Community Learning and Development: Strategic Plan for Cld in Argyll and Bute 2024-2027
Argyll and Bute Council · 12 December 2024
Back to Community Services Committee — 12 December 2024 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 12 DECEMBER 2024 COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT: STRATEGIC PLAN FOR CLD IN ARGYLL AND BUTE 2024-2027 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report updates the Community Services Committee on the development of the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. 1.2 The CLD Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships (2012) set out expectations on Community Planning Partnerships (CPP) to use CLD approaches to public service reform and to develop a clear framework for the planning and delivery of CLD by the Local Authority and partners. 1.3 The CLD Regulations of 2013 required a three-year partnership plan for CLD to be developed by Argyll and Bute Council through liveArgyll by 1 September 2024. This plan is subject to scrutiny through Argyll and Bute CLD Strategic Partnership. 1.4 A strategic CLD Partnership is in place, involving key partners across the sector, with a clear remit and governance structure. During the preparation of the new plan all relevant local and national plans were reviewed in a CLD context, policy drivers considered, partner data analysed and a consultation exercise undertaken with learners to identify local need and emerging priorities. There is clear synergy between the identified CLD priorities and those of the CPP. 1.5 The most recent inspection by Education Scotland of the CLD Service in Argyll and Bute took place in 2021 when HMIe were satisfied with improvements being made and disengaged from the inspection process which had begun in 2019. In January 2023 HMIe carried out a scheduled CLD Progress Visit to Argyll and Bute. The visit was positive with strengths identified, and any areas for development have been incorporated into the 2024-2027 CLD Plan. 1.6 Members are invited to: • Note the areas for action identified in the new plan; • Consider and approve the CLD Partnership Strategic Plan for 2024-2027.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 12 DECEMBER 2024 COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT: STRATEGIC PLAN FOR CLD IN ARGYLL AND BUTE 2024-2027 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report sets out the requirements for each local authority to develop a three- year partnership plan for Community Learning, and detail how the new partnership plan was developed and the reporting arrangements that have been put in place. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Community Services Committee: 3.1 Note the areas for action identified in the new plan; 3.2 Consider and approve the CLD Partnership Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The CLD Standards Council Scotland’s Strategic Guidance defines the purpose of CLD as: i. Improved life chances for people of all ages, through learning, personal development and active citizenship; ii. Stronger, more resilient, supportive, influential and inclusive communities. 4.2 CLD is defined as approaches by a range of partners/learning providers which seek to meet the above outcomes through: • community development (building the capacity of communities to meet their own needs, engaging with and influencing decision makers); • 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);
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• Learning for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the community, for example, people with disabilities, care leavers or offenders; • Working with individuals and communities to improve their health and wellbeing; • Volunteer development; • Learning support and guidance in the community. 4.3 The present CLD governance structure has been in place since June 2021, and includes clear monitoring/reporting arrangements and performance scrutiny. The Council’s Education Service undertakes the client role and is the key contact for liaison with Education Scotland. Argyll and Bute Council is statutorily responsible for the effective provision of CLD in the authority area. LiveArgyll, an Arm’s Length External Organisation (ALEO) is responsible for ensuring that CLD as delivered articulates the four statutory obligations, as set out in the Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013: 1) To be clear about what CLD is and who the priority groups for CLD provision are within their authority – liveArgyll will deliver all CLD service requirements that meet both the service specification set out by the Council and Education Scotland requirements. 2) To secure CLD provision in the area by looking at the needs of the priority groups and individuals; 3) To involve and consult with priority groups, individuals and stakeholders to find out what they need and want – an extensive consultation process precedes the development of the new CLD plan priorities. 4) To create and publish a CLD plan every three years – liveArgyll have taken on the lead role in the development of each new plan and in establishing the CLD Strategic Partnership. Progress reports are prepared for the Community Services Committee and Local Area Planning Groups on an annual basis. Along with the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership, the CLD will report to the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP) Outcome 3 (Community Wellbeing) lead who will in turn report on the work of the CLD Strategic Partnership to the CPP Management Committee. 4.4 In developing the CLD Plan 2024-2027, the CLD consulted with 829 learners and wider community groups, to establish what they consider to be the most important priorities for CLD in the area. This exercise included a survey and focus groups targeting specific learners and target groups. The CLD Strategic Partnership has identified some gaps from the consultation process, which was anticipated due to a variety of factors. Further consultations and surveys are scheduled in year one with young people through Partner Youth provision, Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), Youth Action
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Groups (YAG) and wider engagement. Findings will be relayed back to the CLD Partnership. 4.5 In the 2024-2027 Plan, CLD needs in Argyll and Bute continue to be grouped under six key themes: • Digital skills • Core skillss for learning, life and work • Health and wellbeing • Your voice • The learner offer • Improve how we work as a partnership The action plan sets out shared priorities for the next three years to improve outcomes for individuals and communities across Argyll and Bute. There will also be an increased focus on maximising our ability to measure the impact of our delivery around these themes, as was recommended by inspectors during the HMIe Progress Visit in January 2024. The CLD Strategic Partnership will monitor progress and impact and produce an annual self-evaluation report on performance and impact to Argyll and Bute Council and the Community Planning Partnership. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 Members are asked to approve the CLD Strategic Partnership Plan for 2024- 2027. The work of the CLD Strategic Partnership over the coming three years will build on identified strengths and incorporate improvements outlined by HMIe at inspection. It will focus on individuals and communities who are most disadvantaged with the aim of bringing about positive change in their lives and in our communities across Argyll and Bute. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – The development of the CLD Plan supports the delivery of national and local outcomes. The Community Learning Service and CLD provision make a significant contribution to Outcome 3 of the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan. 6.2 Financial – None. 6.3 Legal – The council is required to publish a three-year Community Learning Plan as set out in the Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013. 6.4 HR – None
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6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities – No recommendations in this report will have a potential negative impact on any particular group or discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity or religion and belief. The CLD Plan 2024-2027 seeks to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable and least advantaged in our communities. 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - None 6.5.3 Islands – None 6.6 Climate Change - None 6.7 Risk – any potential risks are minimised via strong management/performance scrutiny and governance arrangements. 6.8 Customer Service – the needs of priority groups and individuals will be met in line with the Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – CLD provision includes Youth Work and engagement with young people of school age. Article 29 of the UNCRC states Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to: (a) The development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential; (d) The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society. Douglas Hendry, Executive Director with responsibility for Education Councillor Audrey Forrest, Policy Lead for Education For further information contact: Paul Ashworth – Services and Support Manager liveArgyll Telephone: 01369 708591 Email: Paul.Ashworth@liveargyll.co.uk 12th December 2024