In 2009 community development national occupational standards were developed with the active participation of hundreds of community development practitioners reflecting a wide range of roles, perspectives and settings. The standards provide the framework for good quality community development learning and practice.

The national occupational standards state that the community development process is underpinned by five fundamental values on which all practice are based. Community development practitioners should be able to relate these values to their roles and actions. The five values are:

Equality and Anti-discrimination

Community development practitioners will work with communities and organisations to challenge the oppression and exclusion of individuals and groups. Their practice should be undertaken in a way which:

• acknowledges where there is inequality and discrimination, and rejects and challenges any form of it
• supports and develops anti-oppressive policies and practices
• respects, values, supports and promotes the value of difference and diversity
• promotes and supports diverse communities to agree on their common concerns and interests
• acknowledges the diverse nature of society and seeks to understand and support others to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to marginalised communities and minorities.

Social Justice

Community development practitioners will work with communities and organisations to achieve change and the long-term goal of a more equal, non-sectarian society. Their practice should be undertaken in a way which:

• recognises that social justice incorporates environmental, political, cultural and economic justice
• recognises and challenges inequalities and power differences
• values diversity of experience
• promotes human and civil rights and responsibilities
• promotes a sustainable environment
• challenges the underlying causes, and effects, of structural power imbalances
• makes the link between local, societal and global contexts.

Collective Action

Community development practitioners will work with communities to organise, influence and take action. Their practice should be undertaken in a way which:

• promotes the active participation of people within communities
• supports the rights of communities to organise, access support and take action
• respects the rights of others when planning collective action
• empowers communities to recognise and acknowledge their existing skills, knowledge and expertise
• uses the power of the collective voice and of collective action
• recognises the wealth of creative and positive resources present within communities.

Community Empowerment

Community development practitioners will work with communities and organisations to work together. Their practice should be undertaken in a way which:

• promotes the rights of communities to define themselves, their priorities and agendas for action
• encourages an understanding and commitment to the long-term nature of community development practice
• promotes the rights of communities to be consulted, involved in, and influence decision making that affects their lives
• promotes accountability and transparency
• promotes co-operation as a means of connecting and strengthening communities
• uses research to support communities in determining needs as a basis for influencing.

Working and Learning Together

Community development practitioners will support individuals and communities working and learning together. Their practice should be undertaken in a way which:

• recognises, shares and values skills, knowledge and experience
• promotes empowerment through building on existing knowledge and skills
• creates opportunities for collective learning through shared reflection on action
• encourages reflection on own practice, values and beliefs
• uses analysis and evaluation to inform future action
• promotes learning from the experiences of communities locally, nationally and globally.

Community Development National Occupational Standards
Author: Anna Clarke
2011