Private Care Sector Workforce Initiative
Continuous Learning Framework
CLF Gathering Groups are held throughout Scotland and are a useful way to exchange ideas and find out more about the use of the CLF click here for more information about dates for the next meeting in your area.
The Continuous Learning Framework – the journey so far conference on 2 September in Edinburgh was a huge success. The morning’s presentations and stories and the afternoon’s workshops were full of energy and ideas on the many ways the CLF can be used. Participants also had the opportunity to reflect on the CLF journey through cartoons drawn by illustrator Graham Ogilvie. The presentations from the conference are now available to download and some of Grahams most ‘thumbed-up cartoons’ and a report of the event will soon be available.
The conference was successful in sharing the journey so far and in signposting the ways to travel in the future and the SSSC would like to thank all those who contributed.
To view the Continuous Learning Framework's (CLF) web site and to see examples of how the CLF is being used in practical applications across the sector click here.
This includes an example of how Rivendell Care Home in Perthshire is using the CLF in staff supervision, but looked first at organisational capabilities to make sure they could support staff effectively. click here
Also the significant work initiated by Barchester Health Care in using the CLF to tackle issues of accountability within nursing staff click here
Gathering Groups
The CLF project team together with the Learning Networks host gathering groups for those who are engaging with the framework. The groups provide an opportunity to share ideas about the many ways the CLF can be of use, look at concerns and connect with others. Further information can be found by clicking here.
The Organisational Capabilities Audit Tool
The CLF has six organisational capabilities. Their purpose is to support social service employers to create the culture and conditions in the workplace that enable social service workers to learn, develop and improve their practice throughout their careers. This interactive audit tool has been developed by the Scottish Social Services Council to help social service employers to audit their performance against the organisational capabilities of the Continuous Learning Framework and generate an action plan for further development.
The organisational capabilities audit tool is on software called Adobe AIR. This is free to download from the Internet. However, you may need to ask your IT support to install it for you. If you have any problems installing the tool please contact Fiona Clark, .
To access the audit tool click here
Promoting the use of the Continuous Learning Framework
The Continuous Learning Framework aims to continually improve the quality of outcomes for people who use social services by supporting the people who are delivering these services to be the best they can be. This requires a shared commitment from both the worker and their employer. It is important that each individual social services worker takes responsibility for their own learning and development throughout their career and that employers provide opportunities for continuous learning and improvements in practice. To see the CLF site click here
Six private sector providers are in discussion about promoting the framework in practice in their own context, by agreeing to work closely with the SSSC, Learning Network staff and members of the Workforce Initiative team. Three care home and three care at home providers will be supported to look at operational processes and systems they feel the framework can help strengthen and enrich. The outcomes from this group will be cascaded out to other providers who are beginning to work with the framework.
We will update you on the specific private care providers when they are confirmed.
Anyone wishing to have more information on the Continuous Learning Framework, or if you are in fact using the framework already and would like to share your experience of the framework please contact
Fiona Clark
Senior Learning and Development Adviser
Scottish Social Services Council
Compass House, 11 Riverside Drive, Dundee DD1 4NY
Tel: 01382 207218 Fax: 01382 207215
Mobile: 07920 587599
David Rennie
Project Manager
Private Sector Workforce Initiative
07946 607532
Mike Kiely
Work Force Development Officer
Private Sector Workforce Initiative
07595 768901
Continuous Learning Framework - Background
The Continuous Learning Framework was launched at an event in Edinburgh on Wednesday 3 December 2008. The Workforce Initiative will ensure the appropriate information and links are placed on this website.
You can now download a written version of Minister Adam Ingram's address from the launch from the Social Work Scotland website.
What is the Continuous Learning Framework?
The Continuous Learning Framework aims to improve the quality of outcomes for people using social services by supporting the people who are involved in delivering these services to be the best they can be. In describing what people need in order to be able to do their job now and in the future and what employers need to do in order to support their employees, it focuses on four key areas:
- The knowledge, skills, values and understanding required
- The qualifications and training that are needed
- Personal capabilities and
- Organisational capabilities.
It has been developed jointly by the SSSC and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS)
What are personal capabilities?
The personal capabilities (sometimes called ‘soft skills' or social and emotional intelligence) describe the way in which people manage themselves and their relationships with others. We have chosen to develop the personal capabilities for the Framework as there is evidence to suggest that it is these capabilities which add value to the qualifications, knowledge and skills people have gained and therefore to the quality of the social services they provide.
What are the organisational capabilities?
Organisations that place a high value in people's learning do so because they believe this is a key way to improve the quality of services. There is strong evidence to support this view. The organisational capabilities describe the culture and conditions in the workplace that enable social services to be the best they can be.
Who is the Continuous Learning Framework for?
The Continuous Learning Framework is being developed for the whole social services workforce. So regardless of whether people are involved in a local authority, voluntary or private organisation or whether they work in social care, early years or social work, the Framework will be relevant to them. It will also be useful regardless of how long people have been in the workforce. It is not intended to replace the systems and processes which many organisations already have in place but to enhance their effectiveness.
How will the Continuous Learning Framework help me?
You will be able to use the Continuous Learning Framework to help you to target your learning and development throughout your career so that you can focus on the areas which you most need and want to develop. The Framework will also help your employer to make sure that you are able to access the learning and development you need to do your job well and to continuously improve the quality of service.
You will also be able to use the Continuous Learning Framework to help you to plan your career pathway. Employers will be encouraged to describe job roles in terms of the qualifications, knowledge, skills and understanding and the personal capabilities required. You will then be able to identify what you can take with you to a new job role and any additional qualifications and training, knowledge, skills and understanding and personal capabilities you might need to develop.
Finally, the Continuous Learning Framework can be used to support post registration and advanced practice standards. Organisations will be able to define job roles and the knowledge, skills and personal capabilities staff in these job roles will need to demonstrate. As an individual you can also use the Framework to monitor your own progress and achievements over time.
