The National Framework for Child Protection Learning and Development 2024 has been developed to provide a resource which clarifies where child protection learning and development is required and to support those responsible for meeting those requirements.

The previous National Framework for Child Protection Learning and Development ("the Framework") was published in 2012 to support the design and delivery of child protection learning and development. It sought to clarify key learning requirements relevant to different groups of workers and practitioners, depending on their roles and responsibilities. The revised version of the framework incorporates;

• National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 – updated 2023
• significant changes in Scottish legislation, policy and practice development since the original publication (further referenced below)
• updated workforce groups, knowledge and skills descriptors, detailed in Section 3: workforce groups and key learning.

Child protection and workforce development is an essential part of continuous improvement. The individual learning and development needs of each worker should be considered within a personal learning plan and reviewed to take account of all previous training and learning.

Learning and development does not always mean formal learning opportunities. There are other options for developing a workforce that has all skills they need for practice. These can include: work-based learning; e-learning; reflective learning; critical reflection; peer review; supervision and action learning.

The framework provides a distinction between workforce groups to ensure that learning can be more accurately targeted towards who needs to know what about child protection. This should be seen in relation to the responsibilities attached to the individual’s particular role and day-to-day job and it includes both paid staff and volunteers.

In line with the national framework there are four overall ‘workforces’ identified that clearly link to competent practice namely:

• The Wider Workforce 
• The General Workforce
• The Specific Workforce
• The Specialist Workforce

SL Public Protection Learning and Development Programme outlines a range of child care and protection learning events and courses being offered on a multi-agency basis by the Child Protection Committee in South Lanarkshire.  The programme also links each course to the relevant workforce group.