Registration

Registration

The issue of registration for CLD practitioners has been discussed for over a decade – the consultation following the Community Education Training Review found that “Support for a registration scheme and its benefits were definitely articulated. A clear majority was evident in the written responses, with the seminars more ambiguous. Respondents wanted to see any development addressing the perception that it might be seen as exclusive. Nonetheless, the consultation indicated a positive desire to explore the potential of registration, and supported the development of concrete proposals.” (Empowered to Practice, Scottish Executive: 2003).

The CLD Standards Council has been tasked by the Scottish Government with considering and establishing a system of registration for CLD practitioners. The Registration Committee, after months of discussion and scrutiny of existing models in comparable fields, has recommended that we pursue a voluntary model of registration for workers, managers, training providers and others involved in CLD. The core criteria for all applicants, regardless of the category they register within, will be:

• making a clear commitment to the CLD values and competences
• signing up to a CLD Code of Practice
• committing to ongoing development and improvement of practice.

There will be a small number of categories of registration depending on qualifications and experience. The committee will work on the details of these and consult with the field before finalising the model. This consultation will begin with a series of events and around the content of a Code of Practice / Ethics for the CLD field.

We hope this will foster a strong sense of identity and a shared understanding of professionalism within CLD and its constituent strands. This understanding will be reflected in an increased awareness of and respect for our work by other partners.