Association of Colleges

About the Business Development Network (BDN)

It was formed in May 1999 when the AoC invited Colleges to nominate a member of staff with responsibility for generating income through business development and external funding to join the Network. There are now over 400 members from General FE and Sixth Form Colleges across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The network's purpose is to support the business development activities of Colleges. It is organised both centrally through the AoC and regionally through a network of regional and national associations each with its own co-ordinator.

BDN aims

To represent and promote the interests of business development managers and staff in Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges.

Objectives:

• Consider how Colleges can develop their business development activities and functions and share this knowledge with other network members
• Discuss the effects of Government action, recommendations and legislation on business development activities and advise Colleges accordingly
• Disseminate information and advice on sources and methods of income generation and other business developments for the mutual benefit of the sector
• Establish contacts with national organisations that can assist Colleges in developing their business
• Achieve the objectives of the network through meetings, conferences, courses, workshops and other appropriate activities at regional and national levels

Membership:

• Membership of the network is open to College representatives from all Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• The network is organised into eleven national and regional organisations
• A College member who cannot attend an activity may nominate a deputy
• Each nominated member receives copies of correspondence, briefings, course leaflets and invitations to regional and national events

BDN Organisation:

• The central organisation is based at the Association of Colleges in London. The network manager administers the members database, arranges meetings and deals with correspondence and other forms of communication
• The nine English regions together with Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own network and co-ordinator. These co-ordinators are nominated by the Association and are responsible for arranging meetings and other activities within their own areas
• Co-ordinators attend regular meetings of the BDN Advisory Committee at the AoC to raise issues of interest or concern and to participate in the planning of network activities
• Members are informed of network activities through the Association's Briefings

For more information on the Business Development Network please see the latest Briefings or contact:

Teresa Frith
Skills Policy Manger
Tel. 020 7034 9958