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.

This network brings together senior leaders—Deputy, Vice, and Assistant Principals—responsible for quality and curriculum across the North East, meeting regularly both virtually and in person. It offers a collaborative space to support all aspects of quality improvement, alongside the implementation of new curriculum initiatives and developments. Members benefit from national policy updates delivered by the Association of Colleges (AoC) Policy Team and have the opportunity to engage directly with senior representatives from Ofsted and other key stakeholders.

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 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.

Led by David Holloway, AoC Senior Policy Manager, SEND.

The aim of this virtual forum is to receive key updates from David, share best practice and provide discussion points on issues relating to provision for Learners with Special Educational Needs in colleges. The forum is open to senior managers and expert practitioners, and has a particular focus on sharing practical solutions to current challenges.

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.