Competent practitioner framework

About this guide

This guide has been produced by the CLD Standards Council Scotland, the professional body for people who work and volunteer in Community Learning and Development in Scotland. The information in this booklet is primarily aimed at current and prospective CLD practitioners, students or volunteers. It sets out the CLD values, competences and ethics that are applied in professional practice.

Downloadable PDF version

You may find it helpful to download this guide in PDF format for reference:

Competent Practitioner Framework 2022

What is Community Learning and Development (CLD)?  

Community Learning and Development is a field of professional practice that enables people and communities to identify their individual and collective goals, to engage in learning and take action to bring about positive change. CLD uses a range of formal and informal methods of learning and social development with individuals and groups in their communities. CLD programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants, working particularly with those excluded from participation in the decisions and processes that shape their lives. Through working in these ways, CLD extends the reach of democracy. CLD is a value-based practice bound by a code of ethics.  

Values and principles:

  • Self –determination
  • Inclusion
  • Empowerment
  • Working collaboratively
  • Promotion of learning as a lifelong activity  

Find out more about the CLD values

Ethics:

  • Primary client
  • Social context
  • Equity
  • Empowerment
  • Duty of Care
  • Transparency
  • Confidentiality
  • Co-operation
  • Professional Learning
  • Self-awareness
  • Boundaries
  • Self-care

Find out more about the Code of Ethics

Additional Materials

Using the Framework in Partnership - Practitioners can use the Framework in many ways depending on their particular job role and context. 

Using the Framework: In Partnership