Continuous Learning Framework

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 qualifications and training that are needed
the knowledge, skills, values and understanding required
personal capabilities and
organisational capabilities.

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.

How is the Continuous Learning Framework being developed?

The SSSC and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) worked with people from the social services sector in our reference pool to develop a first draft of the Continuous Learning Framework for extensive consultation.

We have now completed the formal consultation process, thank you to everyone who contributed. We held five consultation events and 'tested out' the Framework in practice through a number of trials. Finally we conducted an on-line consultation. You can still access the link to the consultation paper by clicking the link below.

Continuous Learning Framework Consultation Paper

We are now working with the people in the reference pool to finalise the Framework. The comments and suggestions made during the consultation period are a really important part of this process. The Continuous Learning Framework will be launched and ready to use in autumn 2008.

How can I find out more?

You can find information about the Continuous Learning Framework from the SSSC, IRISS and Learning Network websites and we will keep these updated as the project develops.

For more information about the Continuous Learning Framework you can also contact Fiona Clark, Learning and Development Adviser at the SSSC on tel: 01382 207218 or email: fiona.clark@sssc.uk.com or contact Jayne Dunn, Institute Lead for Workplace Learning and Development at IRISS on tel: 01382 224592 or email: j.s.dunn@dundee.ac.uk