Chair's Statement

The CLD Sector has continued to face a series of challenges during the period of this Annual Report. The continued pressure on public sector finances has resulted in further budget cuts by local authorities which has reduced the provision for all three domains of CLD practice. These budget cuts have also resulted in reductions in funding to CLD provision in the Third Sector. Despite this CLD Standards Council members have continued to support individuals and communities to meet their goals and to have a positive impact in the areas where they live.

The publication of Learning: For All. For Lif e (Still Report) has been welcomed by the CLD Sect or for reflecting the current situation and mapping out away forward placing our work a t the centre of a Scottish Lifelong Learning system.

The establishment of the Scottish Government/CoSLA Strategic Leadership Group is an important step in delivering the implementation of the recommendations set out in the Still Report . The CLD Standards Council welcomed the appointmen t of Dr Marion Allison, its Director, to the Strategic Leadership Group in recognition of the importance which the CLD Standards Council has within the Sector.

As part of the Scottish Government reform process Education Scotland will become a body which focuses on curriculum improvement while continuing to host the CLD Standards Council. Work has been ongoing to develop a framework which will ensure that independent role of the CLD Standards Council will be recognised and resourced appropriately within the new or ganisation The work of the Executive and Standing Committees continues to be essential in ensuring that the CLD Standards Council delivers effectively for its members and the Sector more widely.

I would like to thank the members of the Committees for their contributions during 2024/25 and to highlight that their work has led to a revised approach to the approval of professional CLD qualifications, continued development of the professional induction programme for new members and the implementation of new registration criteria . This is just a small snapshot of the work being undertaken.

I would wish to pay tribute to the CLD Standards Council staff team whose contribution underpins all our work. Despite a range of challenges, the team has delivered on key targets and individually have gone more than the extra mile to provide support to both the work of the Committees and those members who have contacted the Council. Their efforts ensure that the voice of the Sector is represented effectively in a range of areas both within and outwith Scotland.

As I approach the end of my final term of office in April 2026, I would wish to put on record that it has been a privilege to have been Chair of the CLD Standards Council. I have enjoyed working with Commitee members over the years and have benefited greatly from their advice and support.

In addition, I would like to thank all the CLD Standards Council staff team members who I have worked with during my two terms of office. I never fail to be impressed by their insight, dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Sector no matter the circumstances.

Furthermore, I would like to thank them for the guidance and support they have provided to me which I have appreciated greatly.

Alan Sherry, O.B.E, FRSA 
Chair, CLD Standards Council