Welcome

This month, we’re excited to feature Jo Turbitt, Insights and Innovations Partner at CDN. A champion of curiosity and bold ideation, Jo challenges the status quo, inspiring fresh thinking across the sector.

From her roots as a Performing Arts (Dance) lecturer to her work at CDN, she has continuously reimagined problem-solving, innovation, and changemaking. Through Jo's Ideation work, the Insights and Innovations Hub, and the Researcher Development Programme, she encourages fearless creativity—empowering others to experiment without waiting for permission.

Jo’s latest blog post, From Tap Shoes to Ideation: Embracing Courage and Creativity, reflects on the past year and explores authenticity, courage, and the creative power of thinking differently.

Jo introduces this month's Update:

"Welcome to this month’s edition of CDN News! As summer edges closer, we’re excited to bring you a packed update full of opportunities, inspiration, and celebration across Scotland’s college sector.

In this edition, it’s your last chance to enter the CDN College Awards 2025 - a national celebration of talent and innovation. We’ve also preparing to launch Elevate LT, a funded pilot programme to boost teaching practice across the sector, and also spotlight our Leadership Pathways for colleagues at every stage of their leadership journey.

Plus, the Choose College campaign returns in July, and we continue to explore creativity and curiosity with the Ideation: Illuminations series and Write On! day.

There’s so much to explore - dive in and see how you can get involved.

If you have any questions related to Jo's work, please feel free to reach out to her at: jo.turbitt@cdn.ac.uk

CDN News

The Last Word

Hello everyone,

As we approach the end of term, I hope you're looking forward to a well-earned summer break. While we’ll be pausing our regular CDN Updates over the summer, we’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you an exciting programme of activity and resources for the year ahead.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Funding Council’s evaluation of CDN was issued. The report highlights the value and impact of CDN’s professional learning and quality improvement work across Scotland’s colleges and wider tertiary system. It’s encouraging to see our role as a key connector and sector enabler recognised. We look forward to continuing our work with SFC to implement the report’s recommendations to help shape a responsive, learner-focused system. Read the full news story and report here.

This summer, we’re also building a brand-new website and companion guide to make it even easier to access events, resources, and networks. Launching in the autumn, it will offer a clearer and more engaging experience for you and your colleagues.

We’re also preparing the next issue of the CAIRN Journal, set for release during the summer. With contributions from college-based researchers across Scotland, it continues to be a vital platform for sharing research, insights, and innovative practice. Watch this space!

We’re delighted to welcome Nicola Mulholland to our Board of Directors this month. As many of you will know, Nicola is an experienced senior education leader and passionate advocate for inclusive, student-centred learning. She brings valuable expertise in curriculum design, partnerships, and educational policy, and we’re thrilled to have her join the team. We'd also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Angela Cox as she steps down from the CDN Board.

And my huge thanks as always to the CDN team for all of their hard work and commitment as we draw a successful 2024/25 year to a close.

As always, you can explore our full range of professional learning opportunities at cdn.ac.uk.

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new term.

Warm regards,

Marie Hendry

Chief Executive, CDN