An update has been published on new developments in the Job Evaluation project for college professional services staff 👉 bit.ly/3OhMASk

A new website is now live providing information on the joint work of college employers and trade unions as they negotiate staff pay and conditions under the revised National Recognition and Procedures Agreement 👇

bit.ly/41l0dTD

The College Employers Scotland office will be closed for the Easter break on Friday 3 and Monday 6 April.

We hope you have a restful and enjoyable long weekend, and we’ll be back open as normal on Tuesday 7 April.

📣 Major changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 kick in from 6 April, including:

• Day-one rights for parental leave & paternity leave
• Wider eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay
• New Fair Work Agency (7 April)

CES will support colleges through the changes. Find out more 👉 bit.ly/4segIeZ

We are seeking applications for the position of Independent Chair of the Board of Trustees. The deadline to apply is 5pm on Monday, 30 March 2026. Learn more about the role and how to apply: bit.ly/4bJ4d5d

As #FairWorkFestival2026 enters its final day, it’s worth recognising the commitment Scotland’s colleges show to delivering #FairWork - from early Living Wage adoption to strengthened national bargaining.

CES looks forward to continuing our work to ensure colleges remain leaders in Fair Work.

Scotland’s new Essential Skills Network launches soon!

Join colleagues from Scotland’s colleges and partner organisations to explore how essential, meta, and core skills can be strengthened across curriculum and practice 🤝

📅 29 April 2026
🕛 09:30–11:30
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams
🔗 bit.ly/4bm3jva

Today we are pleased to jointly announce the launch of College Sector of the Future, an evidence-based future-proofing exercise to shape colleges for the next generation, and ensure they are a first-choice for future learners: bit.ly/4ugxoou

To reduce the risk of industrial disputes and strikes, college employers and trade unions have changed how they negotiate staff pay and conditions.

Learn more 👇

Did you know that 61% of college staff and 49% of college students in Scotland are women?

We celebrate their vital contribution to learning, skills and the future workforce on #IWD2026.

Happy #EmployeeAppreciationDay2026!

Today we’re celebrating the people who make Scotland’s colleges great places to learn, work and grow.

From lecturing and professional services staff to specialist and campus teams - thank you for everything you do.

#ScotlandsColleges #FurtherEducation

🌟 The Fair Work Convention has unveiled its renewed vision for a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.

The refreshed vision strengthens Scotland’s commitment to fair work as a driver of wellbeing, prosperity, and equality.
#FairWork
👉 tinyurl.com/mu3sxw4x

Colleges and unions pledge to put 'decade of disrespect' behind them with new deal This is the first major change to national collective bargaining for colleges in a decade

“The reforms will provide a simpler, clearer structure for negotiations on staff pay and conditions, keeping our focus on delivering learning excellence for students...”

Collective bargaining for Scotland's colleges is changing - find out more 👇

www.scotsman.com/education/co...

A new agreement has been launched setting out how staff pay and conditions will be negotiated across Scotland’s colleges.

A step forward for industrial relations - and for the high-quality teaching and learning our students deserve.

Learn more 👉 bit.ly/4r7eyxp

Student in workshop

Today we launch Opportunity That Works — our 2026 Election Manifesto.

Scotland needs strong, well funded colleges to deliver skills, drive growth and reduce poverty.

It’s time to choose investment over decline.

Read more ➜ bit.ly/40lpXyC

#OpportunityThatWorks #Skills #Education #ManifestoLaunch

📣 National collective bargaining for Scotland's colleges is changing.

Our director, Callum Chomczuk, has written about the reforms for @scotsman.com.

Read the article here 👉 bit.ly/4qJbEP0

An update has been published on new developments in the Job Evaluation project for college support staff 👉 bit.ly/4rzR0BL

John Anderson, our former Head of National Bargaining, retires today.

In his two years with CES, he played a key role in improving college sector industrial relations, securing vital agreements along the way - including the support staff pay deal.

We wish him well.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/4bAbFkA

A discussion about the future of colleges in Scotland - meeting demand for learning and skills - Enlighten Enlighten was delighted to host a discussion about the future of Scotland’s colleges in the face of rising demand for technical and vocational education, the pressing need for skilled workers to join ...

Thank you @enlightenscot.bsky.social for hosting a discussion on the future of colleges in Scotland - meeting demand for learning and skills. Angela Cox Principal @ayrshirecollege.bsky.social, Gavin Donoghue CEO Colleges Scotland, joined Chris Deerin, Enlighten. View the discussion bit.ly/4jYna7o

Find out more 👉 bit.ly/3MnU4BT

CDN College Awards winners announced - Scottish Funding Council Glasgow event marks the 26th annual celebration of Scotland’s colleges.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at last night’s #CollegeAwards and well done @coldevnet.bsky.social
for giving everyone such a fantastic night of celebration! tinyurl.com/e7b39frd

Wow, what a night at the #CollegeAwards! 🤩

Celebrating the talent, innovation & achievements of our colleges, staff, and students! 🏆

📸 Photos coming soon!

View the winners 👇

www.cdn.ac.uk/college-awards-2025/

📢 We're delighted to announce that we've appointed Steve Farrell as our new Head of National Bargaining.

Steve brings extensive trade union experience and will help build on recent progress in collective bargaining and improved industrial relations.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/4o19WXW

Following positive and constructive negotiations, College Employers Scotland has formally presented a pay offer for support staff. Trade unions have confirmed they will ballot their members on this offer.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/4nZOQtc

CES Team is delighted to be attending this - reflecting on progress over the last ten years, current developments, and the role of Scotland's colleges in driving future change.

#FairWork #LivingWageWeek

📢 Big news this #LivingWageWeek!

Scotland's colleges have fast-tracked a 6.7% pay rise for staff on the Real Living Wage - another demonstration of their commitment to #FairWork principles.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/3JFOPMU

College Employers Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Director.

Read more 👉 bit.ly/48JEWYK

👏👏!!

#ShowRacismTheRedCard

#WorldMenopauseDay isn’t far away — the perfect time to spotlight how colleges and trade unions have developed a Menopause Policy that shows what Fair Work looks like:

💡 Real support 🕓 Flexible hours 💬 Open conversations

Read more in this joint blog for the Fair Work Convention 👉 bit.ly/4q4Q20s

The latest @auditscotland.bsky.social report on Scotland’s colleges has highlighted a real-terms 20% cut to college funding since 2021/22. Read our response: bit.ly/3KRI8r2