manager with Dumfries and Galloway Council said:
“I was made aware of this exciting coaching opportunity through my membership to the CLD Standards Council and it sounded too good an opportunity to miss out on. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but [my coach] helped me hone in on what the key priority areas should be in terms of the next steps of my leadership journey.”
You can view Stephen’s one minute testimonial video on YouTube.
Find out more and register on the Digital 1:1 coaching offer webpage.
Building Racial Literacy Programme – places available
The Scottish Government’s Race Equality and Anti-Racism in Education Programme has identified racial literacy as a key area of development for the teaching and education workforce. To respond to this need, the Building Racial Literacy professional learning programme will support practitioners to increase their understanding of racism and develop their skills and confidence to embed anti-racism in their everyday practice.
This professional learning offer is being co-created with partners, including the Scottish Association for Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE), the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), Scotdec, the Third Generation Project, the University of the West of Scotland and Education Scotland. A prototype of this professional learning programme will be running between January – March 2022 with 82 funded places available. At the moment, CLD practitioners are under-represented in this prototype cohort and we would like to do everything we can to increase this.
The intended outcomes of the programme are that participants will:
- Build their racial literacy. In particular, start learning about the nuances of racism and anti-racism (with the language to name it) and build the skills to continue this learning long after the programme is over.
- Begin developing the skills, confidence and resilience to engage in racial dialogue.
- Develop a personalised action plan to lead anti-racist change.
Participants will be expected to:
- commit to two full event days, three twilight webinars and approximately five hours or more of self-directed online learning
- engage their school and/or learning community in the programme (through programme tasks and professional dialogue)
- evaluate and support co-construction of future iterations
- become part of an anti-racist learning network and a national movement for racial literacy
- lead anti-racist change following their personalised action plan with the support of the learning network
- support anti-racism in their context and/or Local Authority. This can include: supporting colleagues, children and young people, and wider communities to engage in anti-racist learning; supporting colleagues to engage with anti-racist resources and professional learning opportunities; and applying to support the delivery of future iterations of the Building Racial Literacy programme (this requires attendance to future Train the Trainer sessions).
If you would like to submit an applications or ask any questions please contact EDSPLL@educationscotland.gov.scot.
Share, Sustain, Shape evaluation still open
If you participated in any of the Share, Sustain, Shape events, please share your feedback on the delivery, content and impact of the programme. The evaluation form only takes a few minutes to complete and your reflections and suggestions are welcome.
CDN Awards
A great night was had by all at the College Development Network Awards last week. CLD Standards Council was a proud sponsor of the new College Community Learning Award, which recognises and celebrates the innovative and outstanding work of colleges and their community partners in the delivery of community-based learning opportunities.
Ayrshire College (The Peer Project), Glasgow Clyde College (Gift-tech) and West College Scotland (West College Scotland and West Dumbartonshire Council Community Learning Partnership) were shortlisted. Have a look at the short video highlighting their work. All worthy finalists promoting inclusion, participation and empowerment. But there can only be one winner and we’re delighted to congratulate West College Scotland for the Working4U project which facilitates first steps into education for adults with local, flexible learning opportunities.