January CDN Update: New Programmes, AI Series, EDI Insights & More!

Welcome

We hope you had a lovely break and are settling into the new term.

Welcome to the new look CDN Update for 2025.

In the upcoming Updates, we’ll be introducing different members of our team and sharing how they can support you.

For January, we’re excited to introduce Dr Gail Toms, Delivery and Engagement Partner at CDN. Specialising in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, Gail is also the curator of CDN’s #EqualityMatters Digest. This resource is designed to help you deepen your understanding of EDI and continuously develop your skills as an inclusive practitioner—whether in teaching, professional services, or leadership.

In December, Gail led the impactful event ‘Empowering Students: The Fight Against Sextortion and Human Trafficking’. Be sure to read her recent blog post, where she reflects on this important event.

Gail also introduces this month's Update:

"Welcome to this edition, packed with exciting updates and opportunities. From the launch of the new Changing Learner Programme and Research to next month's Marketing Conference at Carnegie Conference Centre, there’s so much to look forward to. Applications are also now open for the Coaching for Managers Programme. We’re thrilled to introduce our new AI series, plus much more. Read on to discover all that’s in store!"

If you have any EDI-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gail at gail.toms@cdn.ac.uk.

News

The Changing Learner

Following the success of CDN’s Trauma-Informed College Programme, we’re excited to launch our expanded Changing Learner Programme. Building on the Trauma-Informed College Programme’s foundation, this new initiative introduces three additional pillars: Promoting Positive Behaviours and Resolving Conflict, Culture and Community, and Staff Wellbeing and Safeguarding.

Read news story here

Coaching for Managers

We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the Coaching Skills for Managers Programme. This specialised course is designed to help managers develop effective coaching strategies for leadership and team development. The programme includes pre-course work, two immersive workshops, and tailored activities to complete between sessions.

Discover more and apply here

CDN Marketing and Communications Network Conference

Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry peers and hear from expert speakers at this year’s conference. Gain insights from Graeme Jackson, Interim CEO of Colleges Scotland, and Penny Eccles on How to Market Courses That Just Won’t Grow. Plus, choose from five engaging workshops on Pixar’s lessons, AI in marketing, difficult conversations, and making an impact with award submissions.

Unlock the Power of AI with CDN’s Generative AI Series

Are you ready to enhance your skills and embrace the potential of AI in your college role? Whether you're new to AI or looking to expand your knowledge, CDN, in partnership with UHI Inverness, has developed a focused online programme to help you gain practical, hands-on experience.

View events here

#EqualityMatters Digest

We want to help you put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all you do, so we have developed a monthly #EqualityMatters digest, signposting you to related events, information and resources.

Next months focus is... Socioeconomic Diversity and

Inclusion. Click the image above for infographic.

Earn and Learn College Placements – Blueprint

Promoted on behalf of the Joint Social Services Taskforce (JSST)

The Earn and Learn College Placements Blueprint for Adult Social Care, developed by the Joint Social Services Taskforce (JSST), addresses recruitment challenges by offering supported entry routes into the sector. It enables individuals to gain qualifications while working in paid placements and provides best practices for employers and colleges to collaborate on these opportunities.

Discover more here

#LoveScotlandsColleges 2025

The #LoveScotlandsColleges 2025 digital campaign, organised by the CDN Marketing and Communications Network, launches on Monday, 10 February. This initiative celebrates the innovation, hard work, and best practices happening across Scotland’s colleges.

Discover more here

The Last Word

Hello everyone, just a few final thoughts from me.

I hope you like the new look CDN update, we’ve listened to your feedback in the redesign. It’s your update, so please do let the team know if there’s anything you’d like to see covered: marketing@cdn.ac.uk

CDN Networks are at the heart of what we do and play a pivotal role in helping to foster collaboration and the sharing of best practices among college staff, supporting continuous improvement and innovation across the sector. Find out more about the range of Strategic Networks and Communities of Practice (CoPs) at CDN and how to get involved.

Also, look out for CDN Review of the Year 2024. This report will highlight our impact and progress in supporting Scotland's colleges, staff, and students.

As always, we’re here to support your professional development with a range of courses, events, and resources. Be sure to explore what’s on offer through CDN’s website.

Best wishes,

Marie Hendry

Chief Executive, CDN