News release issued by The Highland Council
At the Education Committee today (Thursday 12 September 2024) Members agreed to the recommendation to transfer Youth Work and Adult Learning to the Council from High Life Highland, and to bring a final contract review report to the Committee in November 2024 for consideration.
The benefits arising from the transfer are set out in detail within the report which stresses the intention to build upon the strong foundations that High Life Highland has established for Adult Education and Youth Work across Highland. These include alignment with the ‘Workforce for the Future Portfolio’ which has a strong focus on career pathways and lifelong learning; strengthening and expanding the accredited achievement programmes in all Highland schools; and linking more closely with the work of the Council’s employability service in supporting adults into employment.
The change also supports the requirements of the Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013 which came into force after High Life Highland was established. The legislation places a requirement on Education Authorities to develop Community Led Development (CLD) plans and CLD provision is inspected by Education Scotland (HMIE). High Life Highland has worked in partnership with The Highland Council and other organisations to publish and deliver CLD plans, and a transfer of those teams will enable the Council to do this directly.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Youth Work and Adult learning to the Council. The teams do fantastic work in our Highland communities and I am really pleased that by aligning our associated services more closely within the Council we will strengthen the benefits this brings for young people and adults and build upon the great work that High Life Highland has led on to date.
“I am also pleased the Committee endorsed the progress and direction of travel with the wider review of the High Life Highland Service Delivery Contract (SDC) and I look forward to a further report coming to the November Education Committee for final consideration.”
Michael Golding, Chair of the Board of High Life Highland, commented: “From both a legislative and delivery standpoint, transferring these services to The Highland Council is a sensible and forward-thinking step. Together, we aim to build on the tremendous work High Life Highland staff have already accomplished in supporting both young people and adult learners. Services will continue without disruption, ensuring a seamless transition. We welcome the Education Committee’s decision that forms part of our close collaboration with The Highland Council to review the High Life Highland Service Delivery Contract as we continue making life better for people in the Highlands.”
