Policy
Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities (WALT) set out a long term framework for the development of community learning and development (CLD). This policy was refreshed and reinforced in 2008 when the Scottish Government and CoSLA launched "Building on Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities: the Scottish Government/COSLA Joint Statement on community learning and development (CLD), including adult literacy and numeracy (ALN). This is known as the Joint Statement. It sets out a joint Scottish Government and CoSLA vision for CLD in Scotland and offers a resource, prompting those responsible for developing Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) to reflect on and maximise the contribution CLD makes.
Actions from the joint statement
The Joint Statement set out a range of actions at national level which are now being put into practice by the Scottish Government:
"COSLA and the Scottish Government will work with existing networks of organisations with an interest in CLD at national level to build their ability to influence policy and, in turn, influence improved delivery at local level".
The Scottish Government continues to work closely with national bodies such as Education Scotland, the CLD Standards Council, Community Learning and Development Managers Scotland, Youthlink, Learning Link, Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and other stakeholders to develop existing networks.
"COSLA and the Scottish Government will work with other partners to ensure that the new Standards Council for CLD is able to fulfil its role to drive up standards in CLD".
The Scottish Government has been working in partnership with the Standards Council for CLD on a range of common topics such as: the CDP Strategy and Framework and the Competencies Framework.
"COSLA and the Scottish Government will produce a set of case studies illustrating how CLD contributes to the delivery of outcomes".
"Making an Impact" was published on the Scottish Government publications website on 31 August 2010, fulfilling this commitment. The case studies have been endorsed by both COSLA and the Minister for Schools and Skills, who signed a joint covering letter to key policy makers and decision makers throughout Scotland. The letter commended the report as an illustration of the ways in which CLD contributes significantly at both local and national level to achieving the purpose of the Scottish Government.
"COSLA and the Scottish Government will work with ALN partners to explore the usefulness of continued common forms of information gathering, where that is useful to local partners".
COSLA and CLD Managers Scotland are key members of the national strategic advisory group, advising the Scottish Government on the refreshed Adult Literacy and Numeracy Strategy for Scotland. COSLA will be important partners in rolling out the ALN strategy throughout Scotland. CLD Managers Scotland is an organisation which represents the managers of a variety of services in Scotland's Local Authorities that deliver CLD services. The group is working with ALN partnerships throughout Scotland to establish effective management information systems which are suited to local needs.
" Upskilling the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Workforce"
The Joint Statement on CLD between COSLA and the Scottish Government stated that they were looking for "nothing less than a transformation in the focus on the difference that CLD can make". The Scottish Government committed £3.4m for 2009-11 in support of the up-skilling of the CLD workforce across Scotland. More information on this programme can be found in the Workforce Development pages.
Back to contents