This is the final episode from the Highland and Moray Council Training Event in February.

In this episode we speak to Jo and Sadie after their keynote presentation from the day. While both are not CLD Practitioners, I'm sure everyone will agree how their work and projects aligned with the values and principles of CLD.

We discuss why true participation is so important, how they have used the Lindy Model to embody their work, some of the key pieces of work they have developed including challenges leging Myths that reduce children's participation and so much more in-between.

Key links:

The main web page – Children's Rights and Participation Highland

The Participation Strategy - Children's Rights and Participation Highland - Children & Young People's Participation Strategy

The Involving C&YP in Decisions that Affect Them Guide - Children's Rights and Participation Highland - Highland Resources

Library of Voices - Children's Rights and Participation Highland - Library of Voices

Voice and Influence Process - https://www.childrensrightshighland.co.uk/highland-childrens-services-plan-2023-26#h.sqkw8beocp4p

Make sure to check us out on LinkedIn - CLD Talks Podcast

This is episode 2 from the Highland and Moray Council Training Day we were invited to in February.

In this episode we have two parts. First is we speak with four students who on the day of the event share their past and present experiences of University. We discuss what University meant to them as practitioners, how their skills and knowledge developed and include good practice examples.

In the second part of this is episode we speak with Mei-Li Roberts who is the BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies with Community Learning and Development Programme Leader at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We met online after the event and discuss the degree structure, who it is for, accessibility and the online model and so much more.

For more information on the course:

https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-hons-child-and-youth-studies-with-community-learning-and-development/ | https://cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/approval/approved-training-programmes/university-of-the-highlands-and-islands/

Make sure to check us out on LinkedIn - CLD Talks Podcast

Welcome to the first episode of CLD Talks of 2026!

We were invited to Inverness to the Highland & Moray Council Training Day to record with some of the key note speakers and guests from 3rd Sector organisations tions as well as both Highland and Moray Council.

The first episode of this 3 part series is with two CLD Works from Moray Council, Emmie & Fiona who discuss the Summer Employability Programme from 2025. We discuss the set up and why it is needed, the hidden benefits of the programme to the young people and so much more. It's a great chat with lots of learning to be taken from it.

See link to a recent case study of the project:

https://www.youthlink.scot/wp-content/uploads/Moray-Employability-Case-Study-Nov-2025.pdf

Make sure to check out our LinkedIn - CLD Talks Podcast.

This week on CLD Talks Conor sits down with Victoria, Jane and Iain to discuss their roles as Placement supervisors and expectations from both a University and College perspective.

We have a full and interesting discussion thinking back to our own experiences as supervisors highlighting challenges and also how valuable students are to our work. There is lots in this and we hope you all enjoy!

Find us on LinkedIn - CLD Talks Podcast

Useful Links:

https://cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/approval/practice-placement-standards/

This week Conor sits down with Graham and Sue to discuss the Benefits of Practice Placements and why organisations should embrace taking on students from University and College Courses.

We talk about our own experiences of students and how they can provide new and creative ideas into teams, the placement standards you can access from the CLD Standard Council website and a call for organisations to bring students in.

For me, placements can be a transformational experience for students and I can't state enough how valuable they are to the growth of our sector. If you feel you can facilitate a practice placement reach out to your closest College or University who has a courses suited to your organisation or CLD Standards Council who will be able to assist.

Find us on LinkedIn - CLD Talks Podcast

Useful Links:

https://cldstandardscouncil.org.uk/approval/practice-placement-standards/

This week on CLD Talks Conor sits down with Dibya and Sarahfrom The Young Women’s Movement who discuss the work they have done with anamazing group of women to create their “Guide to AI”.

This is a really interesting conversation looking into theirunderstanding and impact of Artificial Intelligence, specifically on youngwomen and young people. We discuss the formation of the “Guide to AI”, learningfrom working within the project, the power of language, their demands forDecision Makers, Tech Leaders and Public and so much more!

Join the team for their Celebration & Launch Event onSaturday 23rd of August from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the City Art Centre,2 Market St, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE (Gallery 5)

To access the Guide to AI once it'slaunched 23rd August:

https://youngwomenscot.org/

Trigger warning – 24:35 till 33:10 - discussion aroundeating disorders, social media, body image.

This week on CLD Talks Conor and Ben go to the University of the West of Scotland to facilitate a workshop with the 2nd year Community Education students.

We start this episode off with a panel discussion with Ainsley, Callum and Pearce (check spelling) where they reflect on this experiences at university and placement:

After splitting the class into 3 groups, the students facilitated their own podcasts discussing aspects of CLD. These conversations were created fully by themselves and all opinions are their own.

We really had a great time being invited into the class and hope you enjoy the insights from the students.

We would like to say a big thank you to the class for taking part in recording their own mini podcast which have helped shape todays episode: Group 1 - Eli, Pearce, Asha, Claudia, Brenna, Group 2 - Amy, Terry, Charlene, Alica, Group 3 - Callum, Ainsley, Robbie, Sarah, Erin, Elsie

Please Follow us on X: @CLDTalks

In this weeks episode Iain chats with Sean Ewart about his work with New Gorbals Housing Association, his CLD journey and his recent time in the spotlight as one of Scotlands up and coming comedy stars. Thanks, as always for tuning in - let us know your thoughts!

Please follow us on X (formally known as Twitter) @CldTalks