At CDN, our mission is to collaborate with colleges to develop their people, share their achievements, and enhance student success. As we look forward to the start of the new academic year and hopefully take a well-earned break over the summer we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of our key achievements so far in 2024. We’re delighted that so many of you have had the chance to engage and learn with us over the last seven months and we look forward to working with you to support college enhancement and improvement in the second half of the year.

We're on the Move!

From 1 August 2024, CDN will no longer be based in Airthrey Castle. Our work supporting Scotland’s colleges will continue apace as we work on a hybrid basis, with a focus on being out and about with regular visits and meetings in colleges.

All the staff contact details remain the same, so please do keep in touch. You can also contact CDN via our new registered address at:

College Development Network

Stirling Enterprise Park

John Player Building

Stirling

FK7 7RP

Move from CDN Virtual Platform

As of the end of July, we will be transitioning from our CDN virtual platform. However, you can still access all of our videos on YouTube here.

If you have any queries, please contact marketing@cdn.ac.uk.

New 'Ideation Illuminations' Campaign

Our new 'Ideation: Illuminations', a LinkedIn series designed exclusively for college staff to amplify creative thinking, launched in January. This series offers a range of different techniques and approaches in weekly bite sized chunks, designed to stimulate creative and lateral thinking habits, with a view to encouraging college staff to approach course design and delivery from fresh perspectives.

Keep you eyes peeled on our LinkedIn to join the conversation.

New Research Report:

Digital Progression in Scotland’s Colleges

This new report researched and written by our CDN Research Associate Marc Fleming of UCEM, examines digital progression in Scotland’s colleges in recent years. Through qualitative case study research, Marc highlights some of the key areas in which colleges are enhancing their digital practice and offers reflections on how digital progress can be sustained in the future.

Read the report here.

CDN Workforce Survey Launch

In February, we launched the CDN Workforce Survey, to capture valuable findings from across the Scottish college sector. This comprehensive survey was designed to collect feedback on various aspects of the work environment, professional development needs, and overall job satisfaction.

Receiving an impressive 1,577 responses, the survey highlighted a demand for training in areas such as AI, behavior management, wellbeing, digital capabilities and more, while also identifying specific barriers to training.

Read the report here.

Big College Open Week 21-28 March

This year colleges across Scotland came together for the second Big College Open Week aka #BigCOW.

The week-long campaign kick started on Thursday 21 March, and encouraged colleges to open their doors and showcase all that the sector has to offer at a national level. The purpose of the week was to raise awareness of the benefits and pathways offered by colleges – this was demonstrated through a range of exciting activities taking place at every college through the week.

The campaign was a huge success, not only resulting in increased awareness of college provision, but also translated into an increase in footfall at open day events.

CDN College Awards 2024

In March, we opened entries for the College Awards 2024, where we recognise the talent, skills and achievements of colleges, their staff and their learners. We received a record-breaking 163 award entries from across Scotland’s Colleges. Thank you for your entries, and we wish you every success.

The shortlist for the awards will be announced at the beginning of September, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 14 November at Radisson Blu, Glasgow.

View College Awards here.

CDN's Leadership Programmes

In May we launched the new cohort of CDN’s Leadership Programmes which aim to support you to lead with confidence and take the next step in your career.

We offer programmes for aspiring managers through to executive senior leadership development. Discover more about our upcoming programmes below:

Emerging Leadership Programme (starting September)

This course is designed for practising or aspiring managers and leaders. The primary role of a practising or aspiring manager and leader is to lead and manage individuals and teams to deliver aims and objectives in line with organisational strategy.

Find out more and apply here.

Strategic Leadership Programme (starting September)

This course is designed for senior managers and aspiring senior managers who have, or aim to have the authority and personal inspiration to translate organisational strategy into effective operational performance. The qualification requires managers to build on their strategic management and leadership skills and to focus on the requirements of implementing the organisation’s strategy.

Find out more and apply here.

Executive Leadership Series (starting October)

This course is designed to support college colleagues who currently fulfil executive roles, as well as those looking to work at executive level in the future. The series is an opportunity for aspiring senior leaders to build their skills and network, with the option to select individual workshops; it offers executive leaders the chance to upskill in specific areas and to work collaboratively with others.

Find out more and apply here.

Step Forward Researcher Development Programme

As part of the CDN Researcher Development Programme, we have delivered a series of workshops aimed at supporting college staff to develop the skills required to undertake research projects that will enhance their own practice and improve outcomes for their college and its learners.

The programme which is open to both teaching and support staff covered a range of topics from getting started on a project, working with data, presenting results and writing for impact. Those taking part also had the opportunity to join in with researcher meet-ups, and hear from speakers with a variety of experience in the area of action research.

A new programme for 2024-25 is being developed for delivery in the coming academic year. Details to follow.

Effective and Inclusive Blended Learning:

Research and Action Event

In June, we partnered with QAA Scotland, Education Scotland, and sparqs to deliver the Effective and Inclusive Blended Learning: Research and Action Event. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the collaborative report “The Future of Learning and Teaching,” offering key insights into the effectiveness and inclusivity of digital and blended learning strategies.

In response, sector agencies are launching an online resource hub and a series of developmental workshops to enhance our active blended learning frameworks.

The report and subsequent event has led to a significant understanding of blended learning’s role in our educational landscape and set a precedent for ongoing innovation and excellence in educational practices.

Read 'The Future of Learning and Teaching' report here.

Ideation Sparks Transformation at Dumfries & Galloway College

Last month, Jo Turbitt, our Insight and Innovation Partner, had a great visit to Dumfries and Galloway College, observing firsthand the transformative impact of ideation methodologies on their academic framework. The college showcased significant advancements in ideation and execution, leading enhanced interview processes, curriculum design, student engagement, and staff development.

Read more about Jo's visit here.

#Choose College Campaign Launch

29 July - 26 August

Over the next four weeks, Scotland’s 24 colleges are coming together with one voice once again to support the national #ChooseCollege campaign, which highlights the importance of Scotland’s colleges and encourages potential students to Choose College.

The campaign, supported by promotional videos, images, key facts and case studies, will share stories of how vital colleges are to the educational, economic and community health of the country. College students and staff are being encouraged to support on social media, using #ChooseCollege.

Find out how you can get involved here.

#EqualityMatters Refresh

We are excited to introduce a refreshed #EqualityMatters digest for the new academic year. Our monthly digest, designed to help you embed equality, diversity, and inclusion in all your activities, now focuses on specific themes, guiding you to relevant events, information, and resources.

Whether you are in teaching, professional services, or a leadership role, the #EqualityMatters digest supports your continuous development in understanding and applying these essential principles.

For more resources, visit our helpful downloads page.

Stay informed, stay inclusive, and let’s make equality matter!

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