Our Mission, Vision and Values

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is the national voice for colleges and exists to promote and support their interests. Everything AoC does is aimed at helping colleges deliver their purpose and to make an impact. We believe that every community should be supported by a strong and successful college, which develops students, delivers relevant skills, and supports stronger communities, social justice, employers and the economy.

AoC Vision: Great colleges transforming lives and communities and meeting employer needs through teaching and learning for student success.

AoC Mission: To champion and support the sector by enhancing colleges’ reputation, leading policy thinking, influencing decision-makers and advising colleges.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is a not-for-profit membership organisation set up in 1996 by colleges to act as their collective voice. We exist to represent and promote the interests of colleges and provide our members with professional support services.

Our membership is made up of around 93% of further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges across the UK.

What we do

We also provide members with professional support services, including expert advice on employment law, communications, college governance and teaching and learning.

We also represent colleges nationally and influence Government and its agencies on policies affecting the sector and their students and staff at national and regional levels.

Our work

AoC is the first port of call when seeking information about English colleges. We also work with colleges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We have set four clear strategic aims which will be the focus of our work in the future:

1. Set the agenda for positive policy changes.
2. Develop a high profile and strong reputation for colleges.
3. Deliver expert support, advice and intelligence for members.
4. Develop a strong, sustainable, ambitious and transparent representative body for members.

We will achieve this by:

• Working with members in developing policy and enhancing the profile and reputation of colleges.
• Setting clear long-term priorities for our work with robust measures and accountability processes through our governance structure.
• Working in partnership with a range of other organisations that can support and add value to our work.
• Maintaining a team of professional and skilled people across the country to provide you with the services and support you need.
• Communicating openly and transparently in our work, making sure you are kept up to date with expert, timely and relevant information.

You can view our Equality & Diversity Policy here.