Moray’s Community Learning and Development Partnership praised by Inspectors

In October 2023, inspectors visited Moray to review the improvements made by the CLD Partnership. A follow-up report was sent to them in December 2024, and further online meetings were held in January 2025.

The final report confirms that the local authority and its CLD partners are taking the right steps to address the main points for action identified in earlier visits.

Inspectors said there was clear evidence of positive impact, especially from working together with community partners. This includes ongoing efforts to expand the CLDSP’s membership, making sure that local youth groups, adult learners, and community organisations help shape the priorities for the next three years.

Inspectors also praised the new partnership CLD Plan and noted that CLD partners are now using research and data more effectively to secure extra funding and target support where it’s needed most, notably to reduce inequality and tackle poverty. This work closely aligns with Moray Council’s Corporate Plan, which prioritises reducing inequality and building thriving, resilient, empowered communities.

After reviewing the progress made, inspectors confirmed that they are satisfied with the work carried out, and as a result, there will be no further inspection visits linked to this review.

Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, said: “This is brilliant news for Moray. It's encouraging to see this way of working, which focuses on strong partnerships, local knowledge and involving communities, becoming part of how we work across the council. By working closely with the Community Planning Partnership, we're making sure communities have a real voice in shaping local priorities and that support is well coordinated. We're committed to building on this and making the CLD approach a key part of how we support and strengthen our communities in the future.”