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This month, we’re excited to spotlight Dr Paula Christie, Head of Delivery and Engagement at CDN.
Paula has held a variety of roles across the tertiary sector, gaining experience in teaching, research, and international projects along the way. In her current role, Paula supports colleges in designing and delivering enhancement activities. She thrives on connecting with colleagues across the sector and is passionate about driving meaningful change that benefits both staff and learners.
In her latest blog post, Supporting Change and Enhancing Practice Across Scotland’s Colleges Paula reflects on two major CDN programmes now delivered sector-wide: The Changing Learner Programme and Elevate LT, exploring why they were developed, how they’re being received, and the impact they’re having across Scotland’s colleges.
Paula also introduces this month's Update:
"Welcome to this month’s CDN Update - packed with celebration and inspiration from across #YourCDN.
With the countdown on to the College Awards next week, excitement is building across Scotland’s college sector. This edition also highlights opportunities to grow through our Leadership and Researcher Development Programmes, and the Marketing and Communications Network Conference. You’ll also find a recap of the Exploring the Manosphere event, plus new resources from CDN LearnOnline and #EqualityMatters.
There’s plenty to explore — dive in and see what’s new at #YourCDN!"
If you have any questions related to Paula's work, please feel free to reach out to her at: paula.christie@cdn.ac.uk
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College Awards:
The Countdown is ON!
Only one week to go until the CDN College Awards on Thursday 4 December at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow - and excitement is soaring across Scotland’s college sector!
Proudly delivered by CDN and supported by Title Sponsor SQA, the Awards shine a spotlight on the skills, achievements and innovation of colleges, staff and learners across Scotland.
We’re delighted to share this year’s interactive Shortlist Summary Booklet, packed with inspiring stories, videos and testimonials from our shortlisted colleges.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
View College Awards and Shortlist Summary here.
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CDN Leadership Programmes: Inspiring Leaders at Every Level
Whether you’re stepping into management or leading at a strategic level, CDN’s leadership programmes are designed to inspire, challenge, and equip you to make a real impact across Scotland’s college sector.
The Coaching Skills for Managers Programme helps managers develop practical coaching techniques to boost both individual and team performance. Ideal for current and aspiring managers, team leaders, or anyone looking to enhance their coaching approach.
Applications are now open for the Emerging Leaders and Strategic Leaders programmes programmes, starting January. Emerging Leaders builds confidence and skills for effective leadership, while Strategic Leaders empowers senior leaders to shape strategy, influence change, and drive sector-wide improvement.
Explore CDN’s Leadership Programmes
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Researcher Development Programme: Highlights and What’s Next
Over the past two months, the Researcher Development Programme (RDP) has offered a range of sessions to help researchers build skills, confidence, and professional networks. October showcased the work and curiosities of researchers at UHI Inverness, while November featured Dr James Lamb (University of Edinburgh/EFI) exploring Postdigital Learning Spaces. Both sessions were recorded and are available on CDN's LearnOnline here. .
The RDP takes a December break to let ideas percolate, then returns in January with ‘Write On!’ — our writing room on 30 January at the Jisc Innovations Hub, University of Stirling. Sign up here.
Online sessions resume on 25 February with the eclectic and inspiring Professor Tara Brabazon — definitely not to be missed!
Interested in taking part or finding out more? Contact CDN's Insight and Innovation Partner, Jo Turbitt: jo.turbitt@cdn.ac.uk Please note that to attend Write On! you will need to sign up via the link given above.
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Manosphere Event Recap
Over 80 delegates joined our Exploring the Manosphere online event on Tuesday 11 November — a fantastic turnout.
Hosted by CDN’s Delivery and Engagement Partner Dr Gail Toms, the session explored how online masculinity spaces shape gender equality, student wellbeing, and violence prevention across tertiary education.
Featuring Alan Bissett and contributions from White Ribbon Scotland, Zero Tolerance and Prevent Scotland, the event offered powerful insights, discussion and practical takeaways for colleagues working in student support, curriculum, policy and leadership. Supported by West College Scotland.
Discover more in Gail’s blog post, ‘Exploring the Manosphere: Reflections from CDN’s Event.’
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Marketing and Communications Network Conference
Tues 17 February 2026
(0930–1530)
New College Lanarkshire, Coatbridge Campus
This year’s theme: Making the Message Matter - what we say, how we say it, and why it matters.
With sessions on influencing decision-makers, managing the media, mobile video creation, building a social media strategy, and emerging digital trends, it’s a must-attend for anyone shaping college communications.
Programme coming soon!
Book your place now
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#EqualityMatters:
Putting Inclusion at the Heart of Your Work
Discover #EqualityMatters, CDN’s monthly digest supporting staff to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across colleges. Each edition links the UN SDGs to inclusive leadership, with easy access to resources and events.
The December issue focuses on Tackling Poverty and Hardship, supporting Learners facing financial disadvantage or hardship. View here.
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CDN LearnOnline - Your Hub for Flexible, Inspiring Learning
CDN LearnOnline is a core part of #YourCDN — a dynamic hub of flexible, accessible online learning for Scotland’s college sector. With regularly updated courses, toolkits and resources, it’s the ideal place to explore new ideas, grow your skills and stay ahead.
This month, we’re shining a light on:
Understanding Colleges Today (UCT)
A free, interactive introduction to Scotland’s colleges, blending videos, activities and reflection to build confidence and deepen sector understanding.
Tertiary Self-Evaluation Toolkit (TSET)
A free resource supporting colleges and Universities to develop strong Self-Evaluation and Action Plans. New this month, Voices from the Voyage captures early user insights and highlights TSET’s impact on improvement across the sector.
Teaching in Colleges Today (TiCT)
Supporting new and recently appointed lecturers through two SCQF credit-rated units at Level 6 or 7, TiCT builds core teaching skills, aligns with Professional Standards and offers clear progression routes.
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Hi everyone,
I hope you’re all keeping well and looking forward to the upcoming celebrations.
I want to firstly offer a heartfelt thank you for the support and kind words following last month’s launch of #YourCDN and our new website. We’re absolutely delighted with the feedback. Many of your suggestions are already helping us refine and enhance the service we provide — because it truly is #YourCDN.
I often say that our small team is a powerhouse, and this month is no exception. They continue to deliver a wide range of events, resources, and reports for the sector, and their commitment remains unwavering. We have also been pleased to receive strong interest in our new Delivery and Engagement Partner position. A role that will enable us to expand our capacity and delivery for the sector.
Next month, we’ll round up 2025 with some of our key achievements from the past year.
Like many of you, I’m also very much looking forward to our annual College Awards celebration taking place next week. If you haven’t already, please take a look at the amazing work of our shortlisted colleges.
It promises to be a fantastic evening honouring the incredible life changing activity across the sector. We’re delighted to be joined on the evening by Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there. Get involved and follow along on our social channels using #ColllegeAwards.
As always, you can find all 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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