Community Learning and Development in Aberdeenshire Council

The Community Learning and Development Service (CLD) sits within Aberdeenshire Council’s wider Education and Children’s Service and aims to meet the expectations set by the CLD Standards Council for Scotland.  Our staff work through informal learning to deliver positive change in communities and in the personal lives of those living and working in our council area and in particular where our services are most needed.

In Aberdeenshire the CLD Service plays a key role in delivering the Education & Children’s Service Strategic vision.

Working together for fairer and better lives

Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) Service is organised into 2 teams, each managed by a Team Leader.

• Adult Learning and Communities

• Youth and Communities

Adult Learning

In Aberdeenshire, adult learning staff deliver learning to develop the person, the family and their community. Our core principles are that adult learning is lifelong, beginning in the Early Years, supported by Curriculum for Excellence and covering the whole age span of post compulsory education; it is life-wide, covering the personal, work, family and community aspects of living, and is learner-centred. The educational process builds around the interests and motives of the learner.

Community Development 

We recognise that Aberdeenshire communities are full of individuals and groups who want to make a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for all. Through community development work we increase participation in groups and decision making processes to ensure that our less powerful or networked communities can participate as full and equal partners.

Youth Work

Through our early intervention approach, we provide a wide range of learning opportunities for young people who are facing transitions. Our programmes support young people to overcome challenges, develop a wide range of skills and gain accreditation for their learning. Through a range of youth voice initiatives, we support young people locally, regionally and nationally to participate in youth engagement, representation and democracy.

Senior Community Learning and Development Worker: In this role you work directly with Communities and Partnerships to drive forward the Community Learning and Development Service priorities.  Senior CLD Workers are responsible for the line management of our local CLD staff and support to volunteers and for planning and evaluation activity as part of the Team they are in.

Essential Criteria – Degree in Community Learning and Development or equivalent as recognised by the CLD Standards Council for Scotland. Commitment to continuing professional development. 

Community Learning and Development Worker: In this role you work within the community to promote, develop and deliver Community Learning and Development in a designated area in line with national priorities and identified need.

Essential Criteria – Degree in Community Learning and Development or equivalent as recognised by the CLD Standards Council for Scotland. Commitment to continuing professional development. 

View the full Job Profile here.

Community Learning and Development Assistant: In this role you work within the community to contribute to the promotion, development and delivery of Community Learning and Development in a designated area in line with national priorities and identified need.

Essential Criteria - Academic achievement to SCQF level 6 (Higher) or equivalent transferrable experience and skills.

Session Leader: In this role you will help facilitate personal, social and educational growth in young people in the 11 to 25 age group and/or with adults, in a variety of settings, to help them reach their full potential within the community. 

Essential Criteria – SVQ Level 2, Highers or equivalent relevant experience and skills. 

Volunteer: In addition, there are opportunities for volunteering in the CLD Service.

For more information on the opportunities in the Community Learning and Development Service, please contact cld@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

To view any current opportunities, please visit My Job Scotland.