What is Community Learning and Development? 
"Community learning and development (CLD) is learning and social development work with individuals and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. A common defining feature is that programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants…(CLD's) main aim is to help individuals and communities tackle real issues in their lives through community action and community-based learning."
(Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities, Scottish Government Guidance for Community Learning and Development, 2004)
For further information on the difference that CLD can make through personal development and building community capacity, see Delivering Change: understanding the outcomes of CLD.
What does the Learning Connections CLD Team do?
Learning Connections has two key roles in relation to CLD:
1. Providing policy advice to Ministers
Learning Connections provides policy advice to Ministers on all matters relating to CLD, linking with colleagues across the Scottish Government.
2. Work with local partnerships and national agencies
The CLD team supports implementation of Scottish Government policy and development of good practice in CLD, for example through a programme of support to CLD partnerships to assist implementation of Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities, supporting development of training in CLD, and promoting the use of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
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