The Golden Thread
The Requirements for Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013, place a legal requirement on local authorities to provide leadership and direction ensuring that third sector organisations and other public services are working effectively together. The CLD Regulations are subordinate legislation made under section 2 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Section 1 of the 1980 Act requires each local authority to secure adequate and efficient provision in their area of both school education and further education, which includes CLD, and is not age limited.
A strong 'golden thread' runs through the planning approach adopted by West Lothian Council and its Community Planning Partners, and this approach links the Community Learning and Development Plan to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan, as well as the Council's Corporate Plan, and the Education Services Management Plan.
The 'golden thread' also links the CLD Plan to some of the key strategies developed and adopted by both the Community Planning Partnership and the Council, including the Anti-Poverty Strategy, Corporate Parenting Strategy, Economic Development Strategy, and shared goals relating to Community Safety, Health and Wellbeing and Developing the Young Workforce. The CLD Plan also contributes to both the Council's Raising Attainment Strategy and the Scottish Government's National Improvement Framework for Education.
In this way, the CLD Plan demonstrates a commitment to joint planning and shared approaches with partners and communities, and a commitment to leadership in the implementation and application of the priorities identified by communities both in the preparation of this plan, and in the community consultations accompanying the production of other plans and strategies affecting communities.
In West Lothian, the CLD Steering Board oversees the strategic direction and joint working of community learning and development and includes representation from third sector and public services working with children, young people, adults, families and communities.
The CLD Partnership Plan will be reported to and monitored by the Community Planning Partnership.
The Community Planning Partnership (CPP) takes a lead role ensuring:
- Local strategies and plans are informed by effective assessment of needs and strengths in the community.
- Assessment is based on engagement and continued dialogue with communities, utilising CLD expertise, as well as on analysis of other information.
- The Local Outcome Improvement Plan has a clear focus on prevention and community empowerment as the foundation of reformed public services and uses CLD provision and methods for these purposes.
- Review current partnership arrangements for planning, monitoring and evaluating CLD and ensure that they are fit for the purposes set out in the 'The Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships: Community Learning and Development ', issued in 2012 Strategic Guidance.
