Information Bulletin
2 February 2005
Community Learning and Development in the South Mainland
HMIe Follow-Up Visit - Good Progress Made
The report of community learning and development in the South Mainland of Shetland, Shetland Islands Council was published in February 2003. HM Inspectors visited the Council to evaluate progress made in responding to the main points for action in this report.
The Inspectors noted that the Community Learning and Development service had submitted to HM Inspectors a clear and robust self-evaluation of the progress made since the previous inspection. The self-evaluation was well-founded and critically reflective. The Inspectors found that the authority had taken effective action to implement the recommendations of the report and had made good progress on all three action points.
In addition, it was highlighted that the Community Learning and Development Partnership had submitted to Communities Scotland, Vibrant Shetland, a Community Learning and Development Strategy for the period 2004-07. This strategy was well written, linked clearly to local and national priorities and communicated current strengths and future challenges very well.
Head of Community Development, George Smith, said that "he was very pleased with this report. Staff are engaging with the new challenges and agendas being asked of them and clearly we are doing so in a way which meets favour with our external evaluators".
Chairman of Services Committee, Councillor Florence Grains commented that this was a good report and confirmed the effective contribution of community learning and development in engaging with communities and helping to meet their needs.