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Our latest #YourCDN update is packed with fresh ideas, exciting opportunities and practical resources for Scotland’s colleges.
From Futures Lab and our Digital Shift Programme to leadership development, digital storytelling and opportunities to enhance the student experience, discover what’s happening across the sector and find your next opportunity to learn, connect and make a difference.
We’re also exploring the connection between Futures Lab and quality enhancement. In her latest blog, Jo Turbitt, CDN’s Insight and Innovation Partner and curator of CDN's Futures Lab, shares how cultivating curiosity, creativity and confidence can empower college staff to embrace change, experiment with new ideas and build a stronger culture of continuous enhancement – because quality culture grows through people.
Explore the latest news, resources and opportunities from #YourCDN.
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Join Our Team
Delivery and Engagement Partner
CDN is looking for a motivated Delivery and Engagement Partner to join our team and support innovation, collaboration and enhancement across the college sector.
This six-month, full-time fixed-term role offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects, develop engaging professional learning opportunities and work with partners across the tertiary sector.
Secondments are welcome, with the possibility of an extension.
Interested? Find out more about the role and how to apply in the application pack.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 2 November 2026.
Find out more and apply here
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Digital Shift Programme
From Ambition to Action
Whether you’re looking to build staff confidence, enhance digital teaching practices or strengthen your college’s digital culture, CDN’s new Digital Shift Programme offers practical support to help you move forward.
Building on the findings of CDN’s Digital Skills Development in Scottish Colleges report, the programme helps colleges identify priorities, develop skills and take meaningful steps towards digital enhancement.
With support across four key areas – digital culture, staff digital capability, learning, teaching and curriculum, and digital infrastructure and systems – colleges can choose from three flexible offers: Starting Line, Ignition and Acceleration, tailored to their needs and ambitions.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore the programme here or email info@cdn.ac.uk to discuss your college’s priorities and the support available.
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CDN Leadership Programmes 2026/27
Supporting Leaders at Every Stage of Their Journey
Whether you’re stepping into management or leading at an executive level, CDN’s leadership programmes help you build confidence, strengthen your skills and make a lasting impact across Scotland’s colleges.
Applications are open for the 2026/27 CDN Leadership Programmes, including:
This month, we also welcomed participants to the new Executive Leadership Series, supporting senior leaders to navigate complexity and make confident strategic decisions.
Together, these programmes offer a progressive leadership pathway from emerging talent to executive level.
Explore the programmes here
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MadeOnAMobile
Mobile Storytelling for Learning, Engagement & Communication
Tuesday 10 November 2026,
Forth Valley College, Stirling,
£95 per delegate
How can you create engaging video content using just your smartphone or tablet? Join Jon Gill from Playful Communications for a hands-on workshop exploring mobile storytelling for learning, engagement and communication.
The day will cover how to plan a clear story, structure content to capture attention, and develop practical skills in filming, sound, lighting and editing. With opportunities to create content throughout the workshop, you’ll be able to put your learning into practice straight away.
No specialist equipment is needed – just your smartphone or tablet and a story to tell. Places are limited to 16 delegates.
Find out more and register here
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CDN’s Futures Lab
Cultivating Resilient College Changemakers
How can Scotland’s colleges build the confidence, creativity and agency to thrive in uncertainty?
CDN’s Futures Lab creates space to explore ideas, experiment and turn curiosity into action.
Futures Lab officially launched on 1 October with an inspiring online event featuring Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, who challenged delegates to rethink creativity and embrace new ways of thinking. Read the launch story here.
In October, the Carnival of Curiosity brought three days of creative challenges, thought-provoking ideas and playful experimentation to CDN’s LinkedIn. The Carnival may be over, but there’s still plenty to explore!
Keep your curiosity alive with FEAST, our ongoing, 40-minute facilitated lunchtime sessions for anyone working in a college. Curated and delivered by CDN’s Jo Turbitt, FEAST offers space to step away from the day-to-day, explore unexpected ideas and ask “what if?” No project or proposal needed – just curiosity.
Explore Futures Lab here
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#EqualityMatters
Resources, events and, inspiration for equality, diversity and inclusion
Discover the latest resources, events and ideas to support equality, diversity and inclusion across Scotland’s colleges with CDN’s monthly Equality Matters Digest.
Each edition explores key EDI topics, alongside the UN Sustainable Development Goals, professional standards, and inclusive leadership and practice.
This month’s issue focuses on Anti-Stalking.
Stalking Awareness Webinar
Join Action Against Stalking for an informative webinar exploring stalking, common myths and misconceptions, tech-facilitated abuse, Scottish legislation and sources of support. The session will also feature a contribution from the Alice Ruggles Trust, sharing Alice’s story and highlighting the importance of awareness and early intervention.
Find out more and register here
Look out for next month’s edition which explores Supporting Transitions and Navigating Pathways.
Explore the full Equality Matters Digest here.
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STEP News
Discover new ideas and help shape the student experience
Jointly managed by CDN and QAA Scotland, Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) brings colleges and universities together to share ideas, enhance learning and teaching, and improve the student experience.
STEP Online: Discover enhancement in action
Join our four-part STEP Online series to explore projects and practical insights from across the tertiary sector. Sessions cover supporting transitions and pathways, strengthening belonging, developing learning skills, and providing tailored support.
These sessions are open to anyone working in the tertiary sector who is not yet involved with STEP. They offer ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to engage with enhancement work taking place through STEP and across Scotland.
SAPSO Project Premiere Now Available
Supporting Access, Progression and Successful Outcomes in Disabled Student Communities (SAPSO), this inspiring STEP Year 3 project features a short film created by Edinburgh College ESOL and HNC Media students. Exploring the lived experiences of students with disabilities, the premiere is now available to watch here.
STEP Student Voice Project: Help shape the student experience
STEP is inviting expressions of interest for a new Student Voice Project exploring learners’ experiences across Scotland’s tertiary education sector. The project will help build understanding of diverse learner journeys and inform future enhancement work.
The deadline to apply is 5pm on Friday 13 November 2026.
Find out more here
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The Last Word
Hi everyone,
I hope you managed to enjoy a restful break over the October holidays and are settling into the changing season.
October has been an exciting month for CDN, with the launch of our Futures Lab bringing together more than 150 delegates from across the college sector to explore creativity, curiosity and new ways of thinking. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for embracing new ideas and building the confidence to navigate uncertainty.
We also welcomed a new cohort to our Executive Leadership Series, which got off to a great start this month. The programme brings senior leaders together to share experiences, explore strategic challenges and learn from one another, creating valuable opportunities to collaborate and shape the future of Scotland’s colleges.
Looking ahead, in November, Elevate LT returns for its 2026–27 programme, following a successful first-year pilot. Delivered with TeachingHOW2s and fully funded by CDN, the programme supports educators to explore evidence-informed teaching, build confidence and enhance their practice. I’m excited to see how this year’s participants share ideas and bring new approaches into their classrooms.
And behind the scenes, we’re busy preparing for the CDN College Awards on 3 December. With 195 entries celebrating the achievements of Scotland’s colleges, the awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the talent, innovation and impact across our sector. Congratulations again to everyone shortlisted – we look forward to celebrating with you!
CDN is proud to connect people, spark ideas and support the positive change happening across Scotland’s colleges. I look forward to seeing many of you at our programmes and events in the coming weeks.
As always, you can keep up to date through www.cdn.ac.uk, our social media channels and newsletters.
Warm regards,
Marie Hendry
Chief Executive, CDN
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