Independent Review of Community Learning and Development: Call for Evidence - Practitioners

Overview

Community Learning & Development (CLD) is a field of professional practice that enables people to identify their own individual and collective goals, to engage in learning and take action to bring about change for themselves and their communities.

It uses a range of formal and informal methods of learning and social development with individuals and groups in their communities.

With a focus on removing barriers to learning for the most marginalised people within society, high quality CLD practice creates opportunities for people who:

• have few or no qualifications
• require support to engage in learning opportunities
• face personal, social or systemic barriers in accessing learning and meeting their personal learning goals

CLD learning can take the form of Youth Work activities, Community-based Adult Learning, Family Learning, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), numeracy and literacy classes.

It can be delivered in a variety of environments including schools, colleges and community facilities. Learning is individually tailored to meet specific needs to help remove barriers to learning and work for young people, adults and families. Delivery is offered by practitioners on a one to one basis or within a group depending on the needs of the individual.

There are many actors across the CLD delivery landscape including local authorities (who have a statutory duty to plan CLD provision), third sector organisations, voluntary organisations, colleges, schools and health providers at a national, regional and local level. However, the bulk of professional CLD provision is funded by local authorities in an attempt to meet the needs identified through the CLD planning process.

Independent Review of CLD

The Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Veterans has asked for an independent review of Community Learning & Development in Scotland. The aims of the Review (Terms of Reference) include:

Consider the extent to which CLD is currently delivering desired outcomes and how it is placed to contribute towards the recommendations set out by Professor Ken Muir, Professor Louise Hayward and James Withers for developing an education and skills system that is fit for the future.

The review will make recommendations on where changes may be required to deliver those outcomes through CLD practice in the context of wider education reform, whilst ensuring sector readiness to meet future known or unknown challenges, whilst being mindful of current challenges around public finances.

More specifically, the review will:

• consider the extent to which CLD is contributing to delivering positive outcomes in line with Scottish Government priorities, including examination of the respective roles and responsibilities of those involved;
• provide information and recommendations relating to:
  • effective and consistently measured outcomes delivered through CLD and reported across the sector. This includes data on the CLD workforce, engagement opportunities and outcomes for learners.
  • delivering positive outcomes and improved life chances for marginalised and vulnerable learners in communities, in the context of wider education reform and public finance constraints.
  • a strong and suitably professionalised CLD workforce equipped to deliver high quality outcomes for learners.
  • this will help us to understand the breadth and impact of CLD on learners in Scotland’s communities, and where services support outcomes for marginalised learners.

Why your views matter

In addition to hearing what learners and potential learners think about CLD, the review is also keen to hear from others with an interest in CLD. This may include CLD workers and volunteers, third sector organisations, local government decision-makers or budget-holders, or other service provider e.g. employability support, benefits or money advice, educator, mental health support worker, GP, etc.