AoC North East

These meetings provide a valuable forum for Principals and CEOs across the North East to connect regularly—both virtually and in person—to explore key strategic and policy developments in the Further Education sector. Members benefit from timely national updates and have the opportunity to engage directly with senior representatives from key external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and shared insight across the region

This network brings together Finance Directors from colleges across the North East through regular meetings held virtually. It provides a platform to explore key financial topics, share sector intelligence, and stay up to date with national developments. Members benefit from expert insights from the Association of Colleges (AoC) and the Department for Education (DfE), alongside feedback from the National College Funding Directors Group (CFDG), supporting informed decision-making and regional collaboration.

This network brings together college HR Directors from across the North East through regular meetings held both virtually and in person. It offers a collaborative space to share best practice, explore emerging challenges, and stay informed on sector developments. Members benefit from expert legal updates on current issues delivered by Irwin Mitchell LLP, alongside key national insights from Jo Taylor, HR Specialist and Member Services Manager.

The North East Curriculum & Quality Network is a collaborative group for senior leaders—Deputy and Vice Principals—with strategic responsibility for curriculum and/or quality across colleges in the region. It provides a space to connect, share effective practice, and support continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and assessment.

The network meets three to four times per academic year, through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions. Meetings feature focused discussions on curriculum innovation, quality enhancement, and sector developments, including updates from the AoC Policy Team, insights from guest speakers, and engagement with key stakeholders such as Ofsted and the Department for Education.

North East Curriculum & Quality Network - Terms of Reference

This network brings together Governance Professionals/Clerks from across the North East, meeting regularly both virtually and in person. It provides a forum to explore policy changes and key developments affecting college governance, while offering space for roundtable discussion and peer exchange. Members also benefit from national updates delivered by Hayley Igbokwe, Governance Manager at the Association of Colleges (AoC), supporting informed and effective governance practice across the region.

This network brings together Chairs from across the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humber, offering a collective space to engage with sector developments and share insights. Meetings are held primarily online to accommodate the time constraints of Chairs in their voluntary roles, with the option for an in-person regional meeting during the summer term. Sessions are concise and focused, featuring updates from a range of sector officials and AoC colleagues, and providing opportunities for peer exchange and discussion on current governance priorities.

This network brings together sport leads from colleges across the North East, meeting regularly both virtually and in person. It provides a platform to share good practice, explore sector developments, and engage with updates from AoC Sport and key external partners. The network also acts as a springboard for collaborative development projects between colleges. 

Each meeting is structured in two parts: the Sport Curriculum session focuses on strategic and curriculum-related matters, while the Operations session centres on competition and sport development.

The Northern SEND Forum is a collaborative group for strategic SEND leads from AoC member colleges across the northern regions. It provides a space to connect, share best practice, and influence national SEND policy and strategy.

Meetings are held virtually three times per academic year and feature focused discussions on current sector developments. Sessions include updates from AoC, insights from guest speakers and opportunities for peer learning and professional development.

The forum supports regional collaboration, amplifies member voices in national conversations, and promotes continuous improvement in SEND provision across Further Education.

Northern SEND Forum - Terms of Reference

Led by Claire Barker, AoC Senior Policy Manager, Skills & Industry

This virtual forum supports college staff in a range of business development roles with a focus on all aspects of provision for employers or employment, including Apprenticeships, work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and enterprise activity, plus receiving key updates.

Led by Arti Saraswat, AoC Senior Policy Manager, HE.

The virtual forum supports college staff with management roles in the provision of higher education in colleges, although anyone from a member college with an interest in higher education is welcome to attend. Each forum features key updates from Arti along with presentations from stakeholders such as HEFCE, QAA and other organisations, with opportunities for sharing experiences and good practice.