THE COLLEGE COLLECTIVE
The College Collective is a unique, sector-led consultancy network for further education professionals, developed by KWP Ltd in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC). It’s designed to retain and develop consultant talent within colleges, for the benefit of the sector and the wider community.
The College Collective brings together more than 20 member colleges who contribute their expertise, insight and collaboration to strengthen the sector. Through this peer-led model, individuals gain practitioner accreditation as AoC Associate Experts, supported by ongoing development, aligned networks, and opportunities to both give and receive sector-wide expertise.
What does membership include?
As a member of The College Collective, your college gains access to:
- Practitioner development through the AoC Associate Experts programme, including certification and credentials from the Institute of Leadership and Management
- Insight exchange through remote or in-person peer support, with access to matched Associate Experts across diverse areas of expertise
- A structured programme to review performance, impact and improvement, including monitoring meetings and impact reporting
- Access to regular Action Learning Sets and Wisdom Sessions covering timely themes, current challenges and sector priorities
- A space for staff across your organisation to connect with others in similar roles, build confidence, and share practice
Upcoming Events
Action Learning Sets (ALS)
Online, interactive sessions that bring staff together to explore real challenges, share ideas, and find practical solutions. Each set focuses on a specific theme such as HR, marketing, English and maths, or MIS.
January
- Positive Behaviour ALS - Friday 23 January 12.30pm-2pm
- MIS ALS - Wednesday 28 January 2pm-3.30pm
- English and Maths ALS - Thursday 29 January 12pm-1.30pm
- AI ALS - Friday 30 January, 12.30pm-2pm
February
- HR ALS - Thursday 5 February, 12.30pm-2pm
- Health and Safety ALS - Friday 6 February 12.30pm-2pm
- Learning and Development ALS - Monday 9 February 12.30pm-2pm
- NEW T Level Working Group - Thursday 12 February 11am-12pm
- Marketing ALS - Thursday 12 February 1pm-2.30pm
Wisdom Sessions
Online sessions led by an expert, exploring the wider issues affecting staff and learners. These sessions offer space for honest, thought-provoking conversation on topics like wellbeing, inclusion, and digital culture.
- Impact of social media - 27 February 12.30-1.30pm
- Difficult Conversations - 28 April 12.30pm (this will have a bit of a workshop so people can practice difficult conversations through "role play")
Want to join?
If you’d like to explore membership of The College Collective or book a place at an upcoming event, please get in touch by emailing nat@thekwp.co.uk
The Association of Colleges has been recognised by the Institute for Leadership for its College Collective programme for the second year running. At the 2024 Institute of Leadership Awards in November, AoC was named as runner-up in the Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme category, beating
The College Collective brings us together. The approach is dynamic, inclusive and people-driven. Our colleges will benefit from the power of cognitive diversity to drive innovation, action and business sustainability!
the college collective
In Partnership with the Association of Colleges and The KWP Ltd
In Partnership with the Association of Colleges and The KWP Ltd
The College Collective is a new approach to sector-led consultancy with the aim of retaining and developing consultant talent and expertise within colleges for the benefit of the sector at large and their communities.
Colleges join the Collective to give college managers the opportunity to develop their capabilities as AoC Associate Experts who can support partner colleges and other institutions in the development of learning and skills.
What Our Partners Say
In Partnership with the Association of Colleges and The KWP Ltd
The College Collective brings us together. The approach is dynamic, inclusive and people-driven. Our colleges will benefit from the power of cognitive diversity to drive innovation, action and business sustainability!
Gerry McDonald, CEO and Principal New City College
Collaboration within the sector is a powerful tool for all those who partake. The role I have undertaken within the College Collective has increased my professional network and further increased positive relationships to support positive change.
Adam Sturt, Head of Quality, Teaching & Digital Innovation, Bridgwater and Taunton College
Joining a project delivered by the FE sector for the good of the FE sector was particularly appealing to me. Providing Experts to support other colleges is fantastic CPD for those staff, whilst we also benefit from the support of external Experts in other areas. As far as I am aware, this peer support initiative across multiple providers is unique.
Alan Pease, Deputy Principal Suffolk New College
Find Out More
Find Out More
If you are interested in learning more, or joining the Collective, get in touch!