Networking benefits

Many CLD volunteers are deployed alongside CLD volunteers in a similar role and have people with whom they can share their experiences, both the highs and the lows. However, many operate in isolation from other CLD practitioners and would welcome the opportunities for networking afforded by CLDSC through the CLD Regional Networks, events and conferences, as well as virtual networking through the idevelop website.

The benefits of professional learning

The CLDSC sees CLD volunteers as professional CLD practitioners

What is the CLD profession? Growing the learning culture in CLD

• The Standards Council’s understanding of the CLD profession is based on the Values, Code of Ethics and Competencies, and:
• Embraces practice, both paid and unpaid, by practitioners with or without formal qualifications;
• Insists that the standards articulated through the CLD values, Code of Ethics and Competencies should guide CLD practice in all contexts;
• Emphasises commitment to value-based, ethical practice and to continued learning and development;
• Recognises that learning opportunities leading to qualifications carrying both professional approval and academic validation bring essential added value to the role and impact of CLD practice.

The CLDSC uses terms like ‘professional learning’ and ‘professional development’ in recognition that practitioners and, in particular CLD volunteers like you, ‘may undertake their learning and development in a practice setting or may participate in a formal learning programme after involvement, paid or unpaid, in CLD practice.’

Professional learning can help you make more of a difference

Some CLD volunteers may be unsure that registration with the CLDSC and Professional Learning is for them. They don’t want to go on to paid work. They enjoy doing what they are doing. This is not only fine ... it’s fantastic and their efforts are making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Many such volunteers not only say they enjoy what they are doing, they say they want to do it well and make as much difference as they can. This is where the range of opportunities available to volunteers will be of interest. Find out more about professional learning opportunities in your area in the Improving Practice section below.

Professional learning can be a pathway to paid work

If I had a tenner for every paid CLD worker who started out as a volunteer and got the bug, I would be a rich woman! Lots of volunteers also use their CLD practice to enhance their CV and find that the CLD competencies are transferrable to other fields of work too. Find out more about how you can gain qualifications through your volunteering in the Improving Practice section below.

The CLDSC wants those CLD volunteers who wish to become qualified to degree level in community learning and development to have as much support and as many opportunities as possible. Information within the Improving Practice section includes the level of accreditation associated with each programme and, where appropriate, where these articulate with undergraduate programmes.