BCoT Named National ‘Digital Insight Hub’ to Lead FE Innovation

We are delighted that the College has been selected as one of only three colleges in the UK to become a National Digital Insight Hub, taking a leading role in tackling digital inequality across the further education sector.

Announced today by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and Ufi VocTech Trust (Ufi), the appointment recognises BCoT’s status as a centre of excellence for educational technology (EdTech). Alongside the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and South Staffordshire College, BCoT will now serve as a beacon for other institutions, sharing best practices to bridge the "digital divide."

The initiative follows a strategic report, Digital Baseline, which highlighted significant disparities across the UK in digital confidence, staff training and infrastructure. As a Digital Insight Hub, BCoT will mentor peer colleges, host events and provide practical tools to help educators nationwide embrace digital transformation.

Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital at BCoT, said the College is "honoured to serve the wider national community" through this new role.

“At BCoT, we don’t view digital as separate from teaching and learning; it is a natural extension of our practice,” Hayden said. “Our approach to AI and EdTech is intentional and mindful, focused on enhancing human capacity while protecting and developing compassion, originality, responsibility and empathy.””

The hubs are designed to ensure that no student or staff member is left behind as technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape the workforce. BCoT’s focus remains on using technology to scaffold industry readiness and foster human adaptability.

Cath Sezen, Director of Education Policy at the AoC, noted the high quality of applications for the roles: "There is a real appetite to work together to embrace the opportunities that this technology offers to enhance the student and staff experience while reducing staff workload."

As part of its new responsibilities, BCoT will host the UK’s first Digital Insight Day on Wednesday, 18 March, falling within Ufi’s Week of VocTech. The event will allow representatives from other colleges to visit BCoT and observe the College’s innovative methods firsthand  and learn how to implement similar strategies in their own institutions.

Anthony Painter, Director of Strategic Engagement at Ufi, added: "The new Digital Insight Hubs will demonstrate what’s possible when colleges collaborate with purpose, sharing what works and putting practical digital tools into the hands of staff and learners."