PDA in Community Involvement at SCQF level 7
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards.
The PDA in Community Involvement at SCQF level 7 covers the principles and practice of involvement in community capacity building and the social context in which capacity building occurs.
It also includes: skills in working with groups; the roles, responsibilities and expected behaviours of each member of the community group; funding sources and the typical criteria for application within a community-based setting; the importance of effective management of physical and human resources; and accountability for funds and resources.
This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.
How to assess
Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.
There may be opportunities for integration of teaching and assessments. Blended learning approaches can also be used that incorporate lectures, group work activities, individual and group presentations, guest speakers, and video.
Further information on opportunities for holistic assessment is detailed in the individual Unit specifications.
Deliver this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.
Resources
Group Award code: GK6D 47
The PDA in Community Involvement at SCQF level 7 consists of three mandatory Units.
For further information on the units and structure of this qualification please refer to the Group Award Specification document.
Where can you take this course?
Why study this qualification
The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.
The award is suitable for learners who have an existing understanding of Community Learning and Development, but wish to progress their knowledge further. Learners should have prior knowledge of the subject, supported by relevant experience of working in the sector either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Although there are no formal pre-entry requirements for the PDA, learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:
- NQ Unit(s) at SCQF level 6 in Communications or above
- NQ Unit(s) at SCQF level 5 in Numeracy or above
- NQ Unit(s) in Working with Communities
- SVQ Unit(s) in CDW or Youth Work
- Good ICT skills
- Strong communication skills
- Experience of working (paid or voluntary) within the Community Learning and Development, or related sectors. This could be in any of the following three strands of CLD practice: Capacity Building, Youth Work and Adult Learning
Employment and progression
The Units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Community Development.
Achievement of the PDA in Community Involvement may provide progression to other qualifications in related areas, such as:
- HNC in Working with Communities at SCQF level 7
- SVQ 3 or SVQ 4 in Community Development or Youth Work
- Relevant university degree programmes
Where can you take this course?
Student resources
Group Award code: GK6D 47
The PDA in Community Involvement at SCQF level 7 consists of three mandatory Units.
For further information on the units and structure of this qualification please refer to the Group Award Specification document.