Covid-19 CLD Guidance Updated
On 10 March 2021, the First Minister announced that from the 12 March organised activities for young people between the ages of 12 and 17 can take place outdoors for groups of 15 people. This number is inclusive of participants and facilitators.
In addition, the revised guidance highlights that many CLD staff are considered to be key workers and Local Authorities should evaluate the activities of CLD staff providing services to young people, adults, communities and families and consider if these roles are aligned to the categories described in the guidance overview.
1:1 Digital Coaching Opportunity
In conjunction with Education Scotland and Know you More, we have secured places to offer 1:1 digital coaching to Local Authority CLD Managers who are CLDSC members. The offer is part of the package of support opportunities which is funded through the £1.5 million allocate by Scottish Government to help manage additional pressures on the education workforce as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
What this coaching can offer you:
This digital coaching programme (4×30 minute sessions) has been designed to support you with any of the issues you are facing during these challenging times, and because we know that work and life are not separate there will be space to talk about personal as well as professional issues. The coaching is delivered by practitioners, 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.
Your coach will first work with you to clarify what you want to focus on and the difference you intend to make for yourself through coaching. They will work alongside you to help you achieve your goal, tailoring the journey to suit you by using the process, skills and tools that will support you best. There is no ‘one right way’ for this kind of dialogue to work. You and your coach can work together with as much or as little structure as you wish, and decide the balance of reflection and pragmatic action that suits your needs. You are likely to conclude your coaching with new ways of understanding yourself and your situation, clarity as to how you can play to your strengths and further strategies available to you for staying on track.
This is a pilot and in the first instance is available to Local Authority CLD managers who are CLDSC members. For more info please contact Mandy.Toogood@educationscotland.gov.scot
JETS Update
CLDSC have a lead role in the UK wide Joint Education Training Standards (JETS) committees. The JETS meets to share good practice, to develop commonality of approach, and to take joint action on any issues and concerns. The primary responsibilities of the Education Training Standards committees are to validate and endorse courses leading to qualification in professional and pre-professional youth work (and for CLD in Scotland) in their respective jurisdictions.
The latest virtual meeting of JETS was held on 9 March 2021 and was hosted by our colleagues in Wales. Key topics on the agenda:
- Update on COVID 19 Guidance and Placements provided by each nation. There are no major changes to information available and there is an agreement that each nation informs the others if they are intending to make major changes and discuss to ensure that mutual recognition agreement is not adversely affected. Mutual Recognition across the UK and Ireland Professional (higher education) qualifications are recognised in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as long as the programme of study has been professionally validated/approved by the NYA (England), ETS Wales or the Joint ETS for Northern Ireland and Ireland and CLD Standards Council Scotland. This mutual recognition agreement was arranged by Joint Education Training Standards Committee (JETS).
- Creating a database for Practice Placement providers: Discussion for each Nation to explore creating a database of the quality placements/practice supervisors/mentors across their own area and in long term to share this across UK & Ireland.
The JETS Group meet at least twice a year and we will keep you updated on any discussions/actions.
Educating the Informal Educator Survey
Dr Annette Coburn, Dr Edward Beggan (both University of the West of Scotland) and Dr Sinead Gormally (University of Glasgow) are undertaking a research study to gather the views of current students and graduates on their experience of Community Learning & Development or Community & Youth Work higher education programmes. It asks about learning, teaching and assessment experiences to better understand how these are used in practice. If you are a current student or graduate of CLD higher education programme, they’re looking for your input. You can complete the survey here.
CLDSC response to Account Commission Consultation
The CLDSC has submitted a response to the Accounts Commission’s consultation on its priorities and work programme for 2021 and beyond, advocating a strong focus on community empowerment and lifelong learning in the Commission’s work.
The Accounts Commission is “the public spending watchdog for local government”, holding councils in Scotland to account and helping them improve.
Investing in Volunteers Standards Launch 24th March 2021 2-3.30pm
Volunteer Scotland is working with partners across the UK to launch the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) quality standard for good practice in volunteer management. It provides a framework to assess the quality of volunteer management and involvement, prove and improve the effectiveness of work with volunteers, and enhance the organisation’s reputation.
See more about IiV here and Register on Eventbrite for the launch.
SQA seeks views on 2021 Appeals Process
SQA has published a consultation on the appeals process for 2021 National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses. The consultation is open until 26 March and they want to hear from teachers, lecturers, training providers, employers, and other stakeholders including parents, carers and learners themselves, to inform the final proposals. More details on the appeals process can be found here.
Inclusion Scotland – Disabled People’s Question Time
14 April 6-7.30pm
On Thursday 06 May 2021, Scotland will elect a new Scottish Parliament. Inclusion Scotland has created an opportunity to ask candidates what the new Parliament will mean for disabled people.
Disabled People’s Question Time will give attendees the opportunity to hear direct from leading politicians from Scotland’s main political parties on how they plan to make a difference for Scotland’s disabled people over the next five years. Inclusion Scotland’s Rights and Renewal manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections includes ‘Five Asks’ for the next Scottish Parliament:
1. Incorporate the UN Convention on Rights of Disabled People into Scots Law to fully promote, protect and realise our human rights.
2. Recognise social care support as a fundamental basic right with the same criteria wherever you live.
3. Ensure equal access to education and jobs for disabled people, particularly disabled young people.
4. Use Scottish Social Security powers to help reduce the number of disabled people living in poverty.
5. Involve us, the experts in our own lives, in making post Covid-19 Scotland better for disabled people.
The event will be chaired by leading journalist Pennie Taylor. The panel will include a representative from each of the five parties elected in the last Scottish Parliament. Those who sign-up to Disabled People’s Question Time, will be sent information in advance of the event on how they can submit questions for the panellists. Register on Eventbrite.