Appendix 2 - Community Learning and Development Plan 2024-2027
Perth and Kinross Council · 16 September 2026
Back to Learning and Families Committee — 16 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality
Page 2
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 2 As Chair of the Perth and Kinross Council Learning and Families Committee, I am delighted to introduce the new Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027. The plan sets out the contribution that the Community Learning and Development Partnership will make to supporting learners and communities over the next 3 years. As we support our communities through the current cost-of-living crisis, Community Learning and Development has a huge role to play by supporting and empowering communities, providing programmes of training and resources, building skills, increasing community empowerment, and more. By focussing on the most vulnerable people in our communities, Community Learning and Development functions and partners play a key role in improving people’s life chances. The Community Learning and Development Plan demonstrates clear links to the priorities of the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and the new Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan. I am keen for this plan to be a “live” document that will change and adapt to the needs of our communities between now and 2027. Councillor John Rebbeck Convenor, Learning and Families Committee Introduction
Page 3
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 3 Community Learning and Development is a method of working with groups and individuals of all ages to engage in learning, personal development and active citizenship. The Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework clearly defines the specific focus of Community Learning by partners which should be to: • improve life chances for people of all ages, including young people in particular, through learning, personal development and active citizenship • create stronger, more resilient, supportive, influential and inclusive communities Support is focused on disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups with the aim of bringing about change in their lives and communities. The term refers to a distinctive process of engagement and support with content that is negotiated with learners. Community Learning and Development activity has a strong focus on early intervention, prevention, tackling inequalities and includes the following: • youth work, family learning and other early intervention work with children, young people and families • community-based Adult Learning including Adult Literacies and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • learning for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and individuals, for example people with disabilities, have care-leaving experience or have a history of offending • Community Development (building the capacity of communities to meet their own needs, engaging with and influencing decision- makers) • volunteer development and support Introduction to Community Learning and Development
Page 4
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 4 The Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013 place a statutory requirement on local authorities to publish a plan every 3 years, outlining how it will co-ordinate and secure “adequate and efficient” Community Learning and Development provision with other sector partners. Whilst Perth and Kinross Council are required by legislation to lead on meeting the requirements of the Community Learning and Development Regulations, it is important to note that partners must also be meaningfully involved, taking collective ownership and responsibility to produce, implement and review the Community Learning and Development Plan.
Page 5
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 5 Perth and Kinross the place
Page 6
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 6 Our Community Learning and Development Partnership comprises a mix of thematic and locality-focused groupings. The Partnership helps identify issues and inequalities within our communities and enables the delivery and monitoring of the Community Learning and Development Plan, whist adhering to the principles, ethics and competencies set out by the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland. • Empowerment – increasing the ability of individuals and groups to influence matters affecting them and their communities. • Participation – supporting people to take part in decision-making. • Inclusion, equality of opportunity and anti-discrimination – recognising some people need additional support to overcome the barriers they face. • Self-determination – supporting the right of people to make their own choices. • Partnership – ensuring resources and the range of skills and capabilities available are used effectively. The diagram below shows in blue the services and teams that make up the Community Learning and Development Leadership Group. Local thematic and geographical partnerships are shown in red and collectively the leadership group and partnerships make up the Perth and Kinross CLD Partnership. The Perth and Kinross Community Learning and Development Partnership
Page 7
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 7
Page 8
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 8 Perth and Kinross Council has the statutory responsibility for planning and overseeing delivery of effective Community Learning and Development services. Responsibility for co-ordinating the day-to-day delivery of the Community Learning and Development Plan sits with the Community Learning and Development Leadership Group. This group comprises of Service Managers and Senior Team Leaders from Perth and Kinross Council and partner services that deliver Community Learning and Development functions. Oversight of the Community Learning and Development Plan sits with the Learning and Families Committee, who receive an annual report on progress. The Perth and Kinross Community Planning Partnership Board will also receive an annual report on progress and Community Learning and Development functions contribution to delivery of the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan. Strategic overview of the CLD Plans contribution to delivering the LOIP. Approval and overview of CLD Plan delivery and annual reports on progress Receives progress report and key improvement actions. Monitors CLD Plan delivery and tackles barriers to progress Governance and reporting arrangements CPP Board Learning and Families Committee Executive Leadership Team CLD Leadership Group Executive Leadership Team
Page 9
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 9 The most recent Progress Visit by Education Scotland to review implementation of the Community Learning and Development Plan took place in April 2024. Key strengths identified: • Community Learning and Development services are clearly targeting and working with the most vulnerable people in Perth and Kinross • there was good evidence on how services use data, such as locality profiles to target areas of need • the parenting support programme PEEP was identified as an example of excellent practice and will be shared across Scotland • the Green Living Fund and Community Investment Fund are good examples of enabling communities to develop local solutions which address local problems Areas for improvement included: • raising awareness of the Community Learning and Development Plan amongst a wider range of partners • ensuring young people and community groups are included in the planning of Community Learning and Development and identifying priorities • extending our internal training offer to include staff and volunteers from partner organisations Education Scotland Progress Visit
Page 10
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 10 A number of methods were used to help inform the priorities for the new Community Learning and Development Plan: • a survey of stakeholders, including the Community Learning and Development Partnership, learners and staff, asking for their views on how Community Learning and Development can help tackle the themes of: o reducing poverty o mental wellbeing o digital participation o learning and development o employability • a review of key data, including locality profiles, performance data from services and other sources of evidence, such as Community Action Plans • ensuring that the priorities for the Community Learning and Development Plan align and support the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Council Corporate Plan Consulting on the new Community Learning and Development Plan
Page 11
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 11 What we learned and priorities for the Community Learning and Development Plan Priority: Tackling poverty Perth and Kinross has a reputation as an affluent place to live with higher-than-average rates of employment. However, many children and households experience the damaging effects of poverty, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and current cost-of-living crisis present significant challenges for many of our households. Approximately one in four children in Perth and Kinross are living in poverty. What people told us about this priority: • Tackling poverty effectively involves a multi-agency approach that values lived experience, combats stigma, and centres solutions around community hubs to ensure inclusive, community-driven support. • Addressing poverty requires improving employment opportunities and providing access to learning and upskilling (including young people), which are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering economic empowerment. • Tackling poverty effectively depends on well-funded outreach services, supported by dedicated volunteers, to strengthen community connection and provide crucial assistance to those in need. Priority: Mental wellbeing The mental wellbeing of adults and young people was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis and evidence from the Health and Social Care Partnership shows a major increase in demand for mental wellbeing support. What people told us about this priority: • Training around mental wellbeing educates individuals on recognising and addressing, while promoting and understanding of its importance helps create a more informed and empathetic environment.
Page 12
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 12 • Early intervention in schools can significantly enhance mental wellbeing by identifying and addressing mental health issues early, providing support through counselling and mental health education and fostering a supportive school environment with students and parents. • Focus on practices such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, building strong social connections, engaging in meaningful activities, managing stress through alternative therapies. Priority: Skills, lifelong learning and employability Good digital skills and the confidence to use them has become increasingly important and has highlighted issues with connectivity, technology and individual capacity. Community Learning and Development services focus on those who need the greatest support to bridge the “digital divide.” What people told us about this priority: • Training opportunities should be co-ordinated and promoted locally including pathways to employment. • Digital hubs in communities, could also include banking and advice hubs with devices available to use. These could be in schools, libraries and/or community centres/village halls. • Intergenerational learning and Digital Champions in local venues could increase digital skills. Access to learning and development opportunities is a priority for those in formal and informal education. Community Learning and Development provision helps to support individuals and communities to build their skills, confidence and resilience. Ways of delivering learning have also evolved and changed with a particular focus on our most vulnerable communities such as those seeking asylum and gypsy travellers.
Page 13
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 13 What people told us about this priority: • Improve accessibility to learning. This should include having a variety of opportunities such as drop-ins. Also, increase the accessibility of suitable venues, times and childcare to reduce the barriers. • Involve communities more in the design and delivery of learning opportunities for all ages. • Improve accessibility to learning including digital access and suitable venues such as empty shop units which could be utilised by community organisations to carry out outreach work. Employability is about an enhanced focus on upskilling for those seeking employment and supporting adults and young people in a fast- changing job market, enabling people to enter, sustain and progress into further education and work. Community Learning and Development services supports the Local Employability Partnership bringing by providing the skills, qualifications and confidence to engage in more formal employability programmes. What people told us about this priority: • Formal and informal education opportunities need to match the job market trends. • Have a clear strategic approach with an identified lead to bring together employers, educational establishments and community organisations to network and collaborate. • Work with employers to increase the number of work experience, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities available. Priorities for the Community Learning and Development Plan Based on the findings from the consultation exercise and a review of relevant information and data, the following are priorities for the 2024 to 2027 Community Learning and Development Plan: • Tackling poverty in our communities • Working in partnership with communities to meet local need and develop resilient communities
Page 14
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 14 • Supporting children, young people and families to improve their outcomes • Developing a stronger and greener local economy and supporting lifelong learning and employability support • The mental wellbeing of children, young people and adults
Page 15
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 15 Several years of analysis show clear inequalities in education, health and other outcomes for certain groups, particularly those living with poverty. We recognise that in these challenging times for all services, including Community Learning and Development, it won’t be possible to reach everyone who may need them, but early Community Learning and Development intervention and prevention work may stop bigger challenges emerging. Perth and Kinross Council does not offer universal Community Learning and Development across the whole area but targets priority groups and communities. This allows us to disperse delivery across Council services and ensure that this work is built into service management and improvement plans. Community Learning and Development partners will work together over the lifetime of the plan to make best use of resources to meet the need of specific communities and priority groups. Unmet need
Page 16
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 16 In collaboration with the Tayside and Fife Professional Learning Alliance, a consultation exercise was conducted across the region between March and June 2024 to gather the learning needs of Community Learning and Development practitioners. There were 6 clear themes which emerged from the consultation exercise which we have used to form the basis of our workforce development agenda. Theme Current Context Mental Health Workforce development initiatives include mental health training for Community Learning and Development professionals, equipping them with the skills to identify, understand, and support mental health issues within the community. Workshops and certificated programmes in mental health first aid and trauma-informed practices are integral components, ensuring staff are prepared to provide empathetic and effective support to community members. Community Development Central to the Community Learning and Development Plan is the empowerment of local communities through capacity building and development. By fostering skills in facilitation, partnership building, and resource mobilisation, the workforce is better equipped to support community-led initiatives, promote meaningful engagement, and enhance social cohesion. Digital Community Learning and Development Practice Staff receive training in digital tools and platforms that facilitate remote learning and community engagement. This includes a comprehensive package of Microsoft 365 training and ensuring digital inclusion for all community members. By embracing digital transformation, Community Learning and Development practitioners can expand their reach and adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Developing the workforce
Page 17
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 17 Theme Current Context Working with groups Targeted training in practical tools and skills for managing group dynamics and behaviour through delivery of accredited SQA opportunities and Organisational Development opportunities. This encompasses techniques for creating inclusive and supportive group environments, conflict resolution strategies, and methods for encouraging active participation and collaboration. Using data to demonstrate impact Training available to Community Learning and Development staff in evaluation techniques and data analysis to measure the impact of their work accurately. This includes the use of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather meaningful insights and the application of these findings to refine and improve service delivery which is overseen by the Community Learning and Development Leadership Group. Continuous professional development in data literacy and impact assessment ensures that Community Learning and Development practitioners can demonstrate the value of their work and make informed decisions based on evidence. Pathways to Community Learning and Development Qualifications Strategies include the delivery of PDA in Youth Work and SVQ in Community Development as well as supporting practitioners to undertake Community Learning and Development Standards Council approved University courses. Key Action Lead Services Work alongside the Tayside and Fife Professional Learning Network to identify and deliver opportunities in line with these themes. TFPLA Community Learning and Development Leadership Group
Page 18
Community Learning and Development Plan 2024 to 2027 A Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality 18 If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion, only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000. You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145. All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility. BSL users can contact us via Contact Scotland BSL, the online British Sign Language video relay interpreting service. Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website https://contactscotland-bsl.org