News

Press Releases

IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

A new Standards Council, for those working in community learning and development, has been announced today.

The Standard Council for Community Learning and Development (CLD) has been set up to improve skills and training for people delivering community learning and development

Learning Connections, the learning arm of Communities Scotland, is launching the council as part of its community regeneration role.

Community learning and development contributes to regeneration though increasing people’s skills, confidence and training. This in turn improves their chances of getting a job and can have wider personal benefits.

The new council will have three main functions:

• to approve professional qualifications and courses for everyone involved in community learning and development.

• it will offer a registration system for everyone delivering community learning and development, supporting them to access training and improve their practices.

• the council will also look at making it as easy as possible for people to choose the right training and level of study for them to raise their standards .

Announcing the council, Communities Minister, Rhona Brankin, said:

“The Executive is committed to improving community learning and development opportunities throughout Scotland.

“This new will improve quality standards and practice within communities helping both those working to help others in the community improve their confidence and skills, and the people who receive these services.

“Helping hard to reach vulnerable people to build their confidence and to see themselves as learners and active citizens with opportunities for the future, is at the heart of community learning and development.

“It is often the first step back into learning or work and as such is central to lifelong learning strategies.”

Lillias Noble, head of Learning Connections at Communities Scotland, added:

“Evidence shows that getting involved in learning and improving people’s opportunities plays a major role in tackling inequality and disadvantage.

“We are determined that the new Standards Council will make a difference and encourage the delivery of top quality opportunities in our communities for people to improve their skills and confidence levels.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. For the first interim year, the council will be based at Communities Scotland in Edinburgh

2. The council will be monitored by Communities Scotland and supported by a grant through the agency. The estimated costs, including staffing, for the new body will be around £500,000 each year.

3. Learning Connections, part of the Community Regeneration division at Communities Scotland, works in close collaboration with other Scottish Executive Departments and agencies on the development of good quality practise in adult literacies, and policy advice and practise support in community learning and development and community engagement.

Communities Scotland was abolished on 1 April 2008. This is an archived site and the contents may no longer be accurate. If you are looking for information about housing and regeneration, please visit www.scotland.gov.uk For information about regulation and inspection, please visit www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk.