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This month, we’re excited to shine a light on Valerie Jackman, Delivery and Engagement Partner at CDN.
With over 20 years in the college sector, Valerie specialises in Leadership Development and has also worked as an Executive Coach and Director with the Scottish Leadership Institute.
She leads CDN’s Management and Leadership Programmes, designed to help colleagues lead with confidence. Tailored to individual development needs, these programmes provide opportunities to reflect, build practical skills, and apply learning directly in the workplace - from aspiring managers to executive-level leaders.
This month, we’re delighted to launch the new Executive Series, alongside the sector’s much-loved CMI Leadership Series, which Valerie kicks off in September. Participants often highlight the real impact these programmes have had on their working lives, thanks in large part to Valerie’s expertise and passion.
You might also spot her on the STEP programme or other CDN initiatives - always ready with a friendly face, so be sure to say hello and join one of her sessions!
Valerie introduces this month’s Update:
"Welcome to this month’s edition of CDN News! I hope you had a lovely summer break. As autumn approaches, we’re excited to bring you a packed update full of opportunities, inspiration, and celebration across Scotland’s college sector.
In this edition, we’re celebrating a record-breaking CDN College Awards 2025, launching Elevate LT to enhance learning and teaching, and highlighting Leadership Pathways for colleagues at every stage of their career.
We also share practical insights with our Effective Political Engagement masterclass, support inclusive practice through the #EqualityMatters Digest, and give you a heads-up about our new campaign, #YourCDN, and our refreshed website for CPD, networks, and resources.
There’s so much to explore—dive in and see how you can get involved."
If you have any questions related to Valerie's work, please feel free to reach out to her at: valerie.jackman@cdn.ac.uk
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College Awards 2025:
A Record-Breaking Celebration!
The CDN College Awards 2025 are set to be our biggest and most exciting yet! With a record-breaking 199 entries from colleges across Scotland, this year’s awards showcase the incredible talent, innovation, and impact across the sector.
We’re also delighted to welcome the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as our Title Sponsor for 2025.
Judging is now complete – a huge thank you to our fantastic judges – and we can’t wait to launch the shortlist next week!
View College Awards here
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Elevate LT:
Elevating Learning and Teaching
CDN is proud to launch Elevate LT, a funded professional learning pilot developed with TeachingHOW2s. The programme helps college staff enhance teaching practice and create engaging learning environments.
Working in college-based groups with Advanced Practitioners, participants will explore new strategies, take part in training, peer observations, and coaching, and share insights through a national AP Collective.
The programme is free, with places managed by colleges’ HR/OD team.
View Elevate LT Programme here
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Lead with Confidence. Start Your Next Chapter
From aspiring managers to seasoned executives, CDN offers leadership programmes that inspire, challenge, and equip leaders at every stage of their career.
Registration is now open for this year’s CDN Executive Leadership Series. Designed for current and aspiring college executives, it features specialised workshops, practical skill-building, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Places are also available on our highly regarded Emerging Leaders (for aspiring and practising managers) and Strategic Leaders programmes (for those progressing toward or currently in senior leadership), the next cohort starts in September, with another cohort following in January.
View Leadership Programmes
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Effective Political Engagement & Influencing for College Leaders
With less than a year until the next Scottish Parliamentary election - and amid global political change - making your college’s voice heard is more important than ever.
To support leaders, CDN is offering a masterclass led by Andrew Henderson, Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications at Pinsent Masons.
Two ways to participate:
Online Masterclass
Wednesday 10 September
In-Person Workshop
Tuesday 16 September
This masterclass is ideal for Principals, Vice Principals, Board Members, and Communications Leaders looking for practical ways to influence policy and shape the college sector’s future.
Delivered in partnership with Colleges Scotland.
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Essential Skills Network
Relaunch Event
The new Essential Skills Network, building on the former Skills and Volunteering Network, will unite practitioners and leaders from across the college sector to share expertise and embed essential skills within curriculum and professional learning. The relaunch event will open with contributions from David Hiddleston of Edinburgh College and Dr Gail Toms of CDN, followed by collaborative workshops led by Forth Valley College, Edinburgh College and West College Scotland. Sessions will focus on practical approaches to embedding core skills such as problem-solving, communication, creativity and digital capability.
Find out more and register today
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Hi everyone,
I hope you all enjoyed a lovely summer break and are feeling refreshed as we begin the new academic year.
It’s been great to see so many of your teams getting together for staff-conferences and planning sessions over the past few weeks. Here at CDN, we’ve been doing the same – with the team coming together for a brilliant, collaborative deep dive into shaping our delivery for 2025-26 and our future direction. We may be a small team, but we bring big passion for Scotland’s college sector.
It's been a busy summer at CDN. We’ve published Issue 3 of the CAIRN Journal, featuring contributions from college-based researchers across Scotland. The journal remains a vital platform for sharing research, insights, and innovative practice. Submissions are now open for Issue 4 – find out more here.
Last week marked the end of this year’s six-week #ChooseCollege digital campaign, led nationally by CDN’s Marketing Network. The campaign celebrates the vital role of Scotland’s colleges and encourages prospective students to explore the wide range of opportunities they offer. Colleges came together with a shared voice to showcase their powerful impact on education, skills, communities, and the economy. I’ve loved seeing your fantastic stories and sharing why students should #ChooseCollege — thank you all for your brilliant contributions to this campaign.
We’re also building a new CDN website and companion guide to make it even easier to access events, resources, and networks. Launching this autumn as part of our #YourCDN campaign, it will offer a clearer and more engaging experience for you and your colleagues. I can't wait to share more with you next month!
As always, you can find all of our upcoming activities at cdn.ac.uk, on social media, and in our regular newsletters.
Warm regards,
Marie Hendry
Chief Executive, CDN
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