Essential Skills Network Launch Event 2026
Online via Microsoft Teams
Join us for the launch of Scotland’s new Essential Skills Network — a collaborative national space designed to strengthen how essential, meta, and core skills are embedded across curriculum, pedagogy, and professional practice.
This online event brings together leaders and practitioners from across Scotland’s colleges and key agencies to explore emerging practice, national priorities, and opportunities for collective impact.
Who Should Attend
College leaders, managers, curriculum teams, and colleagues from:
- Education Scotland
- Skills Development Scotland
- Qualifications Scotland
- The Data Lab
- Partner organisations engaged in skills, learning, and innovation
What to Expect
Welcome & Introduction
David Hiddleston (Edinburgh College) and Gail Toms (College Development Network) set the scene, outlining the purpose and vision of the Essential Skills Network and its alignment to national priorities such as equalities, sustainability, and digital/data innovation.
Embedding Meta & Core Skills in Curriculum
Updates from FVC, Edinburgh College, and Glasgow Kelvin College showcasing real-world approaches, challenges, and innovations.
Qualifications Scotland Update
Insights into the evolving national landscape for skills and qualifications.
Interactive Breakout Discussions
Share experiences and explore practical solutions with peers from across the sector.
Panel Reflection & Discussion
Facilitated by David and Gail, with college speakers and Qualifications Scotland contributing reflections on impact, national coherence, and opportunities for collaboration.
Next Steps
Find out how you can get involved in the network, contribute to future activity, and support sector-wide progress.
Why Attend?
- Shape the direction of Scotland’s new Essential Skills Network
- Learn from current practice across college settings
- Connect with national partners and practitioners
- Contribute to sector-wide efforts around equalities, sustainability, digital readiness, and learner/employer needs
- Take away practical ideas to support your own curriculum and development work
Online via Microsoft Teams
Join us for the launch of Scotland’s new Essential Skills Network — a collaborative national space designed to strengthen how essential, meta, and core skills are embedded across curriculum, pedagogy, and professional practice.
This online event brings together leaders and practitioners from across Scotland’s colleges and key agencies to explore emerging practice, national priorities, and opportunities for collective impact.
Who Should Attend
College leaders, managers, curriculum teams, and colleagues from:
- Education Scotland
- Skills Development Scotland
- Qualifications Scotland
- The Data Lab
- Partner organisations engaged in skills, learning, and innovation
What to Expect
Welcome & Introduction
David Hiddleston (Edinburgh College) and Gail Toms (College Development Network) set the scene, outlining the purpose and vision of the Essential Skills Network and its alignment to national priorities such as equalities, sustainability, and digital/data innovation.
Embedding Meta & Core Skills in Curriculum
Updates from FVC, Edinburgh College, and Glasgow Kelvin College showcasing real-world approaches, challenges, and innovations.
Qualifications Scotland Update
Insights into the evolving national landscape for skills and qualifications.
Interactive Breakout Discussions
Share experiences and explore practical solutions with peers from across the sector.
Panel Reflection & Discussion
Facilitated by David and Gail, with college speakers and Qualifications Scotland contributing reflections on impact, national coherence, and opportunities for collaboration.
Next Steps
Find out how you can get involved in the network, contribute to future activity, and support sector-wide progress.
Why Attend?
- Shape the direction of Scotland’s new Essential Skills Network
- Learn from current practice across college settings
- Connect with national partners and practitioners
- Contribute to sector-wide efforts around equalities, sustainability, digital readiness, and learner/employer needs
- Take away practical ideas to support your own curriculum and development work
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- Online