What is the BRITE Initiative?

BRITE stands for Beattie Resources for Inclusiveness in Technology and Education. The Initiative was established in 2001, with funding from the Scottish Executive (now the Scottish Government) and Scottish Further Education Funding Council (now the Scottish Funding Council), on the recommendation of the Beattie Committee. The BRITE Initiative was set up to inform, train and assist the staff in Scotland's colleges who work to include and support students, often through the effective use of enabling technologies. The Scottish Funding Council is currently considering BRITE's proposal for funding until 2011.

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Where is the BRITE Initiative based?

BRITE has its headquarters in a purpose-built centre on the campus of Stevenson College Edinburgh. You can link to a map showing the location of the centre or view some images of the BRITE Centre and BRITE Garden. Start-up funding in 2001 also equipped two BRITE Regional Training Facilities in Motherwell College and Aberdeen College.

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How do I make contact with BRITE?

You can get in touch with staff from the BRITE Centre by e-mail, telephone, fax or post.

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Is it possible to visit the BRITE Centre?

If you work in a Scottish college, or are directly involved in supporting students who attend Scottish colleges, you may find something of interest in the BRITE seminar programme. People generally find that a visit to the BRITE Centre is most useful when it has a specific focus, such as a training event.

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Does the BRITE Initiative work directly with students?

BRITE’s aim is to improve the facilities and experiences of learning for students, but BRITE doesn't work directly with the students themselves. Our remit is to work with the lecturers, teachers, advisers and support staff who have direct contact with students. Every college in Scotland has at least one member of staff linked to the BRITE Initiative.

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How do I contact the BRITE Link staff at my college?

A searchable list of all the BRITE link staff is available on the BRITE web site.

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What formal training is on offer through the BRITE Initiative?

BRITE offers an accredited staff development programme, leading to the SQA Professional Development Award in Inclusiveness (pitched at the same level as the Teaching Qualification in Further Education, or TQFE). To attend this training, it is necessary to be nominated and sponsored. Most participants in this programme are funded through the college where they are employed. The course is arranged in four modules, each module spanning three days of training. The current cost, for each module of training, is in the region of £200 (not including the cost of travel and accommodation).

For further details and an application form, please complete the online enquiry form.

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Who should complete the BRITE four-unit accredited programme?

College staff whose main role is to co-ordinate and/or provide support for learners – or who are involved in developing their college’s approach to inclusiveness. Check out our person specification to help you decide if the training is relevant and appropriate.

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Does BRITE offer short courses and workshops?

We understand that not everyone wants to embark on an accredited staff development programme lasting a year, with assignments to complete! That's why we also offer a wide range of half-day seminars for staff in colleges who want to know more about inclusiveness and assistive technology, or have an interest in a particular aspect of support. If you are employed in a Scottish college, there is no charge for attendance at the seminars – other than the cost of getting here.

If you wish to attend one of the seminars and you work in a different education sector, or as an education provider outside Scotland, it may be possible to book a place if one is available. For participants from other sectors, the charge for a half-day seminar is in the region of £35.

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