|
|
In this month’s issue, we’re excited to introduce the Marketing and Events function here at CDN — proud members of the brilliant Insights, Planning, and Impact Team (that’s us over on the right! From left to right: Emma, Gordon, Jo, Lauren, and Ashleigh).
The Marketing and Events function is made up of three team members who work closely to deliver impactful communications, campaigns, and events across the college sector.
Our mission is simple: to celebrate and share the fantastic work of colleges, CDN, and our partners — while creating opportunities for learning, development, and connection.
Get to know the creative minds behind CDN’s marketing and events in our latest blog post — from social media and publications to national campaigns and flagship events — all designed to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across CDN and Scotland’s colleges. Read the blog post here.
The Marketing and Events function introduces this month's Update:
"Welcome to this month’s CDN Update! As we move into summer, we're excited to bring you fresh opportunities for professional growth, creativity, and connection across the college sector. From the return of our popular Generative AI Series to a brand-new writing event, there’s something for everyone in this edition.
You’ll also find updates on our Leadership Programmes, the Ideation: Illuminations campaign, and a final call for entries to the CDN College Awards 2025. Plus, don’t miss our latest #EqualityMatters Digest. Dive in and discover what’s happening at CDN this month!"
If you have any questions related to marketing or events, feel free to reach out to us at: marketing@cdn.ac.uk.
| | |
AI Series Returns:
Back by Popular Demand
Following the sell-out success of our previous sessions, CDN is delighted to bring back the Generative AI Series, developed in partnership with UHI Inverness.
Designed for educators, support staff and leaders, this practical online programme offers hands-on experience with tools like ChatGPT and explores how AI can support your work across the college sector.
Whether you're new to AI or ready to build on your knowledge, the sessions are flexible, accessible, and tailored to real-world needs.
Places are limited and expected to fill quickly—so don’t miss your chance to take part.
View events and register here
| |  | |
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
CDN’s Management and Leadership Programmes support you at every stage — from aspiring managers to senior leaders.
Gain confidence, fresh perspectives, and practical skills you can apply right away.
Explore our CMI-accredited programmes, including Emerging Leadership Programme (for practising or aspiring managers and leaders) and Strategic Leadership Programme (for those currently in or progressing toward senior leadership), plus access to expert coaching. Now’s the time to take the next step on your Leadership Pathway.
View Leadership Programmes here
|
| |
Introducing 'Care Experience and Corporate Parenting in Colleges'
Join CDN and Who Cares? Scotland for a short webinar introducing the updated Care Experience and Corporate Parenting in Colleges online course.
This refreshed module centres the voices of Care Experienced people and supports college staff to better understand their role as Corporate Parents — creating inclusive, supportive environments where students can thrive.
Learn more and register here.
| | | | |
The Return of Ideation: Illuminations
We were excited to launch the Ideation: Illuminations campaign on Thursday 24 April, marking the return of our 10-week series.
Developed by CDN’s Jo Turbitt, this series introduces creative strategies to enhance problem-solving and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
We’re already halfway through the campaign, with five inspiring videos covering a range of topics, including Unlock the Power of Research, De Bono's Six Hats for Thinking, Wireframing for Curriculum Design, New Possibilities in Practice, and Using Current Trends to Inform What We Do.
Follow us on social media for weekly insights and join the conversation!
| | |
New event:
Write On!
Ready to follow your curiosity?
Join CDN for Write On! — a full day dedicated to writing, thinking, and exploring in a dedicated writer’s room. With no deadlines or pressure, it’s simply time and space to dive into your ideas, chase unexpected tangents, and see where your imagination leads.
Whether refining a project or starting something new, bring your notebook or laptop and immerse yourself in the art of writing without boundaries.
✨ Special Guest: Robin Ince – The Importance of Being Interested / Messy Thinking
Write deep. Write free. Write on.
Discover more and register here
| | | | |
College Awards 2025 – Entries close next month!
There’s still time to submit your entries for the CDN College Awards 2025, which shine a spotlight on the talent, innovation, and achievements across Scotland’s colleges.
Entries are open now and will close on 26 June 2025. Winners will be revealed at a special awards ceremony on 4 December at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, where we’re honoured to be joined by Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Veterans.
View College Awards here
|
| |
#EqualityMatters Digest
We’re committed to helping you put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything you do. To support this, we’ve developed a monthly #EqualityMatters digest, signposting you to relevant events, information, and resources.
Next month’s focus is... Allyship - watch this space!
| | | |
Hello everyone,
As we look towards the end of the current academic session, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy the recent prolonged spell of sunshine. Though the rainclouds outside may indicate a more typical Scottish summer lies ahead!
Here at CDN, we’re focussed on delivering the training, services and best practice guidance that supports you – to do that, we need to ensure that our offer is evidence based and impactful. Aligned to that, we need to ensure that you can easily access the full range of services that CDN provides to support your professional pathways. I’d therefore like to take a moment to thank you all for your support and participation in two key projects: the New CDN Website Survey and your participation in our ‘Understanding the Impact of CDN’ online focus groups
Firstly, thank you to everyone who took part in the website survey. Your feedback is hugely appreciated and will directly shape the design, content, and functionality of our new website, launching in the new academic session. Our goal is to create a user-friendly, sector-leading platform that truly showcases the incredible work happening across Scotland’s colleges. We’re excited to share it with you in the Autumn.
Secondly, a heartfelt thank you for the fantastic response to our online focus groups. The first sessions began on 20 May, with 10 in total running through to 5 June. If you haven’t yet signed up and would like to contribute, you can still register for an upcoming session here. Your insights will help shape our future programmes and will be used — anonymously — to inform our upcoming impact report.
And finally, a quick reminder that entries for the CDN College Awards 2025 close on 26 June! These awards celebrate the talent, innovation, and achievement across the sector — so don’t miss the chance to shine a light on the outstanding work of your college, colleagues, and students. Discover College Awards here.
As always, we’re here to support your professional development through a wide range of courses, events, and resources. Explore everything we have to offer via the CDN website.
Best wishes,
Marie Hendry
Chief Executive, CDN
| | |
| |
| |
| | | |
