Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way for people to get official credit for skills and experiences they have gained outside of traditional schooling. If people can show they have learned what certain courses teach, they can get certified for these skills. An RPL mentor helps them document their experience, which is then reviewed and approved by higher education institutions.
The Spéire Nua model adds something extra. It involves thinking about what can be learned from past criminal behaviour, the experience of being sentenced, and how these lessons can help avoid future imprisonment. This feedback is very valuable for organisations that want to prevent crime.
In the Spéire Nua project, we also look at lessons learned in managing conflict and anger, staying away from substances, and improving health and well-being. We collect information from our clients and use a set process to evaluate how well these lessons help with their rehabilitation.
Spéire Nua uses a method similar to RPL Benchmarking, known for helping people identify their skills, strengths, and weaknesses.
The Scottish Credit and Quality Framework (SCQF) has created a tool called “My Skills, My Future” that helps young people figure out their education level and to recognise skills they didn’t know they had. This tool focuses on pulling out skills like teamwork, management, and leadership from everyday activities, like work or hobbies, that people might not notice they are using.
Damien Quinn, the leader of the Spéire Nua Project, was trained as an RPL Mentor/Facilitator in 2020 through programmes at Equal Ireland, Athlone Institute of Technology (now the Technical University of Shannon), and Skillnet Ireland. He uses this training and believes it can help people get official recognition for their efforts to change. He also teaches others how to use this tool.
The benchmarking process will uncover skills the clients weren’t aware of and helps to develop these strengths further. Interests and hobbies will be examined too, to spot transferable skills like teamwork and leadership.
Mentors and facilitators at Spéire Nua gather this information, which is then reviewed and certified by organisations in the criminal justice system as proof of the clients’ commitment to change.
Following this, Spéire Nua coordinates with people going through Garda Vetting to ensure clients who receive a Spéire Nua certificate can share this achievement with potential employers or others who might offer them opportunities.
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