Association of Colleges

AoC Yorkshire and the Humber
 

The Association of Colleges (AoC) exists to represent and promote the interests of colleges and provide members with professional support services. It aims to be the authoritative voice of colleges – based on credible analysis, research, advocacy and consultation with colleges – and the first-choice destination for guidance and advice for members.

AoC was established in 1996 by colleges themselves as a voice for further education and higher education delivered in colleges at national and regional level.  Its membership includes general and tertiary further education colleges, sixth form colleges and specialist colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

AoC’s structure includes a vibrant national office in London, an active network of nine regional offices which work closely with colleges and government agencies in their regions, and a very wide range of member networks through which college staff, governors and students inform and shape AoC policy and activity.

The Association of Colleges Yorkshire and the Humber (AoC Y&H) supports colleges and contributes to the region’s social and economic agenda.  One of its key roles is to represent colleges in the political arena to the government, to MPs, to the media and to other national organisations.

AoC Y&H champions the region’s 35 member colleges and supports them in delivering maximum social and economic benefit for people, businesses and communities.  It engages in the debate about the future of colleges by responding to government consultations, providing evidence to Select Committees and MPs, and issuing briefings on issues that are important to colleges. It has four key objectives:

• To raise awareness about, improve the image of and enhance the reputation of the sector.
   
• To represent the sector and influence education and skills policy.
   
• To support members through information, advice and events.
   
• To be a fully consultative membership organisation.

The work of AoC Y&H is guided and directed by the Regional Committee, which comprises principals and chairs of colleges from across the region. Members are elected by the colleges themselves to work on their behalf.