Common Core of Skills, Knowledge & Understanding and Values for the "Children's Workforce" in Scotland

Introduction from the Chair of the Common Skills Working Group

I have been enormously encouraged by the goodwill and positive engagement throughout the process to create the Common Core. Individuals and organisations right across all sectors, including those not necessarily thought of as part of the "children's sector" but who also work with children, have grasped the opportunity to become involved and contribute.

Whilst this is excellent it also brings with it challenges. It would be fair to say that if you ask 100 people what should be in a common core of skills, knowledge and values you will get 100 different answers (and we did!). However, amongst all of the suggestions there were certain themes that everyone agreed on. It is those areas of agreement that have made it into the final Common Core.

The focus on relationships within the Common Core is one that I particularly welcome. Children, young people and families are experts when it comes to their own lives and as workers we need to tap into their knowledge and views by building meaningful relationships with them. I also believe the Common Core has the potential to act as a catalyst, inviting different parts of the children's sector, and others, to come together and improve their connections, or even make new ones.

Some have called the Common Core a "badge of honour", others will use it as a guide to help shape their recruitment literature, staff guidance or induction training. Some have said they will take the Common Core and add to it to better reflect their particular local circumstances or add in some elements that are particular to their workforce.

All of these ideas are valid. The Common Core is a tool for you to use as you see fit and we have included a number of self reflection / discussion questions to help you use it. However, the permanent benefit I would like to see is that there remains common ground where new alliances or relationships across individuals and organisations can flourish, with children at the centre. Whenever the policy environment throws up new challenges, and it will, the Common Core should be there to remind you about what children, young people and families really value, so that the fundamentals are never lost.

ANNE HOUSTON
Chief Executive, CHILDREN 1st