College Development Network

04/09/2026

💫 The secret's out!

Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, will be joining us for the launch of CDN Futures Lab on 1 October! 🤩

Having worked with teams across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Imagineering, Duncan has spent his career helping people unlock creativity, challenge assumptions and turn ideas into action.

Join us to discover how curiosity and creative thinking can help shape the future of Scotland's colleges.

📅 1 October, 3pm
💻 Online
🎟️ Register now: https://bit.ly/4zOKITL

Small experiments. Mighty impact. Big possibilities.

03/09/2026

🌟 The shortlist for the CDN 2026 is here! 🌟

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an entry this year, and congratulations to those shortlisted! The quality and range of applications once again highlight the incredible work happening across Scotland’s colleges every day, with an incredible 195 entries received 👏

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you all later this year.

View the shortlist here 🔗 https://www.cdn.ac.uk/college-awards-2026/

02/09/2026

What do Scotland's colleges and Disney have in common?💫

Find out on 1 October at the launch of CDN Futures Lab and discover how curiosity and creativity can shape the future.

Oh, and we'll be joined by a very special guest speaker 👀

More on that soon...

01/09/2026

is back with a fresh new look!

Bringing you resources, events, ideas and inspiration, supports staff across Scotland’s colleges to put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of their work.

Each edition connects the UN Sustainable Development Goals, professional standards and inclusive leadership and practice, helping you discover useful resources, upcoming events and practical ways to embed equality and inclusion across your work.

Catch up on the latest issue, focusing on Wellbeing in the Workplace ➡️ https://bit.ly/4gKQptt

31/08/2026

📣 August Update is out now!

Inside, you’ll find:
➡️ New Strategy Launch
➡️ CDN Futures Lab
➡️ Leadership Programmes 2026/27
➡️ Elevate LT returns
➡️ CDN Impact Report
➡️ Preparing for Parliamentary Committees

Find out more via link in bio

31/08/2026

📢 Find out what's been going on at CDN in August with Update!

This month we spotlight the launch of our new strategy and how we will continue working with colleges to shape the future.

Key highlights include an introduction to the new CDN Futures Lab, Preparing for Parliamentary Committees Masterclass, the CDN Impact report, and more...

Read more here ➡️ https://conta.cc/4xHfNqJ

28/08/2026

The CDN College Awards 2026 shortlist is revealed next week! 🎉

These awards celebrate the talent, dedication, and achievements of colleges, their staff, and learners, offering a unique platform to showcase excellence, innovation, and impact across the sector.

A huge thank you to our incredible panel of judges, who have dedicated their time, expertise and energy over the past month to review this year’s phenomenal 195 entries from colleges across Scotland.

We can’t wait to share this year’s shortlist and shine a light on the outstanding people, projects and achievements happening across Scotland’s colleges.

👀 Keep your eyes peeled next week…

www.cdn.ac.uk/college-awards-2026/

Entries for College Awards 2026, proudly delivered by CDN, are now officially closed. We are delighted by the phenomenal response, with 195 entries submitted from colleges across Scotland. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their achievements – we can’t wait to celebrate the...

26/08/2026

💡 Empowering college educators through practical professional learning

How can we support educators to strengthen their teaching practice in ways that make a real difference in the classroom?

Elevate LT, delivered by CDN in partnership with TeachingHOW2s, supports lecturers, practitioners and Advanced Practitioners to develop their teaching practice through evidence-based approaches designed to be applied directly in the classroom.

With full support from CDN and access to innovative digital tools, including AI-enhanced resources, participants are equipped to strengthen learning and teaching practice in meaningful, practical ways.

✨ Participation is fully funded for colleges across Scotland.

Want to find out more?
Join our online webinar on Tuesday 22 September, 4–5pm to discover more about the programme and find out how your college can get involved.
👉 Register for the webinar: https://bit.ly/4cGJVdI

Places on the programme are fully funded, so don’t miss the opportunity to get involved.
👉 Apply for Elevate LT: https://bit.ly/4y0hgIG

25/08/2026

📣 Could your work feature in the next issue of CAIRN?

Across Scotland's colleges, staff are developing innovative approaches, testing new ideas and finding creative solutions to educational challenges every day.

CAIRN Journal exists to give those stories a platform.

🌟 Get inspired by the latest issue of CAIRN and check it out here: https://bit.ly/3U663rL

We're now seeking contributions for Issue 6 (December 2026) and inviting practitioner-researchers, lecturers, learning support staff and education professionals to share their work with the wider sector.

Your research doesn't need to change the world to make a difference – it just needs to help others learn from your experience.

📅 Draft proposal deadline: 9 October 2026

Discover how to submit here: https://bit.ly/3UxTAwX

21/08/2026

🌱 Ready to take your first step into leadership?

The CDN Emerging Leaders Programme is designed for college colleagues who are preparing for leadership roles and want to build the confidence, skills and insight needed to make a positive impact.

Through practical learning, reflection and peer connection, participants develop their leadership identity, strengthen key skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to lead in Scotland’s colleges.

Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or preparing for your next opportunity, can support your journey.

Discover CDN’s Leadership Programmes and take your next step.

https://bit.ly/4cCdtsX

For new and aspiring managers and leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge