In this monthly update, the Insight, Planning and Impact team highlights a productive February, led by the launch of the CDN College Awards 2026 prospectus, alongside key events, new initiatives and ongoing work to connect colleagues across the sector and amplify the impact our work.
February has been a busy and exciting month for the Insight, Planning and Impact team, with plenty happening across our work at CDN.
A major highlight is the launch of CDN College Awards 2026 . Now in its 27th year, the Awards continue to celebrate the people, partnerships and projects that make Scotland’s colleges such a vital part of our communities. The Awards shine a spotlight on innovation, impact and excellence across the sector, recognising the outstanding work taking place every day in colleges across the country.
This year, we’re particularly excited to introduce three new categories, including the Showcasing Colleges Award, which recognises the innovative ways colleges promote their work and engage their audiences. We look forward to receiving entries and celebrating the achievements of the sector later this year.
Another highlight this month was hosting the CDN Marketing and Communications Conference, which is always an important date in our calendar, and once again a brilliant day of learning and networking.
This year’s theme, Making the Message Matter, couldn’t have been more timely. With an election on the horizon, the day focused on clarity, confidence and the role communications play in shaping how Scotland understands the value of its colleges. The sessions sparked some great discussion, and it was clear there’s real appetite for stronger, more unified storytelling across the sector.
We also shared early plans for a simple but impactful sector wide activation to celebrate Team Scotland during this year’s FIFA World Cup. Colleges across the country will take part in a coordinated PR and social moment that shines a light on the pride, reach and impact of Scotland’s colleges while global attention is on the tournament. More details to follow soon. Go Team Scotland!
As always, our role in the Insight, Planning and Impact team is to keep you connected with CDN’s programmes, events and opportunities. Through our marketing and communications activity, we share the stories behind the work, highlight what’s coming up, and help colleagues stay informed about emerging practice across the sector. We’ll continue to use our monthly updates to bring you the latest from our team and from across CDN.
If you’d like to know more about anything we’re working on, we’re always happy to hear from you – please contact us at marketing@cdn.ac.uk.
