CDN is the national improvement and enhancement agency, funded by the Scottish Funding Council to deliver key priorities in support of the development of a transformational, coherent, sustainable and high quality/high performing tertiary sector in Scotland.

CDN currently delivers this by playing the leading role in equipping Scottish colleges with the knowledge and skills to transform their practice across three priority pillars:

• Enhancing governance and leadership
• Enhancing the learning environment
• Enabling Scotland’s new Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework in partnership with QAA Scotland, SFC and sparqs

Part of this work includes supporting colleges in Scotland in expand their internationalisation and exporting potential. The CDN International Network is a key driver for supporting international growth and our Insights Team has also provided international case studies to highlight success in TVET practice, and research on Scottish Colleges’ international ambitions:

Collaboration in key to CDN – we are currently working in partnership with British Council Scotland to encourage and support Scotland’s colleges to enter international markets and grow their international activity through collaborative partnership working nationally and right across the UK.

College Development Network (CDN) delivers high-impact professional learning programmes tailored to the needs of Scotland’s college workforce. From leadership development to curriculum innovation, CDN’s training equips educators, support staff, and senior leaders with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. These programmes are designed in collaboration with colleges to ensure relevance, practical application, and alignment with national priorities.

CDN plays a pivotal role in enhancing digital skills across the college sector. Through workshops, webinars, and bespoke consultancy, it supports staff in adopting emerging technologies and embedding digital pedagogy into teaching and learning. CDN’s Digital Capability Framework helps institutions assess and grow their digital maturity, ensuring learners benefit from modern, engaging, and accessible education experiences.

CDN’s calendar of conferences, forums, and thematic events fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange across Scotland’s colleges. These gatherings bring together practitioners, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore key issues such as curriculum reform, inclusion, and sustainability. By facilitating sector-wide dialogue and showcasing best practice, CDN strengthens the collective capacity of colleges to deliver high-quality education and skills training.