CLDSC Member Bulletin – 7 July 2021

Draft Adult Learning Strategy Scotland


Thanks to Members who were able to attend last week’s Members’ Meet Up to discuss the Draft Adult Learning Strategy Scotland. The key themes discussed included:

  • Expanding and Extending Adult Learning,
  • Connecting the Adult Learning Journey
  • Communication
  • Access and Inclusion
  • Workforce Development

The CLDSC consultation response has now been sent to Scottish Government and we look forward to the next stages in strategy development. Response is available on the CLDSC website.


Practice placements for CLD Students

Are you involved in developing the 3 year plans for your CLD Partnership and wondering about how you will meet the expectation to provide practice placements for CLD students? Come along to our Virtual Meet-up on Thursday 29 July from 1-2:30 pm to find out more about the benefits for your organisation as well as for the students and how to go about it. If you are interested in becoming a placement supervisor and supporting your organisation to take a placement then this is for you too. Register for the Meet-up on Eventbrite.


World Educational Research Association (WERA)

Our Director, Dr Marion Allison is delighted to be presenting at this year’s WERA conference as part of the Closing the Gap: Communities and Schools in Partnership symposium. Professor Margery McMahon (University of Glasgow) will present Communities and their schools – reconceptualising school leadership with Alison Mitchell (Rosshall Academy / University of Glasgow) then sharing her experience of Networking with Community Learning and Development: a school’s perspective. Dr. Louise Sheridan (University of Glasgow) and Marion will conclude by illustrating The role of CLD Standards in Transformative Education – Within and Outside School Walls. Papers and presentation will be available shortly.


CLD Standards Council: Equalities Reference Group

The CLDSC Equalities Reference Group (ERG) was established by Members to create, improve and implement equalities and inclusion practices and processes that enhance the our professional values and principles. Furthermore, the group will also consider longer term matters for equalities and inclusion in relation to CLD professional practice in Scotland, including but not limited to professional learning, identity, recruitment, mobilisation and sustainability. To get involved and have your say please feel free to comment on our Miro board.


Connecting Scotland, closing the digital divide

Connecting Scotland has launched a third round of applications. The programme provides a device, data, training and support to digitally excluded, low income households. This new round aims to support individuals seeking employment or developing skills for employment opportunities.
To date the Connecting Scotland programme has supported over 36,000 households, including:

  • 17,289 families with children
  • 8,061 isolating and high vulnerability group
  • 4,120 young care leavers
  • 4,899 older and disabled people
  • 1,695 other vulnerabilities

SQA – SVQ Consultation

SQA Accreditation is carrying out a piece of evidence-based research into Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). These were first introduced in 1990 and the design rules have not changed much since then. They are looking to see whether the brand needs to be refreshed to ensure that the qualifications remain fit for purpose.
They would like to hear the employers’ views of SVQs. So, if you are an employer and based in Scotland then please contact the Information and Research Manager at Jaakko.Miettinen@sqa.org.uk


Online learning opportunities

From the SCQF –

My Skills, My Future Online Workshop Tues 24 August 2021, 10:00am – 15:00pm
An interactive online workshop (split over a morning and afternoon session) 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.
Register for the My Skills, My Future workshop

Would You Credit It? Online Workshop Thur 02 Sept 2021, 10:00am – 16:00pm
This workshop (split over a morning and afternoon session) will introduce participants in some detail to the SCQF and the criteria which will determine whether a learning programme is suitable for Credit Rating.
Register for the Would you credit it workshop

Introduction to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Online Workshop Tues 14 September 2021, 10:00am – 12:30pm
An online taster session for learners and practitioners looking for a basic introduction to RPL processes and practice. This will provide an ideal overview for those with no prior knowledge of RPL.
Register for the Introduction to RPL workshop

From SAMH – Time for You

SAMH is providing a new, free service which frontline workers can access right now!
The Time for You service offers instant access to free mental health and wellbeing support for frontline workers in Scotland. There are three levels of support to choose from, ranging from online self-help to one-to-one therapy. You can find more information on the SAMH Time for You webpage.

From Salvesen Mindroom Centre

Train the Trainer – Introduction to supporting neurodivergent children and young people Thursday 22 July 10:00am – 2:00pm
Find out how you can begin to support neurodivergent children and young people, and how to share your knowledge with others.
Join the virtual workshop to raise understanding of, and improve support for, neurodivergent children and young people who may experience learning difficulties and their families.
Learn how the short films about Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, DCD, and Tourette Syndrome can be used to expand your own knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity in a way that you can share. This course includes all training materials, follow up support and resources.
Cost: £40.00 Contact: training@mindroom.org
Booking the Train the trainer session on Eventbrite