Partnership to improve children's lives

Children in Scotland and The Open University in Scotland and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will form the foundation of an exciting partnership between the two organisations.  

This partnership will draw on the expertise of both organisations to upskill practitioners in the sector and improve the lives of children and young people across Scotland. 

Children in Scotland (CiS) is a membership organisation which includes a large range of organisations working with and for children, including local authorities, schools and nurseries, third sector organisations and NHS boards. They work with children, young people, families and professionals to influence policy and practice in Scotland. 

The Open University (OU) is a world leader in providing innovative supported distance learning opportunities, including full degrees, short courses, microcredentials or stand-alone modules. We collaborate with partners to share leading research, ideas and know-how that not only benefit organisations but society as a whole. 

Through this partnership, practitioners working with children and young people will have access to a wide range of OU courses in key skills areas to help them upskill and make a greater impact in their communities. Practitioners and OU academics will pursue potential research opportunities, including the OU’s Open Societal Challenges, and collaborate to explore new ways of improving the lives of children and young people.  

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said: 

“At The Open University in Scotland, we aim to transform lives and communities through the power of learning and have done so successfully for more than 50 years. Children are our society’s future, and I am absolutely delighted for us to be partnering with Children in Scotland - both to support them in developing their staff who are working with young people and communities, and also for our organisations to collaborate on exciting and impactful new research. 

“The OU in Scotland has a proven track record of establishing strong partnerships with other organisations and I am certain this collaboration will open a world of possibilities improving the lives of children and our society’s future.” 

Simon Massey, Head of Engagement and Learning at Children in Scotland, said:  

“Supporting and developing the children’s workforce is a priority area for Children in Scotland and we are thrilled to be working with The Open University in Scotland to create accessible training opportunities for both our members and the wider children’s network.  

“The new portal will offer a fantastic range of courses delivered by the OU which we hope will complement the learning opportunities we offer. With many courses offered for free and various learning pathways available, we hope the portal will be beneficial to as many people as possible.” 

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 21 November 2023 at the OU in Scotland office in Edinburgh.

Pictured: Dr Judith Turbyne and Simon Massey from Children in Scotland, Susan Stewart and Jane Grant from The Open University in Scotland.

22 November 2023