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18 February 2026 News

Making the Message Matter: Marketing and Communications Conference brings sector together

Yesterday (Tuesday 17 February), CDN’s Marketing and Communications Conference brought over 100 colleagues from across Scotland’s college sector together for an engaging and practical day of learning, connection and fresh thinking, focused on Making the Message Matter: What we say. How we say it. Why it matters. The conference felt particularly timely and relevant in […]
13 February 2026 News

Our latest STEP

Despite the severe weather warnings once again in force, more than 70 colleagues and students from Scotland’s colleges and universities braved the wind and rain to join us in Edinburgh on 27 January, at an event to support and promote the progress of projects being developed through Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP). (And, not to […]
29 January 2026 News

This Month at #YourCDN

We’re kicking off 2026 by shining a light on the work, ideas, and opportunities shaping Scotland’s college sector. This month’s update is introduced by Gordon Hunt and Jo Turbitt and puts a spotlight on the Insights and Innovations Hub, in blog post showing how research, insight, and innovation are being turned into practical ideas colleges […]
23 January 2026 Blogs

Sparks of Inspiration: Exploring the Insights and Innovations Hub

In this blog post, Gordon Hunt, Head of Insight, Planning and Impact, and Jo Turbitt, Insight and Innovation Partner, introduce CDN’s Insights and Innovations Hub – a dynamic resource designed to bring research to life and help college staff access practical ideas, inspiration, and techniques they can apply in their daily practice. They also explain […]
17 December 2025 News

CDN Year in Review 2025: A Year to Remember

As 2025 comes to a close, CDN is proud to reflect on a year of achievement, collaboration and impact across Scotland’s colleges. From the launch of #YourCDN and our refreshed website, to new programmes such as Elevate LT, the expansion of CDN LearnOnline, national campaigns including #ChooseCollege, and our biggest-ever CDN College Awards, the year […]
5 December 2025 News

Scotland’s Colleges Talent Shines at CDN College Awards 2025

The CDN College Awards, proudly delivered by CDN and supported by Title Sponsor SQA, took place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, welcoming over 300 guests – making this our largest Awards yet. The Awards celebrate the talent, skills, and achievements of colleges, their staff, and learners, shining a spotlight […]
28 November 2025 News

#YourCDN November Update Released: Sector Insights, Opportunities and Celebration Ahead

CDN has published the latest #YourCDN November Update, bringing together a wide range of sector news, fresh opportunities and inspiring insights from across Scotland’s colleges. With the countdown officially underway for the highly anticipated CDN College Awards, this month’s update highlights the excitement building across the sector ahead of the celebration on 4 December. Readers […]
27 November 2025 News

Shortlist Summary Booklet Out Now: Get Ready for the CDN College Awards!

#CollegeAwards With just over a week to go until the highly anticipated CDN College Awards on Thursday 4 December at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, excitement is building across Scotland’s college sector. Proudly delivered by CDN and supported by Title Sponsor SQA, the Awards celebrate the skills, achievements and innovation of colleges, their staff and learners […]
26 November 2025 News

Stepping up to the next level

It’s nearly a year since students and colleagues from Scotland’s colleges, universities and sector agencies first came together at the University of Stirling for our inaugural STEP Discovery Day. Launched in autumn 2024, Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) is the national enhancement programme that enables Scotland’s colleges and universities to work in partnership to develop […]
25 November 2025 Blogs

Supporting Change and Enhancing Practice Across Scotland’s Colleges

By Dr Paula Christie, Head of Delivery and Engagement at CDN Over recent months, my work has focused on two major CDN programmes that are now being delivered sector-wide: The Changing Learner Programme and Elevate LT. In this blog, I share why these programmes were developed, how they are being received, and the impact they […]
18 November 2025 Blogs

‘Exploring the Manosphere’: Reflections from CDN’s Event

In this blog, Dr Gail Toms, CDN’s Delivery and Engagement Partner shares reflections from our recent event on the manosphere. It explores how this online culture is shaping learner attitudes and what it means for the tertiary sector. In Scottish colleges and universities, where equality, and inclusion are core values, understanding the diversity of our […]
4 November 2025 Blogs

100 Years of Higher National qualifications in Scotland

The CDN College Awards 2025 are proudly supported by Title Sponsor SQA. As Scotland marks 100 years of Higher National qualifications, SQA reflects on a century of innovation, collaboration and impact. In 1925, 24 awards were made available under Scotland’s new National Certificate scheme, laying the foundation for something far more enduring than anyone could […]
4 November 2025 News

STEP launches new projects for 2025

Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) has launched a set of new collaborative projects for 2025, bringing together colleges, universities, student associations and sector bodies to tackle shared challenges and enhance learner experiences across the tertiary sector. STEP is Scotland’s national enhancement programme and forms part of the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF). Delivered by CDN […]
22 October 2025 News

STEP Call for Proposals for Funded Project

QAA Scotland and CDN have opened a call for proposals from staff and students across Scotland’s colleges and universities for a funded project on ‘Delivering Tailored, Targeted and Personalised Support’. Up to £10,000 of funding is available to support the development and delivery of the project, which will contribute to Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP). […]
15 October 2025 Blogs

The Backbone of CDN: Supporting Every College, Every Step of the Way

At CDN, we celebrate innovation, learning, and collaboration – and at the heart of it all is our Finance and Corporate Services team, making everything possible. Often called the backbone of the organisation, they provide the structure, support, and expertise that allows the rest of CDN – and Scotland’s college sector – to truly thrive. […]
8 October 2025 News

#YourCDN is Here – Explore Our New Website

Explore Our New Website. Sharpen Your Skills, Spark Insights, Stay Ahead – that’s the promise of #YourCDN, our refreshed hub supporting every college, every staff member, every step of the way.
1 October 2025 News

New Online Course Launches: Understanding Colleges Today

Starting a new role in the college sector – or refreshing your knowledge – can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to launch Understanding Colleges Today, a free online course on CDN LearnOnline. The course has been designed to provide a clear and engaging introduction to Scotland’s colleges. Blending interactive activities, videos and reflective exercises, it […]
1 October 2025 News

Emma MacIsaac Appointed as College Student Topic Lead for STEP

CDN and QAA are thrilled to announce that Emma MacIsaac, President of North East Scotland College Students’ Association, has been appointed as the new College Student Topic Lead for STEP (Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme).