Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme: Island Communities Impact Assessment

5. Step Four – Assessment

As noted, Scottish Ministers have not made any decisions on the CPD system.

The CPD system would apply to all of Scotland and does not specifically identify the Islands. The development of the CPD system has been informed by extensive research into other CPD systems within agriculture and more broadly in other sectors. This has included investigation into the requirement of full-time and part-time persons within a sector, as well as different occupational groups, as this has the potential to shape requirements in the CPD system.

The evidence collected has suggested that there is commonality between the Islands, the north and south of Scotland in terms of issues. Particularly key are scale of farming and crofting being undertaken, the part-time nature of crofting, the remoteness of the communities, and digital connectivity.

The issues of the scale of a business, part-time and full time employment, accessibility (whether geographical or digital) have been recognised in the development of existing CPD systes from a range of sectors. They have recognised the need for individuals to be up to date in their skills and knowledge irrespective of the size of their businesses.

The choice of CPD activities, even within mandatory subjects to be undertaken, gives flexibility in where and how an individual wants to meet these requirements. CPD systems also enable a wide variety of activities to be undertaken and to contribute towards CPD. In developing the CPD system, we would ensure that there is flexibility built into it, as there are in other CPD systems, and that individuals who are using it would be able to feel supported and empowered by it and the system is not unfair or unduly burdensome.

Through personal and professional development, CPD could help to contribute to a number of outcomes, including sustainable economic development, economic well-being, climate change and energy. Through peer-to-peer activities for example, it could empower individuals and communities and develop strong local partnerships. By its nature, it could contribute towards life-long learning.

We recognise that guidance in a range of formats would be important in providing information on the CPD system and how to use it. This would be important in providing information on what it is, the activities that can contribute to it, how to undertake it, and details on how to use the recording system.

There would be monitoring and evaluation built into the CPD system. This would include ongoing monitoring and evaluation as well as more detailed consideration at wider intervals of time. This would help to identify whether there are any specific impacts to Islands.