Dissertation Title: “This thing called CLD” A profession, a practice, an approach?
Exploring the complex professional identity of Community Learning and Development.
This dissertation was submitted by Julie Beckett to University of Glasgow in 2026.
Abstract
This dissertation explores the representation of Community Learning and Development (CLD) in Scottish policy discourse from 1975 to 2025, examining the impact on the professional identity of the sector. The research is guided by two central questions that focus on how CLD’s representation in policy has evolved over time, and how mid-level policy enactors interpret this representation within the current context of education reform. The study responds to longstanding ambiguity surrounding CLD’s professional identity, intensified by the findings of the Independent Review of CLD (2024), which highlighted a lack of parity with other professions despite similar qualification requirements.
This research contributes to ongoing discussions within the CLD sector and broader education reform in Scotland, offering insights to inform future policy development. It highlights the importance of collaborative leadership and the potential for mid-level enactors to support transformative change, while reaffirming the democratic and inclusive ethos at the heart of CLD.