Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system in Tier 4 of the Vision for Agriculture Reform Programme: Fairer Scotland Duty – assessment

Stage 3 – assessment and improvement

What options could strengthen this programme/policy/decision in its impact on inequalities of outcome? what are the pros and cons of these options?

As noted, the CPD portal and activities are intended to apply equally to all the occupational groups to which it applies. It would be up to individuals to decide how and what CPD to undertake, unless there are any required activities or subjects that must be undertaken.

A number of options could help to strengthen the CPD system. These include:

• Developing and publishing appropriate guidance and training materials to explain what CPD is and its benefits. These could include case studies of CPD undertaken and its personal benefits to individuals. This is already undertaken for a number of products in the current Farm Advisory Service such as mentoring. These play an important role in promoting mentoring and its benefits. This would need to be in formats that are easily accessible (also taking into account dyslexia) and be engaging to all the groups using the system. We recognise that as not everyone would want to read or access guidance. The system would need to be designed to be easily navigated and intuitive to use. Stakeholder input will be important in helping to provide engaging and accessible guidance and promotional materials.
• The guidance and promotional materials would need to explain that CPD is not about expensive formal courses (a key misconception of what CPD is), but about seeking and recognising opportunities that can help individuals personally and professionally (other CPD systems also undertake this).
• The CPD portal, an electronic one, would need to be accessible to users, not only in terms of ease of use and functionality but also take into account that broadband coverage and speeds vary across Scotland. If it is not, it could be a disincentive to use it. Stakeholder input will be important in helping to develop it.
• There are higher levels of dyslexia in Scottish agriculture than in other sectors. This will need to be considered when designing the CPD portal and the range of CPD activities. The portal would need to be easily accessible and user friendly and there would need to be a wide range of activities in different formats that can count towards CPD to ensure accessibility of access for users.
• There is a need to provide a range of CPD activities in different formats, and also at different times of the day or year. This can help to ensure that those that may not be able to attend - for example as a result of geography or work duties - can benefit. Although this would add some complexity to the programme, it should be noted that these arrangements are also made for other CPD systems.
• The CPD system would include monitoring and evaluation. This can be used to monitor impacts of inequalities of outcome. Steps would be taken to make any identified changes to the CPD system following these activities. The monitoring and evaluation would need to be framed to identify any issues of socio-economic disadvantage and any inequalities of outcome.

All of these options have already been identified and will be included within the project planning for the CPD system.

How could the programme/policy/decision be adjusted to address inequalities associated with particular groups? Communities of interest or of place who are more at risk of inequalities of the outcome?

As noted, the CPD portal and activities would be intended to apply equally to all the occupational groups to which it applies.

A number of suggestions have been made on options that could help to strengthen the CPD system. These include making activities available in a range of formats, include a range of formats that are well known and used by the users of the CPD system, provide and signpost activities that are low cost or free of charge, provide funding support for key groups, and guidance. These could also help to address inequalities associated with particular groups, and communities of interest or place.

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