About Us

In 2008, Macmillan Centre for Learning (MCL) was borne out of a desire to meet the needs of the social care sector, identifying continuing professional development and offering diversity, and flexibility,  in the meeting of statutory training requirements. We are a Qualifications Scotland Centre, Approved to deliver statutory qualification to the Social Care sector.
The Centre offers the opportunity to participate in a mode of learning that motivates the learner to reach their potential and develop their skill and for the benefit of the service.  Through traditional methods of training and the integration of technology we offer the support and encouragement any learner needs as they embark upon a new journey of discovery. 
The Centre also uses the open-source Moodle facility to provide resources within a Virtual Learning Environment that will be accessed by Students only.  This facility offers Students access to video and audio teaching to support any direct teaching that has been set in place for them.  A range of subjects have been identified by Qualifications Scotland as the key components of Social Care, therefore, workbooks have been made accessible for Students to enable a depth of understanding of key concepts and theories to underpin the experience and practice the Students bring.
For those who may be studying elsewhere, or even searching for knowledge resources for their professional development, subscription to the Knowledge Hub is available. 

Malcolm Macmillan

Head of Centre

Malcolm Macmillan: Malcolm Macmillan has been involved in social care since 1991 and further education since 2004.

As Head of Centre, he provides strategic direction across all programmes, ensuring that quality, innovation and learner achievement remain central to the organisation’s work.

His background includes the development, delivery and quality oversight of HNCs, SVQs, Modern Apprenticeships and Continuing Professional Development programmes. Malcolm has also contributed to wider workforce development activity and qualification review work, supporting the ongoing advancement of social care education in Scotland.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

• B.Ed. (Hons) Primary Education
• SVQ qualifications in Social Services and Social Services (Children and Young People)
• L&D9DI – Assess Workplace Competence Using Direct and Indirect Methods
• L&D11 / V1 – Internal Verification of Assessment Processes
• Extensive continuing professional development in:
• Curriculum design
• Digital learning
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Trauma-informed practice
• Quality assurance and verification

Areas of Expertise

Centre leadership, Internal verification, Assessment strategy, Curriculum development, Digital learning innovation, Quality improvement

Fiona Murray

Assessor and Internal Verifier

Fiona Murray brings wide-ranging experience in health and social care management, vocational assessment and quality assurance. Her professional career spans frontline practice, service leadership and workforce development across a variety of care environments.

She plays an important role in supporting learners undertaking social care and management qualifications, helping to ensure that assessment decisions are fair, reliable, consistent and supportive of professional growth.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

• SVQ Level 4 Registered Manager Award (Care Services)
• V1 Internal Verifier Award
• D32/D33 Assessor Awards
• Advanced Diploma in Teaching in Further Education (TQFE)
• Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring
• Diploma in Children’s Studies

Areas of Expertise

Social services and healthcare qualifications, Management and leadership awards, Internal verification, Assessment practice, Learning and development, Mentoring and coaching

Maureen McBride

Workplace Assessor and Internal Verifier

Maureen McBride combines extensive experience in social work practice with a strong commitment to supporting learners in the workplace. She helps candidates build confidence and demonstrate competence through effective assessment planning, observation and portfolio development.

Her expertise is particularly valuable for learners working towards qualifications in social services and integrated health and social care settings, where practical support and clear guidance are essential.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

• Diploma in Social Work
• Postgraduate Certificate in Social Services Leadership
• V1 Internal Verifier Award
• SVQ Management Qualification

Areas of Expertise

Workplace assessment, Internal verification, Social work practice, Candidate support and planning, Portfolio development, Quality assurance and standardisation

Silvia Krisdjaja Darmutji

Assessor and Internal Verifier

Silvia Krisdjaja Darmutji supports delivery across social care, business and Foundation Apprenticeship programmes. Her broad educational background, combined with international quality assurance experience, brings valuable perspective to learner support and assessment practice.

As a former Qualifications Scotland Coordinator in Jakarta, Silvia has significant experience in maintaining quality systems and supporting learners from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications and Professional Credentials

• L&D9DI Assessor Qualification
• L&D11 / V1 Internal Verifier Qualification
• Qualifications in:
• Business management
• Early years practice
• Care services
• Continuing professional development in:
• Assessment and verification
• Additional support needs (ASN)
• Safeguarding
• Digital learning

Areas of Expertise

Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, Social Services (Children and Young People), Social Services and Healthcare, Business skills, Quality assurance

Our Commitment

At Macmillan Centre for Learning, we are committed to delivering qualifications that promote professionalism, reflective practice and workforce excellence. Through expert assessment, strong quality assurance and personalised learner support, we help individuals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in today’s health and social care sector.

Empowering learners. Developing professionals. Supporting better outcomes for people and communities.

What We’re All About​

We want to support the social care workforce to reach their potential as they support those in reciept of social care services. We believe in motivating carers, and services, to acquire knowledge and skills, building confidence in their competence, and capacity to deliver a person centre service.

Learn Something Every Day​

Social Care qualifications change lives. Learning with us will support you to make a difference. We want you to reach your full potential and then supporting those you provide care for to reach theirs.

Malcolm Macmillan

Head of Centre

Our Teaching Philosophy

“Miseris sucerrer disco” To Learn to help those in need​

The motto…is a quotation from the Latin poet, Virgil: “Miseris Succurrere Disco,” which can be translated as “I learn (or endeavour) to succour the distressed.” or, more simply, “I learn to help those in need.”
(http://winaims.com/cmnm/Miseris.asp)

The use of the Macmillan Clan motto is significant as it represents a philosophy that is at the heart of the service the Centre provides.  Within this philosophy are three components:

1. The responsibility of the individual to learn, “I learn”, indicates a process through which you are willing to attain knowledge and skills.  Such development requires many skills such as communication in its’ many forms, Information Technology and all this offers regarding resources and collaboration.  Incorporated into this is the motivation required to push you to achieve.  A clear focus on the outcome of your learning is essential.  Not only is there the drive for self-achievement; there is also recognition of the gains for those you work for, the clients.

2. The next component is that of “to succour” or “to help”.  This component represents the variety of knowledge, skills, methods and concepts relating to working with people.  All of us have a particular leaning towards being treated in certain ways.  Such treatment can be found, for example, to relate to the Scottish Social Service Council Codes of Practice and the National Care Standards.  An understanding of the basic ingredients of interactions enables the concepts of Respect and Dignity and this is significant to the helping process.

3. “…the distressed” or “those in need” identifies to whom we apply the “help”.  As the issue of care can apply to a wide section of society it is important to understand the “need” they have.  Through careful assessment of all that this person is, we construct an image of wishes and needs, which may only be met through appropriate application of knowledge, skills, methods and concepts.

Where to find us:  Located in the North East of Scotland, Macmillan Centre for Learning can serve your needs wherever you are, through the power of technology. We have delivered HNC Social Services, and SVQ’s from the East to the West Coast. Get in touch and we can see what we can do for you.

Learn from experienced educators​

Macmillan Centre for Learning is privileged to be supported by quality practitioners in the area of social care, education and practice itself. Students and Candidates will have the opportunity to be guided by knowledgeable, yet caring staff who see the person doing the course.

Learn made accessible

Macmillan Centre for Learning is proud of the efforts we make to deliver information and knowledge in an accessible way. Whether you learn by reading, listening or a combination of both, we have it for you. The resources and tutorials, where appropriate, put the learner at the centre of the process.

Professional Certification​

As a Qualificatins Scotland Approved Centre, Macmillan Centre for Learning delivers qualifications that support you to meet your professional registration requirements. You will be supported to develop your academic skills to reach the appropriate level for your role. It is a journey, one that we will do together.