CLDSC Member Bulletin – 14 July 2021

Virtual Meet Up – Practice Placements Thursday 29 July 1-2:30pm

Provision of practice placements for CLD students is an expectation within the CLD Plans guidance. Come along to our Virtual Meet-up to find out more about the benefits for your organisation and CLD students as well as what support CLDSC can offer. Register for the Meet up on Eventbrite.

Career Pathways Member survey

Thanks to everyone who took time to complete the Career Pathways member survey last month. We’re currently analysing the results and will provide full feedback soon.
Meantime, here are a few key stats from the findings so far:

122 CLD practitioners completed the survey
85% stated the joined CLD Standards Council because they identify as a CLD practitioner; 83% joined because it supports the recognition of CLD as a profession.
77% or respondents have faced barriers in undertaking study to further their CLD career.
74% are interested in undertaking accredited CLD professional learning in future.

What kind of World do we want to live in?

Tayside and Fife CLD Professional Learning Alliance organised a 2 day virtual conference in April 2021. The aim of the conference was to refresh, revitalise and refocus the CLD workforce after a very challenging year during the Covid crisis. The output from the conference was captured and is available to view on i-develop.

Scottish Government’s Volunteering Support Fund

The £3.3 million Fund is now open for applications and will be delivered on Scottish Government’s behalf by Impact Funding Partners over the next 3 years. Organisations can apply for up to £30,000 to March 2024.
The fund is geared towards organisations in Scotland with an annual income of under £250,000. It will enable Scotland’s small to medium sized third sector organisations to recruit additional volunteers who will contribute towards delivering a new volunteering project, or extending/expanding an existing one, and improve how volunteers are supported in their role.

The fund will support organisations to deliver on four key outcomes:

Increase diversity in the third sector’s volunteer pool, to particularly include people who experience disadvantage or would traditionally experience barriers to volunteering
Improve governance, leadership and financial knowledge of organisations through the recruitment of skilled volunteers to enhance the third sector’s capacity
Improve organisational capacity to provide opportunities for skills and personal development through volunteering
Enhance services delivered by organisations to better meet the needs of the communities they serve

A full overview of the fund plus information on how to apply can be found on Impact Funding Partners website.

Scottish Learning Festival 21-23 September 2021 – online

SLF is an entirely virtual event this year and the website is now live: SLF 2021 – Scottish Learning Festival There will be a range of live and recorded sessions; an exhibition area and networking opportunities. The conference programme is being developed and the website will be updated. You can also sign up for the regular e-bulletin ‘The Delegate’ for all the latest information and news about SLF 2021.

CLD Summer Programmes

It’s mid-July and CLD summer activities and programmes are well underway with adult learners, young people and community groups. Please link us in to your work by tweeting – tag us on @cldstandards and use the hashtag #BecauseOfCLD. We love seeing the amazing practice being undertaken in communities across Scotland and want to share it widely.

Time for You – mental health and wellbeing support

In between all the summer provision, don’t forget to take time out for you. If you want to access free mental health and wellbeing support, SAMH is providing the Time for You service 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 website.

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

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 30 June 2021

Spectacular Summer Programmes

School’s out, college is closed and summer is here! In the world of CLD, the community is never on holiday and it’s amazing the sheer volume and range of amazing summer fun and learning programmes that our Members are delivering with and for Scotland’s young people, families, learners and communities. Service delivery in line with COVID safety guidance is bringing opportunities and challenges for all, from outdoor expeditions to online cooking challenges, the CLD sector really has got something for everyone. At team CLD Standards Council we love to hear all about your amazing work so if you’re on Twitter remember to tag us. It’s #BecauseOfCLD that #AdultLearningMatters and #YouthWorkChangesLives.

CLD Standards Council reMEMBER the benefits!

Becoming a member of the CLD Standards Council as an Associate or Registered Member offers a whole host of benefits including:

monthly Virtual Member Meet-Ups
weekly Member Bulletin News updates
invitation to our Annual Members Conference (check out the article below for news about 2021 Conference!)
access to our Buddy/Mentor/Professional Learning Verifier support
access to a range of events, some for members only, or places provided at external events and conferences.
access to member only areas of i-develop
CLD Standards Council Members Slack Space
free online access to Times Educational Supplement Scotland magazine
access to University and College Libraries across Scotland
links with UK-wide Association of Professional Lecturers in Youth & Community Work
access to Scottish Council for Development & Industry materials/events

This is on top of being part of a recognised professional body strengthening a shared professional identity within this diverse area of practice, with opportunities to:

drive forward new developments in our sector
have a key influence on policy initiatives and responses
play a lead role in shaping the future of the Standards Council

So if you have any colleagues who are not members yet please let them know about the benefits and opportunities they are missing out on by sending them this link – Register with the CLD Standards Council.

And remember, to keep enjoying these benefits yourself, you need to renew your own membership when requested. If you think you have been registered for more than 3 years and have not received a request to renew please let us know at contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

Student Spotlight

Following on from last week’s Congratulations to Students Graduating from CLD programmes we thought a few feel good stories would brighten up the week.

Fungai Moetsabi – “So, here I am today a Community Learning and Development professional!”
Fungai commented on her journey and achievements:
“A career in Community Education will keep me close to the communities that have welcomed me and my family to Scotland. Achieving this award means a lot to me. Leaving school at the age 16 and becoming a mum, then migrating to the UK, and returning to education 20 year later, did not stop me achieving my goal. As a migrant I faced some challenges that put my life on hold for 10 years while trying to settle into the UK however I gained a place to study Community Education at the University of Dundee. Life is busy, I gave birth to my third child during 3rd year of my studies! In my final year I was part of Team Experience and I utilised my lived experiences as a migrant to highlight the need to fund organisations that assist migrants integrate into the society, engaging them in projects that enhance their employability skills to make Fife a place which is just and embraces diversity”.

Zoe Thompson – secured her dream job on the Shetland Islands:
“When I joined the course at Dundee Uni, it was because of a youth worker from my Youth Council in Midlothian. The CLD programme helped me actually understand what I could do and how to develop my practice to support young people as well. The practice was my favourite part of the whole course. The wide range of placements I did helped me appreciate all the different areas of CLD. I always knew I wanted to do youth work but I did a community regeneration placement to learn about other forms of community work so I could link them together in my practice and join up with the other workers in the team. The confidence that I built during my placements made me apply for the job on Shetland and to be prepared to move there. I’m looking forward to using all my knowledge and practice experience to work with the young people on the islands to set up a Youth Forum and a Youth Bank. It was the Youth Council and a Youth Worker who inspired me to get onto the course and now I’m that Youth Worker! It’s gone in full circle and I’m really happy, this is my dream job!”.

Rebecca Smith – worthy winner of the Internship Impact Award in celebration of her work with Tayside Council on Alcohol (TCA). Rebecca was pleased to comment on the achievements she made over the course of her studies despite many life challenges. Her work leaves an important legacy:

“I overcame a lot of challenges during the course, and I felt I really came into my own during my 4th year internship, but I did not expect to win an award for that. I am very proud that my research report has been shared within the drug and alcohol community, and I hope it can make a positive difference to those who use the services. I couldn’t have done the last four years without the brilliant people I met along the way in the form of different professionals, students, and tutors. I have gained a lot of skills, but the most important thing is how much my confidence has grown over the last few years. I love working with people and this course has given me the practical skills and the resilience to really be able to make a difference to people’s lives. I will take that forward with me when I do eventually get a chance in a CLD job”.

Aimee Brown: a journey to Successful Employment:
“Without the opportunities and learning I gained from the course at Dundee Uni I would never have the knowledge or skills to apply for the job I have just achieved – particularly when considering the interview process which involved both a presentation, delivering a mock workshop, and an induction meeting with a young person joining the programme. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to have worked alongside and learned from such talented professionals both out in the field through placement opportunities and from the fantastic lecturers within the team. Good luck everyone!”

Pippa Cowling: a journey through widening access
Pippa was nominated for the engaged Learning Award and was commended for her sustained dedication and engagement with the programme. Pippa took advantage of the widening access route through Fife College to gain direct entry into second year. Pippa commented: “My journey into the Community Education (CE) course was one which did not come without turbulence as I began with entry into the course through an Articulation Route. This proved to be challenging, and I certainly relied on support from both my peers and the CE staff within the University. The support which I received both challenged my thinking and encouraged me to look at things from different perspectives, areas which I had previously struggled with. My time on the CE course has certainly been shaped by others, and I will continue to be grateful for all the challenges, experiences, opportunities and support the course has provided”.

Meeting the Expectations of the CLD Plans Guidance Note
Support offer in relation to workforce development

Earlier this year, CLDSC wrote to Chief Executives in local authorities offering support in relation to the expectations set out in CLD Plans Guidance Note (2021-24), published by Scottish Government in December 2020.

Key to this support is the provision of information and guidance that may help in producing the workforce development section of CLD plans and we’ve developed a suite of information materials which may help. These can be found on the i-develop CLD Plans Workforce Development area.

Information on each of the expectations outlined in the Guidance Note is available and provides more details of the kind of the nature of the support available through the CLD Standards Council.

We are continuing to work with partners at a national level to provide ongoing
assistance towards the implementation of the CLD plans.

World Community Development Conference 2021
The conference took place last week …

“WCDC2021 was a celebration of community development – a discipline and practice that seeks to nurture the enduring community spirit that holds communities together. It is a fact that community life occurs within contexts that are promotive of healthy communities but equally that also have shocks and uncertainties which pose a challenge to meeting even the basics of live including hope. Yet communities through their enduring connectedness are constantly engaged in efforts to bounce back, and indeed, often do bounce back in spite of the adversities within vulnerable contexts– largely because of drawing from the wide range of resources and assets from within and without the community.

Community development ethos and processes also enable communities to be resilient! Lastly, community development seeks to actualise communities’ goal of enhancing their staying power through sustainable empowerment interventions from within and without. It helps if community development is undertaken within a context that is predictable – where standards – ethical, legal and value driven – underpin the process.”

World Community Development Conferences – IACD (iacdglobal.org)

You can find the uploaded videos from Conference presentations on the conference YouTube channel.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 23 June 2021

OECD Report – “Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence: into the future”

The CLD Standards Council Scotland notes with interest the recommendations in the recent OECD report “Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence: into the future”. In particular, the CLD Standards Council welcomes the recognition that CLD practice contributes positively to learners’ outcomes and experiences. In addition, our role in designing personalised curricula that is negotiated with learners, based on their needs and wants is highlighted. A full response to the OECD’s recommendations will be available in due course.

Scotland still has something to celebrate – CLD Graduations

University of Edinburgh – The BA (Hons) Community Education programme team would like to congratulate all students who are graduating from the programme this year and wish them all the best in their professional careers.

University of Glasgow CLD Students message from your CLD Delivery team – Good luck with the ongoing studies and look forward to sharing details of your success when Graduation time arrives.

University of West of Scotland, CLD Delivery team – Keep up the good work and we are looking forward to sharing your success stories in the future.

University of Dundee- Community Education team would like to note:

Class of 2021 – Journeys, Achievements and Destinations.
Congratulations to all 26 graduates of 2021 with BA(Hons) Community Education (BACE) and BA(Hons) Community Learning & Development (BACLD). Here are a few of the inspiring stories of achievement.

Congratulations to the Prize-winner of the ‘Engaged Learning Award’ – Fungai Moetsabi
Congratulations to Zoe Thompson who secured her dream job on the Shetland Islands.
Congratulations to the Prize-winner of the ‘Excellence in Practice-based Research’ Award: Megan McGregor
Congratulations to Aimee Brown who Reflects on her Journey to Successful Employment.
Congratulations to the Prize-winner of the Internship Impact Award -Rebecca Smith
Congratulations Pippa Cowling: a journey through widening access

CLDSC will be show casing the stories from the above graduates in due course – watch this space for more information. In the meantime:

Congratulations to UoD graduates who are happy to share that they have already secured jobs:

Aimee Brown – Employment Co-ordinator for Enable Works, Dundee.
Catherine Doig – Corporate Parenting Youth Worker, Perth and Kinross Council.
Kim Donnachie – Youth Key Worker, BRAG Enterprises, Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind Project, Fife.
Scott Houston – Family Project worker, Children 1st, Aberdeen.
Megan McGregor – Key Worker, Youth Employability Service, Dundee City Council.
Zoe Thomson – Graduate Project Officer, Youth Empowerment & Participation, Shetland Islands Council.
Jordan Weldon – Parenting and Family Learning Assistant, Perth and Kinross Council.
Amy Younger – Key Worker, Youth Employability Service, Dundee City Council.

And many more…congratulations to all!
from CLDSC Staff Team

We need Buddies!

Are you an experienced CLD practitioner who could informally support a CLD practitioner who might be newer to the field, an area of work or looking to learn from other’s experiences? Currently we have 4 CLDSC members looking for someone like you! Areas of interest for those looking for Buddies are professional/career development, external verification, funding and engaging learners. If you have experience in any of these areas, why not become a CLDSC Buddy?

For more information about becoming a Buddy go to Supporting Professional Learning Together. If you would like to become a Buddy please complete the Supporting Professional Learning Together form.

Member Meet Up – Draft Adult Learning Strategy Response 28 June 2021, 1pm

Have you seen the draft Adult Learning Strategy for Scotland? Do you want to find out more and comment on the CLDSC response? Well, join us next Monday on Zoom to discuss!
Sign up on Eventbrite and we will send you the draft and some of our initial thoughts by Friday so you have some time to ponder and gather your thoughts.
We look forward to hearing from you!

CLD Managers’ Scotland

Congratulations to Dominique Carlisle-Kitz on her appointment as Chair and to Andrea McMillan and Robert Hynd on their appointments as Vice Co-Chairs of CLD Managers’ Scotland (CLDMS). CLDMS is a national independent professional network for leaders in CLD services in Scotland and works in partnership to inform/ influence policy relevant to CLD. We are delighted that all three are active Members of the CLD Standards Council who work hard to promote professional CLD standards. We also want to say huge thanks to outgoing Chair, Avril Nicol for her leadership and advocacy of a supported and inclusive CLD workforce.

JETS – Joint Education Training Standards

A special meeting of JETS was held in June 2021 with a focus to ensure that all UK Nations and Ireland were approaching approvals/endorsement for programmes in a similar way to avoid breaching the mutual recognition agreement that is in place across the nations. More information on JETS can be found on the JETS i-develop area. The mutual recognition agreement provides portability of CLD qualifications. If you are qualified as a CLD Practitioner via a programme approved by CLDSC then you can use that qualification anywhere in the UK and Ireland. Similarly, if you hold a qualification approved/endorsed by the other nations it will be recognised in Scotland.

The special meeting focused on topics around:

Fitness to practice
Raising profile of youth work and CLD
Appeals procedures
Reviewing of Guidelines for approval/endorsement in each of the nations to ensure consistency
Reviewing Joint JETS Guidelines in line with the requirements for each nation.

JETS meets twice a year and will progress the actions captured at the meeting. Big thanks to our colleagues across the nations. It is great to share experiences and knowledge from other nations.

2021 SURF Awards now open

The purpose of the Awards is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland.

This year’s five thematic categories include;

Supporting Youth Employability sponsored by Skills Development Scotland,
Creative Regeneration sponsored by Creative Scotland,
Community Led Regeneration sponsored by Highlands and Island
Scotland’s Most Improved Place sponsored by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Architecture & Design Scotland and
Housing and Regeneration sponsored by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

Further information on the Awards and how to apply can be found on the SURF website.

NSPCC Child Protection Audit tool

NSPCC have launched a self-assessment tool which will help organisations audit their child protection arrangements.

The free self-assessment tool will help organisations audit current safeguarding and child protection arrangements. The tool will also help to identify areas for development and support you in making any changes necessary.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 16 June 2021

COVID-19 guidance for the Community Learning & Development sector – update

The CLD Covid-19 guidance was updated on 10 June. This update sees the removal of the cap on numbers at levels 0-2 and replaces it with a ‘space-based’ approach.

For CLD activity with both young people and adults in levels 0-2, the following now applies:

“Learning is permitted indoors and outdoors. Following a risk assessment, a space-based approach should be taken in line with capacity guidance. Numbers permitted are to be based on the capacity of the venue provided physical distancing and other mitigations remain in place. Physical activity/sports should follow general guidance whereas activity akin to events should follow events guidance.”

The guidance can be found on the Scottish Government website.

CLD Standards Council Member Survey – last chance to complete

Our Member Survey closes on Friday 18 June, so make sure you have your say and shape our CLD Career Pathways work. This work will help us

identify demand for training and qualifications to help us to work with providers and funding bodies to secure the opportunities needed by CLD Practitioners.
in the development of a nationally agreed and endorsed framework to guide employers regarding the recruitment of appropriately qualified CLD staff
create a Workforce Strategy for CLD practitioners in discussion with key stakeholders.

Please complete the Career Pathways Survey by Friday 18 June 2021.

Summer funding – Children & Young People’s Health and Wellbeing

Children and young people most impacted by Covid will be supported by £20 million to create opportunities to socialise, play and reconnect this summer. Councils will receive £15 million and up to £5 million has been allocated to a coalition of 18 national partners to further strengthen and build on existing summer provision in addition to what is usually on offer. The support provided by councils will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.

World Community Development Conference final places!

We still have 4 places available at the World Community Development Conference for CLDSC members. The event takes place from 21-23 June 2021 and is fully online. The theme is ‘Our Connectedness, Resilience and Empowerment’ and there are speakers from Australia, Belaurs, Candada, India, Ireland, Mauritius, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Taiwan, USA and many more! Check out the programme and email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk to claim a FREE place.

Make sure to follow along on Twitter (#WCDC2021).

Standards Mark Sessions

Does your organisation deliver CLD learning to staff and volunteers? Do you want the recognition of the quality of CLD learning you offer to CLD sector? CLDSC Standard Mark approval can give you that recognition and much, much more. Maybe, you are not sure if Standard Mark is for your organisation. Well, why not pop along to one of the support/awareness events below. We will cover the What, What, Why?

What is SM approval?
What does it mean for my organisation?
Why would it be Standard Mark approval and not one of the other routes of approval?

Further information on Standards Mark approval can be found here.

21 June 2021 14:00 to 16:00
29 June 2021 15:00 to 17:00

Learning for Sustainability Awards 2021 – applications now open

The Learning for Sustainability Awards have been launched. The Scottish Government has identified People as a key theme for the COP26 Summit and has declared that it wants it to be the most inclusive COP summit ever to be held. This includes a strong focus on young people and on engaging disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities. The Learning for Sustainability Awards support these ambitions. Help recognise the amazing achievements of Scotland’s people and the settings, schools and communities that have demonstrated passion and commitment to building a socially-just, sustainable and equitable world by submitting an nomination.

The award categories recognise the dedication and achievements of learners, practitioners, education supporters, establishments and providers and also those in leadership positions in Scottish education. There are 6 categories:

LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY YOUTH AWARD – Recognising the achievements of young people aged 3-26 years
LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY PRACTITIONER AWARD – Recognising the achievements of early learning and childcare practitioners and school teachers
LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP AWARD – Recognising the achievements of head teachers, heads of centre, managers, authority staff and promoted staff in school and setting leadership teams
LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING COMMUNITY AWARD – Recognising the achievements of early learning and childcare settings and schools
LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTER AWARD – Recognising the achievements of individuals who provide invaluable support for learning
LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD – Recognising the achievements of community learning and development providers.

You can submit a nomination here. Nominations will close on 12 September 2021. Winners will be announced in the Daily Record on 27 October 2021.

University of Dundee BA Community Education (Hons)

Places are still available on the Community Education undergraduate programme at Dundee starting in September 2021. The programme offers learning around the historical and philosophical foundations influencing current practice, relevant policy and political ideas and how they relate to community practice, in-depth analysis of social justice, equalities, political perspectives, values, and socio-economic trends. The course reflects the current field of Community Education practice in Scotland, the UK, and worldwide.

And, if you need some convincing about applying just read this fabulous story:

Congratulations to the Prize-winner of the ‘Excellence in Practice-based Research’ Award: Megan McGregor
Megan undertook her final year research whilst on Internship with Student Funding, University of Dundee. She designed and undertook a qualitative inquiry into student poverty during the Covid-19 pandemic. Megan highlighted the existence of significant socio-economic inequalities in higher education and pointed to the inter-related challenges of high day-to-day living expenses, the limitations of student loans, and the impact of neoliberalism, as exacerbating disadvantages amongst the student community. She found that Covid-19 pressures have further increased these problems for University of Dundee students and her work will be used by Student Funding to plan responses to student poverty and to highlight this social injustice.

Megan commented:
Before Uni, I had no idea what I wanted to do for years, then one day I read about CLD and thought it sounded like something I would be interested in. I decided to apply and now I literally can’t imagine my life without it! I’ve had an incredible four years and learned a lot about myself, I’ve always tried to challenge myself and work hard, so I am over the moon to have won the prize!

This programme is professionally approved by CLD Standards Council. If you are interested in finding out more, have a look at the UoD Community Education homepage. Closing date for applications is 30 June 2021.

Congrats to Clare McGillivary!

Congratulations to Clare McGillivary, CLDSC Member, on joining Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme. Atlantic Fellows are activists, policy-makers, researchers and movement-builders who believe inequality can be defeated. She joins 85 current and lifelong Fellows from 39 countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South and the Caribbean. We look forward to hearing about Clare’s learning experiences.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 09 June 2021

Advanced Learning Covid Recovery Group

Alan Sherry, Chair of CLD Standards Council, has been invited to become a member of the Advanced Learning Covid Recovery Group. The Group’s remit is to provide advice and guidance for CLD, colleges and universities as learning restarts. Further information will be included in future newsletters.

CLD Standards Council Member Survey

As we continue our CLD Career Pathways work, we have created a Member Survey which will help

to identify demand for training and qualifications to help us to work with providers and funding bodies to secure the opportunities needed by CLD Practitioners.
in the development of a nationally agreed and endorsed framework to guide employers regarding the recruitment of appropriately qualified CLD staff
create a Workforce Strategy for CLD practitioners in discussion with key stakeholders.

Please complete the Career Pathways Survey by Friday 18 June 2021.

CLDSC Members’ Meet Up Monday 28 June 2021 1-2pm

This month’s discussion topic is up for grabs – what’s hot on your agenda that you’d like to share with colleagues? Bring your cuppa, your ideas and your experience and have a blether with fellow CLDSC Members.

You can register to attend the Meet Up on Eventbrite.

World Community Development Conference places still available!

We still have 7 places available at the World Community Development Conference for CLDSC members. The event takes place from 21-23 June 2021 and is fully online. The theme is ‘Our Connectedness, Resilience and Empowerment’. No programme is available as of yet, but check the website and twitter(#WCDC2021) for updates.

If you’re interested in attending, please email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk by 11 June 2021. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

National Numeracy CLD Network

The next Network meeting, chaired by Education Scotland and Learning Link Scotland, will take place on 10th June at 10am. Hear about the small grants fund and communities section of Maths Week Scotland. Chat about activities from National Numeracy Day, share resources, network and connect with others. To attend the meeting please register on Eventbrite.

For further information please contact Laura Starkey laura.starkey@educationscotland.gov.scot Education Scotland or Jackie Howie, Learning Link Scotland jhowie@learninglinkscotland.org.uk

Commonwealth Higher Education Consortium for Youth Work Virtual World Café 17th June

The Commonwealth Secretariat on behalf of the Commonwealth Higher Education Consortium for Youth Work, the Professional Association of Lecturers in Youth and Community Work (PALYCW) and the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) will be hosting a virtual world café on the 17 June 2021 from 2.00-4.30pm.

This event is an opportunity for Commonwealth colleagues to reflect and engage in dialogue on emerging themes in relation to teaching and practising youth work under COVID-19.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

Share and reflect on their experiences and challenges during the global outbreak;
Learn from each other about creative responses and innovations in the teaching and practice of youth work;
Explore ways of thinking critically and reflectively about youth work; and
Forge connections, extend networks, share resources, and establish effective collaborations.

The Association has been working with Commonwealth Higher Education Consortium for Youth Work on a number of tailored international events and this is the first of what we hope will be regular open events to facilitate engagement across teaching institutions throughout the Commonwealth

To join the online Café event you can register on Eventbrite.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 02 June 2021

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK SPECIAL EDITION

Welcome to our special edition of the CLDSC Member Bulletin – dedicated to CLD volunteers across Scotland. The theme of this year’s Volunteers’ Week Scotland is Thank You. Here at CLD Standards Council, we recognise and appreciate the contribution volunteers make to CLD practice and this bulletin is all about you and the people who support you to make such a difference in communities. Thank you!

Thank You from Dr Marion Allison, Director CLD Standards Council

Volunteers week is here! What better way to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that our CLD volunteers make to the young people, learners and communities of Scotland? Week in, week out, in all kinds of weathers our CLD volunteers selflessly give their time, skills, knowledge and friendship to others. Volunteers are the life blood of the CLD profession – what often starts off as a bid to help ends in a full blown career with people often telling us that they are amazed that they can get paid to do work that is nothing less than a vocation. At the CLD Standards Council we are delighted that our CLD volunteers are active members – helping to shape and support communities across the country. We are truly grateful for all that you do and would like to say a huge big thank you to each and every one of you!

CLDSC Membership open to volunteer CLD practitioners

Volunteers who practise CLD can apply to become Associate members of the CLD Standards Council.

There are lots of benefits of CLDSC registration for volunteers –

Networking – Many CLD volunteers operate with minimal contact with qualified CLD practitioners and would welcome the opportunities for networking afforded by CLDSC through the CLD Regional Networks, events and conferences, as well as virtual networking through the i-develop website.
Helping volunteers make more of a difference – Many volunteers not only say they enjoy what they are doing, they say they want to do it well and make as much difference as they can. The range of learning opportunities available to members can help them do this.
A pathway to paid work – A lot of CLD workers started out as a volunteers and got the bug. Lots of volunteers also use their CLD practice to enhance their CV and find that the CLD competencies are transferrable to other fields of work too.

How to become an Associate Member of CLDSC

Complete a short application form – you can apply online.
Associate membership does NOT require a formal qualification.
Demonstrate the values, principles, competences, Code of Ethics and commitment to continuing professional learning that underpin the sector.
Commit to complete the required hours of professional learning each year. This is pro rata based on volunteer hours. So, for example, 6 hours volunteering a week would equal 6 hours a year professional learning.
Find a referee who can confirm their volunteering experience, suitability and commitment to the principles.

So if you work with volunteers who you think could meet the requirements why not suggest Associate membership to them?

Read about other volunteers stories and becoming an Associate member on i-develop.

CLDSC Standards Mark

To support and recognise the fabulous work that is undertaken by CLD volunteers (and staff too!), we are able to offer the organisation you work/volunteer with an opportunity to have your CLD Professional Learning quality assured by the CLDSC. The Standards Mark process looks at the whole range of CLD professional learning opportunities offered by the organisation, not one specific programme, as well as the learning culture of the organisation.

The Standards Mark nurtures a culture of learning in our sector so that individual practitioners’ engagement with CLD professional learning can contribute to the development of the whole CLD profession. This demonstrates and enhances commitment to a culture of learning underpinned by the values and competences of CLD and commitment to our Code of Ethics.

Learning is celebrated, recognised and encouraged
Learning is reflected on and shared
Individuals can explore learning related to their role in volunteering and possibly continue onto a career in CLD.

Go on, ask your organisation if they have CLDSC Standards Mark Approval. Encourage them to recognise the good stuff that you do and the great CLD Professional Learning they offer. Give them this link to more information on Standards Mark approval.

Or, you could encourage them to sign up to a 2 hour virtual support event on one of the dates below to find out more about achieving CLDSC Standards Mark Approval:

15 June 2021 11:00 to 13:00
21 June 2021 14:00 to 16:00
29 June 2021 15:00 to 17:00

For more details and information on Standards Mark, contact Susie Bisset at susan.bisset@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

i-develop volunteer resources

Did you know we have dedicated spaces on i-develop for volunteers and volunteering? The Volunteering in CLD pages are designed to be used by CLD volunteers themselves as well as those who deploy and support them. There is a section with general guidance on deploying volunteers, and information and guidance specific to CLD volunteers contributed by colleagues across the sector. You’ll also find some research information too.

If you’re particularly interested in volunteering in ESOL, there’s a separate page for that with Discussion Fora for volunteers and volunteer coordinators, as well as links to resources on volunteer recruitment, policies, the Framework for Good Practice in Working with Volunteers in ESOL and lots more.

Volunteer Spotlights

To kickstart the volunteer spotlights, we thought we’d highlight some of the volunteering work that staff in CLD Standards Council and Education Scotland CLD Team undertake. Check out the #BecauseOfCLD hashtag!

So many CLD volunteers contribute to and support their communities. If you know a volunteer you’d like to showcase, please email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk so we can do a CLD Volunteer Practitioner Spotlight feature on our website.

CLD Volunteers Get Connected

If you want to chat with fellow volunteers, we’ve got a few options available!

Post a question or comment in the Volunteer Discussion Forum on i-develop
Post a comment or share a resource in the CPD Discussion Forum on i-develop
Join our Slack workspace for messages on desktop, tablet or mobile app.

Email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk for the joining link.

#CLDVolunteers2021 Virtual Wave

Thanks to everyone who has already pinned their activity, group, resource or good old-fashioned “Thank you’s” to our Virtual Wave Padlet. So good to see so much going on across all parts of Scotland! There’s still time to add your pins as we’ll keep #CLDVirtualWave going until the end of Volunteers’ Week, so please join in!

Education Scotland CLD Team Blog

Don’t forget to have a look at the Education Scotland CLD Team’s blog for links to Volunteers Week information and much more!

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 26 May 2021

New Ministerial Appointments

Last week, the First Minister for Scotland, Ms Nicola Sturgeon MSP announced her new cabinet for this parliamentary term. Ms Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP has been appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills with Mr Jamie Hepburn MSP being appointed as the Minister for HE & FE, Youth Employment & Training with responsibility for CLD. Our Chair, Mr Alan Sherry has already written letters of welcome to both Ministers and we look forward to sharing the work and contributions of the CLD Standards Council and its Members.

Improving Career Pathways for CLD Practitioners – Member Survey

As we continue our CLD Career Pathways work, we have created a Member Survey which will help

to identify demand for training and qualifications to help us to work with providers and funding bodies to secure the opportunities needed by CLD Practitioners.
in the development of a nationally agreed and endorsed framework to guide employers regarding the recruitment of appropriately qualified CLD staff
create a Workforce Strategy for CLD practitioners in discussion with key stakeholders.

Please complete the Career Pathways Survey by Friday 11 June 2021.

Volunteers’ Week – CLD Virtual Wave

We’re saying THANK YOU to all the CLD Volunteers across Scotland during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2021). To help us achieve this we ask that you include the #CLDVolunteers2021 to any social media posts during Volunteers’ Week as well as the usual #BecauseOfCLD.

In addition, to highlight what’s happening where, we’re working in partnership with Education Scotland’s CLD Team and the wider CLD sector to create a #CLDVolunteers2021 Virtual Wave across Scotland. We’re keen to promote any events, activities or resources during the week and have created a Virtual Wave Padlet where you can ‘pin’ what’s happening in your own areas. You can add photos, links or even sound/video clips. Click on Padlet to add yours and we’ll create a CLD Volunteer Virtual Wave! Check out Education Scotland CLD Team’s blog for more information and a handy ‘how to’ guide for using Padlet.

An amazing amount of CLD volunteers have contributed to and supported their communities and we’d like to highlight some of the fabulous work they’ve done. If you know a volunteer you’d like to showcase, please email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk so we can do a CLD Volunteer Practitioner Spotlight feature on our website.

Next week’s CLDSC Member Bulletin will be a Volunteers’ Week special edition, so please get in touch with stories or articles you’d like us to feature

CLD Planning Webinar Links

Following on from the CLD Planning Webinars held throughout May, you can now access all webinar recordings on this Wakelet. The five topics covered are: CONSUL digital participation tool; Place Standard; Embedding Youth Awards in CLD Plans; Digital Skills; and Workforce Development

CLDSC Public Register of Members

If you need to check whether someone is registered with CLDSC, for example, to find out if someone applying for a CLD post is a Registered or Associate member, we have a public register that you can check online.

The member enquiry function is located on i-develop – CLDSC Member Search (i-develop-cld.org.uk) You enter the first and last names to search, and the registration category and geographic area that the member works in will be shown. But remember that a member might have used a shortened or full first name to register with.

If you are a member and the area you work in is not correct, or you cannot find your own entry when you search, please let us know by emailing contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

HE/FE meeting update

Our regular meeting with representatives from Higher and Further Education took place this week and key areas discussed included:

Terms of Reference for this group were agreed
Development of a blog to promote CLD research
Encouragement of student CLD practitioners’ involvement in workforce development sections of Adult Learning and Youth Work Strategies.

If you’re interested in finding out more about any of these areas, please contact Susie: susan.bisset@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk.

IACD WCDC Conference places available

CLDSC has purchased 9 places at the World Community Development Conference for CLDSC members. The event takes place from 21-23 June 2021 and is fully online. The theme is ‘Our Connectedness, Resilience and Empowerment’. No programme is available as of yet, but check the website and twitter for updates. If you’re interested in attending, please email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk by 11 June 2021. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Tayside & Fife Professional Learning Alliance Conference presentations

On 22nd and 29th April, Tayside and Fife Professional Learning Alliance held a successful online conference, with around 80 participants attending. The aim of the conference was to energise and refocus their CLD workforce after a difficult year.

Day 1 was about looking back over the past year, featuring a moving and inspirational keynote speech from Margaret Ledwith, as well as a focus on research undertaken in Dundee and Fife communities during Covid with Karen McArdle and Sheila Allan.

Day 2 was about looking forwards, and highlighted important national work being undertaken on behalf of the sector by CLD Standards Council and a focus on CLD plans with input from Sheila Brown of HMIe.

You can watch back the videos and slides from these inspirational speakers, as well as seeing some of the insightful comments from the fabulous participants.

Scottish Government – Survey on Volunteering and the Third Sector Response to COVID-19

There is still time to complete the Scottish Government’s Volunteering Survey. This survey aims to gather information about:

how volunteering has contributed to the Third Sector response to the pandemic;
the challenges that the sector has faced in continuing to support volunteering during this time;
and – crucially – organisational perspectives on what is needed to support volunteering during the recovery period and beyond.

Complete the Scottish Government Survey On Role Of Volunteering And The Third Sector Response To Covid-19 survey.

The survey is split into two routes:

one targeted at TSIs, Local Authorities and intermediary organisations;
the other aimed at organisations working directly with volunteers (volunteer-involving organisations).

Deadline for completion extended to Tuesday 1 June.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 19 May 2021

National Numeracy Day

It’s National Numeracy Day! CLD practitioners work with learners across Scotland to support numeracy skills and CLD Standards Council is proud to support you. Check out the National Numeracy Day website for links and resources to use with learners. There are lots of events happening today and videos of these will be available from tomorrow on the National Numeracy Day website, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook pages.

Share your activities, resources and stories on social media using the #NationalNumeracyDay and #BecauseOfCLD hashtags.

Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June 2021

Volunteers’ Week 2021 is almost here and it’s all about saying ‘Thank You’ to volunteers who have given their time and energy throughout the last year.

We’re also keen to promote any events, activities or resources during the week and have created a map Padlet where you can ‘pin’ what’s happening in your own areas. You can add photos, links or even sound/video clips. Click on Padlet to add yours and we’ll create a CLD Volunteer Virtual Wave!

Visit the Volunteers’ Week website for more information.

SCQF Would You Credit It? workshop
16 June 2021 10am – 4pm

If you have developed or are in the process of developing a learning programme and are considering having it Credit Rated for the SCQF then this free workshop will help you understand the process. After completing the workshop, participants will have a sound knowledge of the SCQF, will be able to make an informed decision about whether a learning programme is suitable for Credit Rating and what steps to take next. Sign up for the workshop on Eventbrite.

Youth Scotland Youth Work Support Fund closing date

The Youth Scotland Youth Work Support Fund was established to help youth groups and youth workers meet the needs of young people in response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus. If you’re a Youth Scotland member, you only have a few days left to apply for up to £2000 to help rebuild services and programmes for young people. Closing date: 21 May 2021.

Calling all ESOL Practitioners – NATECLA Survey

Natecla is gathering information on the need for ESOL Literacies across Scotland. All input is welcome and needed – tutors, lecturers, managers and volunteers. Please feel free to spread this far and wide so they can gain a true picture of the need for ESOL Literacies across the whole of Scotland.

Click on this link to access the Microsoft Form Survey. It only takes a few minutes to complete and will provide valuable information on supporting ESOL practitioners to support ESOL literacies learners.

Your Police survey

Police Scotland want to know and understand the views of Scotland’s diverse communities. Your Police 2021-22 is now live on their Engagement Hub (Citizen Space); Police Scotland are inviting everyone to take part. The survey is open all year and asks about people’s experiences of safety or issues in their local community. They also want to understand more about people’s experiences of interacting with their police service. CLD practitioners are encouraged take part and to share the opportunity with anyone in communities you are working with.

CLDSC Member Bulletin – 12 May 2021

CLD Standards Council and Scottish Government Meeting

On 30th April, Alan Sherry, Chair of CLD Standards Council, held an introductory meeting with Joe Griffin, the new Scottish Government Director-General, Education and Justice. During the meeting, Alan provided background on the CLD sector, discussed relevant issues for the CLD family and outlined the strategic objectives sought going forward.

There are six directors-general who head up the Scottish Civil Service. As director-general, Mr Griffin manages a number of directorates and agencies which support and implement Scottish Government legislation and policy.

Time to renew your CLDSC Membership?

We send both Associate and Registered members a request to renew their registration every 3 years. If you became a member more than 3 years ago then you should have received a request to renew**. When you receive your registration renewal request please complete the renewal. You can be removed from the register of members if you do not renew.

To renew you need to-

Reconfirm your commitment to the Values and Ethics
Confirm that you have undertaken an appropriate amount of relevant professional learning
Also, if you are no longer in active contact with your previous referee then you must provide a new referee.

If you are unable to complete your renewal at this time you can request a deferral. However we are finding a few members have not kept us up to date with their email address. Unfortunately if we are unable to complete a renewal that membership will be suspended and eventually removed from the register. So please remind colleagues to make sure we have up to date contact details so we can contact them to renew. Full details of requirements for renewal including advice on professional learning are available on the website.

** If you have been registered for more than 3 years and not received a renewal request yet, please check the email address you originally registered with – sometimes the emails go into spam or junk folders – but if you cannot find a request please email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk and we will investigate.

Virtual Meet Up – 27 May 2021 1-2pm

Have you seen us mention our Slack workspace in previous newsletters? Wondering what it’s all about? Come along to the May Members’ Virtual Meet-Up and find out how to make the most of the CLDSC Slack Workspace and channels. If you’d like to join Slack in advance of the session, email contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk for the link.

National Numeracy Day – 19 May 2021

CLD Standards Council is proud to be a National Numeracy Day Champion! Alongside the charity National Numeracy, we are supporting children, young people and adults to feel confident about numbers. National Numeracy Day raises awareness of the importance of numbers in everyday life.

Check out the National Numeracy Day webpage for a host of resources including links to apps, research and toolkits. You can follow the latest updates on Twitter using #NationalNumeracyDay

CLD Plan Webinars – Reminder

National partners are collaborating to offer a series of webinars focussed on tools and resources available to complement CLD planning processes.
The webinars may be of interest to local authority officers, teams, and partners involved in producing CLD plans locally.

There is one session remaining:

Workforce Development – Tuesday 18th May, 15:00 – 16:30

This session, led by the CLD Standards Council, will focus on the requirements set out in the Workforce Development component of CLD Plans Guidance Note (2021-24) with particular reference to: Providing practice placements for CLD students; Recruiting qualified CLD practitioners; and, Supporting the CLD workforce to benefit from engaging with the CLD Standards Council through registered membership.

CLD Development Officer secondment opportunity available within Education Scotland

This 23 month secondment offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and effective Community Learning and Development (CLD) practitioner to support regional and national CLD programmes as part of Education Scotland’s West locality team. They will also engage with key stakeholders from across local authorities, the voluntary sector and national partners. Applicants should hold a recognised Community Learning and Development Qualification, SCQF level 9 or above. Applications are welcomed from practitioners in the public or 3rd sectors. The closing date for this post is midnight on Monday 31st May.

Full application details and information are on the Education Scotland website.

Family Learning inspection report findings webinar
7 June 2021 2pm

This webinar will allow participants the opportunity to consider how Family Learning might be delivered differently taking into account current Covid-19 restrictions. It is aimed at the Community Learning and Development sector and those who work in schools. There will be opportunities for questions and self-reflection. Register for the webinar on Eventbrite.

Fully funded Open University microcredential courses

Supported by the Scottish Funding Council Upskilling Fund, the OU is offering the opportunity to study a fully-funded microcredential course in a variety of subject areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for developing key skills and the OU are committed to supporting the upskilling and reskilling of individuals and organisations by offering a limited number of free places. There are a range of courses on offer which may be of interest to CLD practitioners including:

Management of Uncertainty: Leadership, Decisions and Action
Online Teaching: Accessibility and Inclusive Learning
Online Teaching: Creating Courses for Adult Learners

For more information and details of how to apply see the The Open University website.