Support for Community Learning & Development Groups

The SCQF is an important tool for those working in community learning and development (CLD) as it provides a common language for talking about learning and training and enables progression from community-based learning into more formal provision.

CLD has a central part in ensuring that individuals, families and communities across Scotland reach their potential through lifelong learning, mutual self-help and community organisation – and that the available support and opportunities are community-led, built around people’s aspirations.

More information on the role of CLD can be found on the Education Scotland website. Recent national developments are CLD Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships and the new legislative based CLD Regulations which came into force in 2013. The regulations place a duty on every local authority to publish a plan on the delivery of CLD provision.

The Communities team within Education Scotland supports community learning and development work across Scotland, taking forward practice development and policy implementation for the CLD sector working in partnership with Scottish Government as well as local and national organisations.

The CLD Standards Council for Scotland is responsible for the registration of CLD practitioners, the approval of training courses and the continuing professional development of the sector workforce. Their website provides information on the distinct set of competencies expected of staff in CLD.

CLD interests are also represented on the SCQF Forum and on working groups.