About the CLD Standards Council

The CLD Standards Council is the professional standards/registration body (PSRB) for people who work or volunteer in Community Learning and Development in Scotland, encompassing adult learning, community development, and youth work. It is a member-led organisation that sets the standards for entry and continued practice in the CLD workforce. 

Our role is to drive high standards of professional practice across the CLD sector by approving programmes of study which lead to professional qualifications; the registration of practitioners (including volunteers); and supporting CLD career pathways and professional development. 

The CLD Standards Council is led by an independent, ministerially approved Chair and is hosted by Education Scotland. Our role is set out in a Framework Agreement with Scottish Ministers and Education Scotland, and we are funded in full by the Scottish Government. We are governed by a Council of 56 members who participate in the Executive, Approvals, Professional Learning and Registration & Membership Standing Committees. In addition to the Framework Agreement, the CLD Standards Council has developed a set of Standing Orders and a Members Charter to sit alongside the Framework Agreement, setting out the CLD Standards Council’s purpose, role, operating principles, and aspirations.