Aberdeen City Council's Education and Children's Services Committee this week noted positive progress in the first six months of delivery of Aberdeen's Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan 2025-30 and approved a new 12-month action plan to support the next phase of partnership working.
The report provided an update on progress between September 2025 and March 2026 and highlighted the impact of community learning and development activities delivered across the city by a range of partners.
During the reporting period, adults, young people, families and communities accessed learning opportunities, youth work programmes, family support, volunteering, accreditation, employability services and community development initiatives. Evidence gathered through the review indicates improvements in skills, confidence, wellbeing, resilience, social connections and progression into further learning, volunteering, training and employment.
Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "Community Learning and Development plays a vital role in helping people of all ages develop skills, build confidence and achieve their potential. This report highlights the positive difference being made every day through partnership working across Aberdeen.
"It is encouraging to see strong foundations being established through the CLD Strategic Partnership and the thematic groups. By continuing to work together, we can ensure people and communities have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive."
Councillor Lee Fairfull, vice-convener of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "The first six months of delivery have demonstrated both the strength of existing Community Learning and Development provision and the value of partners working more closely together.
"The approved action plan will help strengthen coordination, improve how we measure impact and ensure the voices of learners, families and communities continue to shape future priorities. This is important work that contributes to improved outcomes across Aberdeen."
Committee members also welcomed progress in establishing the Aberdeen CLD Strategic Partnership and five thematic partnerships covering Adult Learning, Youth Work, Family Learning, Community Development and Workforce Development. Together, more than 50 organisations from the public, third and community sectors are working collaboratively to support delivery of the plan's priorities.
As part of the report, the committee approved a Consolidated 12-Month Partnership Action Plan designed to strengthen partnership working, improve the collection and evaluation of evidence, and demonstrate the contribution community learning and development makes to wider Community Planning outcomes.
The committee agreed that implementation of the CLD Plan should continue to be overseen through the Aberdeen CLD Strategic Partnership and instructed officers to provide a further annual evaluation and updated delivery plan in September 2027.
The Aberdeen Community Learning and Development Plan 2025-30 is delivered through partnership working across five themes: Adult Learning, Youth Work, Family Learning, Community Development and Workforce Development.
The plan supports learning, wellbeing, employability, participation and community capacity-building across Aberdeen.
The agenda and reports considered by the committee can be viewed here.