Digital Insight Hubs

About the programme

Digital inequality remains a significant challenge across the FE sector. Differences in access to technology, staff digital skills, and learner experiences create gaps that impact educational outcomes.

The Digital Insight Hub pilot programme aims to reduce these disparities by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. By showcasing effective practices, mentoring peers, and hosting events, Insight Hubs are helping ensure that all colleges can benefit from innovative approaches and digital transformation.

The three colleges that were selected as the pilot hubs, through a highly competitive application process are:

• Basingstoke College of Technology
• Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
• South Staffordshire College.

Digital Insight Days

Between March and April 2026, each Digital Insight Hub hosted an in-person Digital Insight Day. These events allowed colleges to understand the journey each Hub has been on through digital transformation and the development of a strong digital culture, including honest reflections on successes and challenges faced along the way.

The Digital Insight Days were well attended, with 69 people from 47 colleges from across the country. The feedback and evaluation of the event was overwhelmingly positive. 96% of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the event. Attendees shared what was most useful. Key themes were:

• strong opportunities for collaboration and networking

• hearing authentic digital transformation journeys from staff and students

• clear leadership frameworks and strategy alignment.

We asked attendees to what extent they agreed with three statements regarding their confidence.

• 89% agreed that attending the Digital Insight Day increased their confidence in integrating digital learning technologies to enhance teaching and learning, student experience, and/or business operations

• 91% agreed that attending the Digital Insight Day increased their understanding of how digital learning technologies can be used effectively in their college

• 93% agreed that attending the Digital Insight Day increased their confidence in contributing to the strategic direction of digital technology in their college.

We are hoping to host more Digital Insight Days in the 26-27 academic year.

Online insight sessions

Each Digital Insight Hub will deliver an online session to share some insight into its digital transformation journey. Below are the details of the sessions and links to book.

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group: "Building a culture for digital innovation" - Thursday 18 July 10:50-11:40 - part of the Digital Futures Conference

South Staffordshire College: "Digital Student Champions: A Journey of Growth and Opportunity" - Tuesday 30 June 13:00-13:50 - part of AoC Learning Week
This session explores how South Staffordshire College’s Digital Student Champions programme supports both student development and college-wide digital transformation. Focusing on the journey of a student within the role, we will demonstrate how taking part in digital projects, supporting technology adoption, and engaging with partners such as Jisc can enhance confidence and employability. You will hear from the Digital Learning team who developed the programme, alongside a Digital Student Champion sharing first-hand experiences of how the role has developed their skills and opened up new opportunities. The session provides practical insight into how Digital Student Champion roles can create sustainable impact, supporting learners to progress into higher education, employment and teaching pathways, while strengthening digital capability across the organisation.

Basingstoke College of Technology: "A 10-year journey: lessons, insights, and strategy" - Wednesday 1 July 13:00-13:50 - part of AoC Learning Week
Basingstoke College of Technology shares its 10-year journey of integrating technology with purpose, introducing the C.O.R.E. skills framework as a cornerstone of this evolution. We offer honest reflections on moving from the initial digital frontier to navigating today’s complex EdTech landscape, including AI. This session prioritises digital well-being and a human-centric approach, ensuring technology serves pedagogy rather than dictating it. We acknowledge shared sector challenges, moving from the pressure of "doing it all" to identifying manageable first steps. Through collaborative discussion, you will reflect on your institutional context to develop a focused, sustainable action plan. 

Book to attend the Digital Futures Conference Book to attend AoC Learning Week

Mentoring

Mentoring is a core element of the Digital Insight Hubs programme, offering targeted one‑to‑one support to help colleges progress on their digital transformation journey. Through this strand of the programme, nine colleges will receive personalised guidance from experienced Hub mentors, with two dedicated online meetings between March and June 2026 to explore institutional challenges, share effective practice, and identify practical early actions that can drive meaningful change. This structured peer‑support model ensures colleges have a trusted space to ask questions, reflect openly, and build confidence as they develop their digital capabilities.

Find out more about mentoring