Learning Scotland Newsletter Issue 4 by Lifelong Learning UK

LEARNING SCOTLAND ISSUE 4 – Autumn 2010

An update for the lifelong learning workforce in Scotland

P 05 Employer engagement – what does it really mean for the sector? P 08 The European Parliament in Scotland – learning resources P 09 Meet the Team – Marian Healy, Sector Manager P 10 Log in to Learn and Second Life in North Lanarkshire P 11 Partnerships collaborate to upskill the CLD workforce P 14

Latest news and events

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Editorial Welcome to the fourth edition of Learning Scotland, Lifelong Learning UK’s newsletter for the workforce in Scotland. In this edition we have news from a range of employers and stakeholders including Log in to Learn in North Lanarkshire and the European Parliament. We have also included a feature on our employer engagement activities. This is the most crucial part of our work because, as a Sector Skills Council, the needs of lifelong learning employers must underpin everything we do. We have therefore included some information on how we engage with employers, how this shapes our work, and how you can get involved in our work. Since June Team Scotland has seen a few changes. We have welcomed the arrival of Claire Parker as our new administrator and Fiona Christie as our Research Officer (specialising in the 2010 CLD Workforce Profile). Lynn Hall is still with us but is now devoting all of her time to the CLD Upskilling Programme. We have sadly said goodbye to our Policy Advisor, Kate Glencross (née Sankey). Kate is still working for LLUK, but has relocated to Leeds and started a new role in the Marketing and Communications Team. We have also made the decision to publish future editions of Learning Scotland online with only a limited print run. This has made the publication more environmentally friendly and financially sustainable for the future. We hope you find this accessible. If you are reading this online, and have any feedback on the new format, we would love to hear from you. Christine Fitton Director - Scotland

Who are Lifelong Learning UK? For anyone who is not familiar with Lifelong Learning UK, we are the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the following areas of the lifelong learning sector: career guidance; community learning and development; further education; higher education; libraries, archives and information services; and work based learning. We work closely with employers, stakeholders, other SSCs and governments to find solutions to skills and recruitment issues for the lifelong learning workforce. (Lifelong Learning UK is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC038804). At Lifelong Learning UK Scotland we are keen to hear your views on Learning Scotland. We would also welcome your ideas and suggestions for future articles and features. For further information please contact Jamie Wakefield at jamiewakefield@lluk.org.

LLUK Information and Advice Service The Lifelong Learning UK Information and Advice Service is free and is staffed by experienced practitioners and trainers. The service offers confidential specialist advice on all aspects of working in the lifelong learning sector. You can speak to an adviser about: • careers in the lifelong learning sector • the qualifications you’ll need and what it’s like to be a lecturer, tutor or trainer • advice on financial incentives and funding • continuing professional development

www.lluk.org/ias.htm Contact us on

advice@lluk.org We look forward to helping you.

News round up Lifelong Learning UK Council appoints a new Chair Pat Bacon has been appointed as the new Chair of Lifelong Learning UK’s governing Council, replacing Sir David Melville who is retiring after five years in the role. Pat said “I am excited at the prospect of working with the other members of the Council to ensure that we are doing everything we can to support employers in the lifelong learning sector”. Ms Bacon is Principal of St Helen’s College in Merseyside and has extensive experience in the lifelong learning sector. She serves as a Director of St Helens Chamber and Foundation Degree Forward and is a Past President of the Association of Colleges.

Qualifications news – Youth work and Learning and Development We are currently refreshing the Learning and Development qualifications for Scotland. In July, an online consultation asked lifelong learning professionals to comment on the draft units of two new SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications). Three successful consultation events also took place in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The second draft of the qualifications has been reviewed by an expert working group and it is planned that the new qualifications will be available from January 2011.

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Lifelong Learning UK

The SVQs in Youth Work are also due to be refreshed. We recently held a focus group with employers and stakeholders in Glasgow to discuss the content of the new qualifications which are mapped against the Youth Work National Occupational Standards. This work will lead to new Level 2 and Level 3 SVQs as well as a new Modern Apprenticeship Framework. Marian Healy, Sector Manager for Lifelong Learning UK in Scotland said, “This is a really positive development for the youth work sector. The development of the Level 2 SVQ will open up learning opportunities to many staff and volunteers who wish to start pursuing youth work as a career.” The Youth Work Modern Apprenticeship Framework and SVQs will be available from January 2011. For further information please contact marianHealy@lluk.org

Lifelong Learning UK receives Investors in People Bronze Award We are very pleased to announce that following a recent assessment we have been awarded Investors in People Bronze status. Investors in People is the UK’s leading people management standard, recognising organisations that are committed to continuous improvement through their people. We first achieved the Investors in People standard in 2007 and are very proud to have improved on this over the past three years to achieve Bronze recognition. Sue Dutton, Interim Chief Executive of Lifelong Learning UK said,

Profiling the CLD Workforce in Scotland We will soon undertake research for the 2010 Community Learning and Development (CLD) Workforce Profile. This important piece of work will refresh the data we gathered in 2008. We are really keen to get as many responses as possible from organisations and local authorities delivering CLD (which includes adult learning, youth work and community capacity building). The data we gather will be used to inform future work aimed at upskilling those working and volunteering in CLD. The survey will be available to complete online from 27 September 2010. Completing the survey will give you the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers. For further information please contact fionachristie@lluk.org

“This achievement is a real indication of how far we have progressed as an organisation and is testament to the hard work and commitment that everyone at Lifelong Learning UK and Standards Verification UK has shown”. Sue Dutton

For more information about Investors in People visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

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The Standards are practical resource tools with the ability to support staff at every level of the workforce. NOS can be used to support the full range of human resource development activities. Flexible, free of cost, easily obtained and with the potential to significantly reduce the time, money and effort spent undertaking regular work-related tasks, a growing number of individuals and organisations now stand testimony to the rewards that they can bring in terms of reducing workload, improving effectiveness, reducing resource expenditure and focusing the industry The User Guide provides a clear introduction to the standards explaining how they can be used and providing examples of how they can be applied in the work place. The guide includes a series of step by step guides which show how you can use the NOS to create job descriptions, induct new staff, develop a role profile, identify personal development needs, establish a framework for performance management and support organisational change.

National occupational Standards reviews This year we are reviewing the Work with Parents National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the Information and Library Services, Archive Services and Records Management NOS. We will be working with experts from the sector in each nation to review the Work with Parents NOS this year. This review leads on from recent work to develop a functional map. The intention is to gain approval of the revised NOS by November this year. The Information and Library Services, Archive Services and Records Management standards are wide ranging and cover operational roles and higher level practitioner and managerial roles. The review this year will bring all these roles together to produce a single suite of national occupational standards for libraries, archives and information services. We are currently at the planning stage for this work and will be ensuring that all key stakeholders across the UK can be involved in this important development. We would like to know how you have been using the current NOS, where you feel that there might be gaps or where changes need to be made. Please contact Kim Harman, Standards Advisor, at kimharman@lluk.org to provide your feedback and find out how you can be involved in the consultations

LAIS User Guide

Lifelong Learning UK has developed a User Guide to support practitioners, managers and HR specialists to make the most of the National Occupational Standards for the Libraries, Archives and Information Services sector. The online guide, available on our website at www.lluk. org/3543, demonstrates how to make the most of this freely available, easily accessible resource.

2010 Research Directory The updated Lifelong Learning UK Research Directory is now available online. Updated annually, the research directory includes information about the work we have undertaken since our inception in 2005. The directory also identifies which of our strategic objectives each project links to, those objectives are: 1. Raise employer engagement, demand for and investment in skills. 2. Ensure authoritative labour market information for the sector. 3. Build the capacity and capability of the sector.

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4. Develop and promote national occupational standards and ensure qualifications meet employers’ needs. 5. Ensure internal systems and procedures support effective performance and delivery. For more information about our research or to download a copy of the 2010 Research Directory see: http://www.lluk.org/research.htm

Protecting Vulnerable Groups The Scottish Government have announced that the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme will commence on 30 November 2010 and published a package of guidance and training materials. The Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme) is a new membership scheme that will replace and improve upon the current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. As well as helping to ensure that people who have a known history of harmful or abusive behaviour are unable to work with children and protected adults, it will simplify and speed up the whole disclosure process, making it easier for employers, staff and volunteers to use. Guidance and training materials are available on the Disclosure Scotland website: http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/pvg_index.html

Case Study

Sector Skills Assessment of 2010 - help identify the skills needs of the sector As the Sector Skills Council for the lifelong learning sector we are undertaking the annual Sector Skills Assessment to identify future skills priorities for the UK and for each nation. The findings include skills shortages and skills gaps, along with recommendations for addressing these issues. The online survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and gathers information from across the lifelong learning sector which provides invaluable insight about recruitment, skills of staff, training and workforce development and future skills needs. The survey is available to employers in career guidance, community learning and development, further education, higher education, libraries, archives and information services, and work based learning. How the findings can help you

New Cross Party Group on Volunteering and the Voluntary Sector Leading figures from across the voluntary sector came together in the Scottish Parliament in July to set up a new Cross Party Group on volunteering and the voluntary sector. The meeting, which was convened by Labour’s deputy leader Johann Lamont MSP, saw the election of the convener, vice-convener, secretary and treasurer, as well as setting out the group’s aims. Ms Lamont was elected as convener with Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown taking on the role of vice-convener. Suggestions of possible work strands for the new group include examining what impact the compact process had had on voluntary organisations across Scotland, as well as looking at developing a national volunteering strategy. For more information contact: enquiries@scvo.org.uk

• Understanding the skills gaps and shortages affecting the sector can better prepare your organisation and workforce for the future. • The findings enable you as an employer to plan and develop strategies to prepare for the challenges ahead. • The findings can help you retain employees by providing them with the training and support they need - career paths, etc. • Findings from the research contribute to understanding the sector requirements and to influencing the policies and programmes of the four governments of the UK nations. Get involved To take part in the 2010 Sector Skills Assessment survey www.lluk.org/ssa.htm. Submit your survey response by the 21 September 2010 and enter a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers. For any enquiries contact the Research Team on 020 7375 9340 or e-mail ssa@lluk.org

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Main Story

Employer Engagement – what does it really mean for the sector?

Why is employer engagement important?

• Libraries, Archives and Information Services (The National Library of Scotland) • Higher Education Institutions (University of the West of Scotland and Open University) • Colleges (Kilmarnock College and Stevenson College)

Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) is an independent, employer-led, UK wide organisation designed to build a skills system that is driven by employer demand. It is licensed by Government to do four closely interrelated things: engage with employers; gather Labour Market Intelligence; enable or assist in the development of standards and qualifications; and build the capacity and capability of the lifelong learning sector.

• Work Based Learning (LG Training Scotland)

Knowing our employers and understanding their skills needs is therefore crucial to everything we do.

We gather Labour Market Intelligence from our employers every year via our Sector Skills Assessment profile. This year we will be undertaking a more detailed study of the Community Learning and Development workforce in Scotland. We consult the wider sector as National Occupational Standards (NOS) and qualifications are refreshed and reviewed. It is really important that we consult widely to ensure the distinctiveness of the Scottish lifelong learning sector is understood and articulated in what are UK wide standards, thereby ensuring they are fully fit for purpose for Scottish employers.

Who do we engage with? We regularly meet with lifelong learning sector employers in Scotland. We do this in several ways. Through the work of the Lifelong Learning UK Scotland Committee which meets four times a year and oversees our work in Scotland. Employer representatives on the Scotland Committee include:

• Community Learning and Development (Fife Council) • Career Guidance (Skills Development Scotland) Employer interests are also represented through collective organisations such as Youthlink Scotland, the Scottish Training Federation and the Scottish Library and Information Council.

Our Sector Manager, Marian Healy engages directly with employers by organising face-to-face meetings across Scotland.

The following points highlight just some of the feedback captured by Marian Healy during meetings in 2009 and 2010:

What the colleges are telling us: • They are interested in working closely with Lifelong Learning UK in the development of qualifications and National Occupational Standards (NOS) • They are keen to make more use of NOS • They would like to see Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks utilised across all parts of the lifelong learning sector • They would like an agreed framework for career pathways for college staff • They would like a profile of the college workforce to assist in succession planning • Some colleges would welcome the development of generic qualifications which would allow for greater mobility of staff between the subsectors of lifelong learning • They would like Lifelong Learning UK to: – Continue to promote understanding of the unique and pivotal position of Scotland’s colleges in the learning landscape – Continue to highlight the case for investment in the learning and development of the college workforce – Encourage a cohesive approach to the gathering of Labour Market Intelligence – Provide colleges with feedback from other parts of the lifelong learning sector on whether college provision is fit for purpose

What the universities are telling us: • They are keen to know more about the role and remit of Lifelong Learning UK and how they might work with us in the future • They believe there is scope for them to make better use of NOS (for their own workforce and the NOS for other parts of the lifelong learning sector) • One university was particularly keen to encourage the development of various entry level qualifications into the libraries and community learning and development sectors

• Others expressed an interest in representing their universities on Lifelong Learning UK committees and working groups

What local authorities; work based learning and career guidance employers are telling us:

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What are employers telling us?

• Some universities wanted to share examples of good practice in course provision and in staff development via Learning Scotland

• There is a need for more bite-size, workplace training and/or qualifications to help with recruitment to some areas of the service • There should be better access and articulation routes for those wishing to work in lifelong learning • The time is right for a more holistic and co-ordinated approach to lifelong learning workforce development which would better support the integrated service model of the future • They would like to see greater sharing or resources such as library facilities; sports facilities; etc encouraged • How do they incentivise staff to undertake additional qualifications such as Adult Literacy and ESOL qualifications • Staff have new training needs because they are required to take on enhanced portfolios as a result of rationalisation • There is a need for a national campaign to raise awareness of Modern Apprenticeships to ensure Career Guidance practitioners, parents and young people understand what Modern Apprenticeships are available in Scotland • There is a need to ensure that workforce development and succession planning are not sacrificed in times of shrinking funding • There is a need for more focus on community capacity building work and the CPD/training/qualifications needs of those providing these services Employers from across the sector said that they would like to see the development of more entry level qualifications and Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Frameworks in Scotland. Lifelong Learning UK currently has responsibility for three MA Frameworks - Youth Work, Learning and Development and Advice and Guidance. These MA Frameworks are not included in the Scottish Government’s six economic priority areas so therefore employers putting apprentices through these qualifications cannot offset the cost of salaries and other employment costs against specific apprenticeship funding which is managed by Skills Development Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. Employers in lifelong learning are calling for the Scottish Government to recognise the value of “non traditional” MAs as entry routes to working in the lifelong learning sector and for funding for these MAs to be made available as it is for the more traditionally recognised MA. Employers have also identified two new areas where the development of MAs would enhance the qualifications available to the professions: • Librarianship (including information services) • Technical Specialists

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Why is employer engagement important? A recent example of the way in which employers’ views have shaped our work is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Forum. This was established at the request of the Scotland Committee and contains employers and stakeholders from across the sector. The Forum’s aim is to produce recommendations for all those working in lifelong learning to ensure that the skills issues raised by CfE, are addressed in a comprehensive way. Forum members are keen to encourage the development of joined up Continuing Professional Development opportunities on CfE for the whole sector.

Lifelong Learning UK

News round up

In March 2010 we held an OpenSpace event with our Scotland Committee employers. This was a really productive session which asked employers what they would like LLUK to prioritise over the next 12 months. Responses included:

“Support joined up CPD (Continuing Professional Development) across the sector.” “Encourage better Recognition of Prior Learning.” “Refresh NoS (National occupational Standards) more regularly and promote them to the sector.” Our employers also recommended that we raise awareness of the employer focus of Lifelong Learning UK because this will encourage even more employers to engage with us. Various communications and activities have been planned including this very article.

New database for comparing social returns The Social Return on Investment (SROI) Project, which is being run for the Scottish Government by social enterprise firm Forth Sector, has launched the SROI database of indicators and proxies. This is an important new resource. Based on the past experience of SROI work, it asks you to enter a type of outcome. You are then presented with a list of specific outcomes, indicators and proxies which you might wish to use or adapt in evaluating your own work. http://www.sroiproject.org.uk/sroi-database.aspx

Get involved We are always keen to hear the views of anyone working within the lifelong learning sector. Do you: • Have any recommendations which would improve learning, training and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for people working and volunteering in the learning sector? • Have any thoughts on what types of skills the sector will need in the future? • Have views on the types of qualifications lifelong learning professionals would benefit from? • Have any examples of best practice in CPD for staff and volunteers that you would like to share with the sector? If you would like to know more about our work, please get intouch by emailing Scotland@lluk.org or calling Team Scotland on 0131 221 7900.

Lifelong Learning UK also provides an Information and Advice Service for learning professionals and those interested in working in the sector. For advice e-mail advice@lluk.org or go to www.lluk.org/ias.htm

Family Learning Festival 16-31 october 2010 The Family Learning Festival is the biggest annual celebration of family learning in the UK. Every October, organisations across the country put on thousands of activities that bring families together for fun, informal learning. If you would like to run an event as part of this year’s festival, you will find everything you need at: http://www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk/cfl /flf/index.asp

Comenius is for schools and helps to create partnerships between schools across Europe allowing pupils, students and staff from different countries to work together on joint projects. Comenius also offers in-service training in other European countries for teachers. You can also be, or get for your school, a Comenius Assistant. They can add a European dimension to the school curriculum and also offer classes in their native language.

Did you know that both the European Parliament and European Commission have an office in Scotland? Part of the role of each European Parliament office is an outreach function, to help people understand how the EU works and what European Commissioners and MEPs do. We want to encourage people to take part in the political process, whether by voting in the European Parliament elections every five years, or contributing views and opinions at whatever stage in the legislative and political process. Where possible, the offices will answer questions, advise on organising events, provide resources, speak at meetings, and work with you. If we cannot answer all your questions ourselves we are happy to put you in touch with people who can.

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Erasmus is for higher education and consists of a European Union exchange programme that has so far enabled one million students in 31 European countries to study for part of their degree in another country.

In the UK, the British Council administers Erasmus and Comenius. For more details go to www.britishcouncil. org/socrates Leonardo da Vinci is for professional and vocational training. It funds work placements in other European countries for trainees and apprentices. Ask your college or employer to apply, as applications normally need to be made by institutions rather than individuals: www. leonardo.org.uk Grundtvig enables adult education institutions to cooperate with similar institutions elsewhere in Europe. It covers all types of learning, both ‘formal’ and ‘nonformal’ education for adults. Grundtvig targets the over25s and 16-24 year olds who are no longer in the formal education system: www.grundtvig.org.uk In the UK, Ecotec runs Leonardo and Grundtvig. Finally, there are some good resources online including the EU channel on YouTube www.youtube. com/user/eutube and on the European Parliament’s WebTV service: www.europarltv.europa.eu. For more information on any of the above, please contact: the European Parliament Office in Scotland, The Tun, 4 Jackson’s Entry, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ. Tel 0131 557 7866 or email epedinburgh@europarl.europa.eu the European Commission Office in Scotland, 9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH. Tel: 0131 225 2058.

The European Parliament Office in Scotland has a website dedicated to providing educational and citizenship resources. http://euroacademyonline.eu is an entirely free, open and impartial online resource designed to help learning practitioners, students and citizens gain access to all the best teaching materials on the EU and citizenship.

Lifelong Learning and the European Union The EU has four main schemes under its Lifelong Learning umbrella, all of which have one thing in common: they are about people from different European countries learning together and sharing experiences.

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What does your role involve? My role is wide and varied, very challenging but rewarding. The main areas of my role are to: • promote and enhance LLUK’s image and reputation amongst employers, including planning and organising promotional activities and consultations; • build effective relationships and work in partnership to develop understanding of policy and skills issues across all six of the sector’s constituencies at Scottish level; • act as a coordinating and support resource in Scotland for the Standards & Qualifications Directorate, particularly in the area of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) for which LLUK has responsibility; • promote and manage LLUK’s Scottish Modern Apprenticeships;

Meet the Team

Profile – Marian Healy, Sector Manager What is your background? Prior to joining LLUK, I spent almost fifteen years with the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) as the National Officer for Further and Higher Education where I was responsible for all matters related to FE and HE academic staff which included responsibility for the affairs of the two self-governing associations – the University Lecturers’ Association (EIS-ULA) and the Further Education Lecturers’ Association (EIS-FELA). Shortly after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament the First Minister asked that I serve on an independent committee to review tuition fees and financial support for students normally resident in Scotland and those participating in further and higher education elsewhere in the UK. The Independent Committee of Inquiry on Student Finance, known as the Cubie Committee after its chair Sir Andrew Cubie, presented recommendations to Ministers which in turn helped formulate Government policy and led to the abolition of upfront tuition fees for Scottish students. I have also co-chaired the Staffing, Learners and Learning Environments Working Group of the Ministerial review of Scotland’s FE Colleges which had a remit to look in detail at the difference colleges make (to the learner, the economy and wider society); accountability and governance; staffing and the learning environment; and colleges’ strategic future.

What made you want to work for Lifelong Learning UK?

Its focus on workforce development for all staff within the lifelong learning sector in Scotland was the main attraction. Having spent many years negotiating with FE and HE employers on the terms and conditions for lecturing staff, including their CPD needs, I appreciated that other non teaching staff were often overlooked and their contribution to the success of the sector often unrecognised. Perhaps I can now contribute to redressing the balance.

What are you working on at the moment? I’m currently supporting three initiatives all related to qualifications development for Youth Work SVQ’s; Learning and Development SVQ’s and Community Development SVQ’s. All three involve organising consultations – both on line and face-to-face; identifying and bringing together experts to discuss consultation feedback; engagement with employers and awarding bodies to ensure the final products met their requirements. I’m also working on refreshing Modern Apprenticeships in Youth Work and Learning and Development which will also mean consulting employers to ensure support for the final product before submitting the new qualification to the Scottish Government’s Apprenticeship Group. Additional Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks for the Libraries and Advice and Guidance will be developed once the national occupational standards reviews are completed. As if that is not enough, I am also currently seeking Scottish employers and stakeholders volunteers to assist us with three national occupational standards (NOS) reviews: the Libraries, Archives and Information Services (LAIS) NOS refresh, the Working with Parents NOS refresh and the Career Guidance refresh.

What is the best thing about your job? Meeting employers from across all of Lifelong Learning UK’s remit; having interesting conversations about the best approach to workforce development in these challenging times; assisting the realisation that there is more potential for collaborative working as a consequence of the interconnectivity of the lifelong learning workforce; and finally gaining employers support for a new way of working.

What makes it challenging? Challenging old prejudices and enthusing employers for a new way of working. Certainly this is more difficult in some sub-sectors than others.

And finally, do you have any secret skills? My main skill is talking people into submission so not that easy to keep secret! A skill I keep well hidden is my Irish dancing prowess but I do have a claim to fame as I did once dance, when a very young girl, for President John F. Kennedy.

Case Study

Log in to Learn and Second Life in North Lanarkshire A new 3D virtual learning environment on the Second Life grid has been developed by North Lanarkshire Council’s Learning Through Technology Section with support from the Scottish Libraries and Information Council and the European Social Fund. This provides learners with access to a range of ICT learning resources and career guidance and information. It allows users to create their own avatar or virtual self and then move about within the virtual world, as in a computer game, and access services in a new, more direct way. The Learning Through Technology Section evolved from the old public library reference service and now provides a range of online information and ICT learning resources from learning centres in four town centre libraries in Motherwell, Wishaw, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld. These centres also act as IT access points providing free access to PCs and Internet services and have been rebranded as LogintoLearn Centres The LogintoLearn Centres now provide a range of services including free access to PCs and the Internet, access to subscription based online information resources and personalised learning courses developed on an individual basis for learners. Access to online learning material supporting both informal and formally accredited ICT courses such as Equal Skills, ECDL and Advanced ECDL is available, as is the facility to sit assessments when ready. All this is provided by dedicated staff that provide support to learners. As a means of widening access and of providing 24/7 remote access to services, a dedicated e-learning website, HYPERLINK http://www.logintolearn.com www. logintolearn.com was developed. This now acts as an online interface to the range of services provided and allows learners to engage in online learning from home, work or any other location where they have an Internet connection.

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With the successful development of the e-learning website other platforms for widening access have previously been investigated including iDTV and mobile technology. However, in an attempt to engage with young, disengaged people unwilling to access services in libraries or using traditional menu –based systems, it was felt that harnessing the attraction of 3D virtual environments would allow us to provide access to services in a way that was more attractive to that target group Second Life provides a 3D environment in which users can create an avatar and move about the world and interact with it as can be done in a computer game. Consequently we developed North Lanarkshire Island on the Second Life grid, and provided access to a number of resources there. In the virtual library, you can access the public library catalogue, find locations and summaries of books available for loan, you can access the AskScotland virtual enquiry service, access online information resources, find RSS news feeds from the BBC and get access to the e-learning website. In the museum you can currently see an exhibition on the Apollo moon landings, designed to mark the 40th anniversary of the first landing. There is also a 3D learning experience where you can teleport to a virtual 3D simulation of the lunar landing site and walk about in the Apollo astronauts’ footsteps. There is also a virtual rendition of the local industrial history museum at Summerlee that provides an exhibition on coal and the historical coal and steel making industries of North Lanarkshire. In the virtual Learning Centre, a range of podcasts provide support for learners engaged in studying for the ECDL qualification and in the Learning Pathways to Employment Employability Centre access to information on course, job profiles and careers information is available along with access to local and national employability websites such as North Lanarkshire’s Working, Routes to Work, Learning in Lanarkshire, JobCentre Plus and Careers Scotland To access the service, log on to the Second Life web-site provided by Linden Labs. From there you can download the Second Life viewer and create a your own account and avatar. Then you can teleport to North Lanarkshire Island, or indeed anywhere else in this virtual world. Instructions can also be found on the Second Life page of the LogintoLearn website. The service is currently being promoted to learners by local colleges, NLC’s Community Learning and Development Service and organisations working with young disengaged people. http://www.logintolearn.com/

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The rationale for this was the feedback provided in the Training Needs Analysis and focus groups which showed that priority should be given to the learning and development needs of unqualified staff.

Impact Kevin McDermott is a Strategy Development Officer at Aberdeenshire Council. He explained some of the benefits of the upskilling activities that have taken place in Aberdeenshire and across the North of Scotland:

Partnerships collaborate to upskill the CLD workforce in Scotland Lifelong Learning UK is managing the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Upskilling Programme on behalf of Scottish Government to ensure the appropriate resources, tools and accredited courses are in place for present and future generations of CLD staff. Phase One involved the distribution of funding to all 32 of Scotland’s CLD Partnerships. This has been used by the partnerships to produce local workforce development strategies and widen Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. There are many examples of innovative working.

The North Alliance The North Alliance brings together seven of the CLD Partnerships in the North of Scotland. The North Alliance is managed by a steering group which contains two members from each area (one local authority and one third sector). The group is working to identify and deliver on the training and learning needs of CLD practitioners as part of the Upskilling Programme. Their aim is to create a range of Continuous Professional Development opportunities for staff, and to deliver these in a way which maximises the use of the existing skills base in the area. Each of the seven members of the North Alliance pooled 60 per cent of their Upskilling Programme grant to enable the creation of a Virtual Learning Environment. The North Alliance are now working with a private sector company to plan and design this resource.

Aberdeenshire CLD Partnerships such as Aberdeenshire have used their remaining 40 per cent of the grant to fund new learning opportunities. Aberdeenshire made the HNC Introduction to Community Work qualification available to unqualified staff in the local authority, the third sector and also to local activists/volunteers. The staff and volunteers that have completed the HNC are working in the priority regeneration areas of Aberdeenshire.

“A major Training Needs Analysis was carried out by the Alliance in August 2009. This has given us useful information and has already influenced the development of local in-house training in Aberdeenshire… The project has also allowed us to build links across the partner organisations. It has been very positive and has built the capacity of the North Alliance itself.”

Recommendations for CLD employers We asked Kevin whether he has any recommendations or advice for other CLD organisations that are working to upskill their staff and volunteers? He said: “The biggest lesson we have had is the widening of the steering group to have equal representation of third sector partners. This has brought a different dynamic to the table and an increased focus on volunteers and the needs of practitioners in small charities and organisations. The decision to pool resources to maximise impact and prevent duplication has been a positive development and one which will hopefully make best use of the resources available across the seven local authority areas.”

Next steps – Phase 2 Phase 2 of the Upskilling Programme will begin soon. The main outcomes for this part of the project are: • Support to CLD Partnerships: CLD Partnerships will be given support to develop local, sustainable strategies for workforce development and improve access to CPD opportunities. • National Programmes: Building on Phase1, gaps in learning and development opportunities in relation to the three priority areas (facilitating learner journeys; leadership and management; and working with the most disadvantaged learners) and key policy areas will be addressed in a sustainable way. Phase 2 will involve further grants to the partnerships, more national training programmes and more support from Development Officers. For more information please contact Moira Stewart, Programme Manager on moirastewart@lluk.org or 0131 221 7912.

LearnINg SCoTLAND Issue 4

Case Study

Barnardo’s Works The Barnardo’s Works model is a four-step programme that partners with employers to get young people into work. The Barnardo’s Works services operating across Scotland use a mix of mentoring, wage subsidy and employer partnerships to help young people gain and sustain full-time work. Barnardo’s Works engages with young people experiencing a range of barriers to securing and sustaining employment. The case study below highlights a young girl who overcame her barriers and has now successfully re-engaged with the community by completing her Barnardo’s Works placement in an Administration Role and securing long-term employment. “When I left school I had very little qualifications. I would have struggled to walk straight into a job and my confidence was also quite low. My time at school had been disrupted with several bouts of depression and a long battle with an eating disorder. I then went to various training programmes but none of these offered realistic jobs at the end. I was really keen to get out and work after seeing so many of my friends ending up in a bad way due to bad choices. My Careers Scotland advisor told me about an opportunity with Barnardo’s Works, I went along to the meeting and was accepted. Although it is an administration job that I am in, I am able to see several aspects of the work of the company and in particular the utility services. I thoroughly enjoy this role and have no objection to wearing my steel toe capped boots to work!

I have started work on my ECDL and I also have an accredited First Aid Certificate. In the office I also have weekly tool box talks. Barnardo’s Works have asked me to offer peer support to another girl who has also recently joined the Barnardo’s Works Programme. I have met up with her several times and talked through the issues that she is facing. Barnardo’s Works is appealing to employers to come forward and offer real-life placement and job opportunities to young unemployed people. The Barnardo’s Works programme offers employers access to a pool of untapped young talent, along with excellent opportunities for publicity and opportunities to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility that supports business and recruitment needs and helps tackle youth unemployment.”

“LeT’S WOrK TOgeTHer TO aVOID anOTHer LOST generaTIOn” If you would like further information, please contact Sheelagh Scott on 01382 221944 or sheelagh.scott@barnardos.org.uk.

LearnINg SCoTLAND Issue 4

Events

News round up

SCQF launches new website The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) are delighted to announce the re-launch of their website. The aim of the new site is to allow the SCQF to engage with even more partners and stakeholders in Scotland and beyond. They consulted with a number of stakeholders on requirements for the site via a working group composed of representatives from: • Scottish Qualifications Authority • Skills Development Scotland • University of the West of Scotland • Scottish Police College The site has a completely new homepage layout with a rolling banner to represent the SCQF’s main target audiences. It includes an interactive Framework diagram with information on mainstream programmes offered by SQA, colleges and universities, with links to the SCQF database. The new ‘About Us’ section provides information on the SCQF Partnership, the Board of Management and Executive Team. There is also new information for Credit Rating Bodies and a new section on Recognition of Prior Learning.

Standards Council consults on CPD Strategy The Standards Council for Community Learning and Development (CLD) would like to invite comments on its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Strategy Statement.

http://www.scqf.org.uk/ The SCQF are keen to hear any comments on the revised site. Please send feedback to info@scqf.org.uk

The Statement will inform the design, building and ongoing development of a Framework that all practitioners and employers can use to enhance the effectiveness of their own learning and the quality and impact of the learning programmes they deliver. The Standards Council’s vision for all CLD practitioners is that their participation in Continuous Professional Development activities will be a central and established part of their practice. Through this they will both demonstrate and enhance their commitment to a culture of learning, underpinned by the values and competences of CLD: • Where learning is celebrated, recognised and encouraged • Where learning is reflected on and shared • Where challenge is relished and embraced • Where critical reflection is embedded in practice • Where individuals can explore learning related to their role throughout their careers Contributions are invited and welcomed that will enhance these ambitions; challenge and sharpen the aspirations implicit in the vision; develop the establishment of a new learning culture, and clarify further the implications for and the benefits to practitioners, employers and communities. http://www.cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/CPD/ Strategy-consultation

online CPD network The Linked Work and Training Trust is inviting people to join its Continuing Professional Development Network: IMPACT. This is a virtual network for anyone with an interest in the concept of Continuing Professional Development, which gives access to a range of resources and materials. http://www.lwtt.org.uk/

Third Sector Skills Partnership Bernadette Monaghan has been appointed as Project Director for the newly established Third Sector Skills Partnership, to support and promote the development of skills within the third sector. She will be responsible for driving forward the development and implementation of a proposed Third Sector Skills Framework workplan. The role is supported by funding from the Scottish Government.

Events

LearnINg SCoTLAND Issue 4

Lifelong learning UK

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 – free training Dates: 10,15,16 & 20 September Venue: Stirling

Scotland’s universities have economic impact of over £6billion New research shows that Scotland’s universities have an economic impact worth over £6 billion gross value added. The university sector supports a total of 150,000 jobs in Scotland directly and indirectly; around 70 per cent of which are not employed in universities. http://www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/uploads/latest/ Biggar%20summary%2015%20June10.pdf

Employability in Scotland website This website has been designed as a practical guide for anyone who is involved in employability. It provides a range of information, insights and practical examples which will be useful for: funders of employability services; project/service managers from employability, regeneration, health and other related services; and practitioners and frontline workers involved in an array of different services. The website is one element of the Employability Learning Network, which is facilitated by The Scottish Government. http://www.employabilityinscotland.com/

http://www.crbs.org.uk/Default.aspx?TabId=433

Using the SCQF in the workplace – free events for employers Dates: 7 September & 7 December 2010 Venue: Glasgow http://www.scqf.org.uk/News/Updates. aspx?nostats=t

‘Community Development - Now More than Ever’ – Community Development Alliance Scotland conference Dates: 21 September Venue: Hampden, Glasgow http://www.communitydevelopment alliancescotland.org/

Scottish Training Federation Conference and Awards Ceremony Dates: 22 September Venue: Radisson Hotel, Glasgow To find out more: http://www.stf.org.uk/events

Scottish Learning Festival Dates: 22-23 September Venue: SECC, Glasgow http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/slf/

Working in a digital age – the 10th anniversary e-books conference Dates: 21 October Venue: Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh http://www.slainte.org.uk/events/EvntShow. cfm?uEventID=2507

Institute of Career Guidance Annual Conference and Exhibition

Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland launches new website The Alliance in Scotland has launched a new ‘microsite’ containing a wealth of information on their work in Scotland. This includes contact details of all of the members of the Alliance and the latest news on Modern Apprenticeships. http://www.alliancescotland.org/home/ home.aspx

Dates: 4-5 November Venue: Belfast http://www.icg-uk.org/annual_conference_2010.html

SQA Star Awards Dates: 5 November Venue: Glasgow http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/sqastarawards/

Key employers and stakeholders for the Lifelong Learning UK workforce in Scotland

General Stakeholders

Community learning and development (CLD) 32 local authorities Voluntary sector • Communities Team – LTS • CLD Standards Council for Scotland • Scotland’s Colleges • Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) • SDS, Careers Scotland • SDS, learndirect Scotland • Community Learning and Development Managers Group in Scotland (CLDMS) • Community Learning and Development Advisory Group, LLUK • Joint ETS (Education and Training Standards) • Learning Link Scotland • Youthlink • Youth Scotland • HMIe

• Scottish Government • Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) • SCQF • Skills Development Scotland (SDS) • Highlands & Islands Enterprise • Scottish Enterprise • City & Guilds • Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) • HMIe • Scottish Leadership Foundation • Learning and Teaching Scotland • OCR • QAA • COSLA

Lifelong Learning UK Scotland

Career guidance • SDS, Careers Scotland • Institute of Career Guidance • Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services (AGCAS) Scotland • Scotland’s Colleges • Universities Scotland • National Association for the Educational Guidance of Adults (NAEGA) • Scottish Guidance Association

Further education (FE) 43 Scottish colleges • Scotland’s Colleges • SDS, Careers Scotland • Scottish Funding Council (SFC) • Professional Development Forum

Libraries, archives and information services (LAIS) Higher education (HE) 20 Higher education institutions • Universities Scotland • Higher Education Academy (HEA) • SDS, Careers Scotland • Scottish Funding Council (SFC) • Scotland’s Colleges • Higher Education and Technicians Educational Development (HEaTED)

Work based learning (WBL) Work based learning providers • Sector Skills Councils • Private Training & Consultancy Providers • WEA Scotland • SDS, Careers Scotland • Scotland’s Colleges • Scottish Training Federation (STF) • SDS, learndirect Scotland • Scottish Enterprise • Highlands and Islands Enterprise

530 public libraries and archives, university and college libraries, information services • SLIC • CILIPS • National Library of Scotland (NLS) • National Archives of Scotland • SDS, Careers Scotland • Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) • Society of Archivists, Scotland • Scottish Council on Archives