The Consortium of DECs consists of 33 members across England, each an independent local-based not-for-profit organisation whose core work is the support and delivery of global learning to schools and communities.

Collectively the members have a huge reach and high levels of expertise and experience - in the 3 years to July 2012 they have actively engaged approximately one third of schools in over half of all local authority areas in England. Despite funding cuts and pressure on budgets at both national and local levels, the need for quality global learning in schools has never been more acute so in 2011 the Consortium has launched a new Global Teachers Award, a nationally validated training course that will help teachers navigate through the wide range of resources and support available from many sources, and ensure quality of provision.

For information on the DEC near you, click the 'where are we' tab

We have a track record of engaging directly with a high percentage of schools to promote and support good practice in global learning through CPD training, whole-school initiatives, learning and support materials, advice and access to resources for sale and for loan through our global learning centres.

Each DEC defines its own areas of work in response to local needs and enquiries. Most work with school, teachers and local authorities to enrich the curriculum. Many also work with youth and community groups, volunteers, universities and adult learners.

DECs aim to lighten the workload and increase the knowledge and understanding of those they support by providing:

• Learning programmes
• Training and workshops
• Resource libraries
• Talks and lessons
• Support and advice
• Teaching ideas

The new national Global Teachers Award (GTA) has just been launched by the Consortium of Development Education Centres.

The Award will support teachers in developing skills, confidence and practical approaches to incorporate global learning in the curriculum and promote informed, active global citizenship with pupils. The Award consists of a series of training courses with the one-day Level 1 course launched in autumn 2011 and Levels
2 and 3 to be offered in 2012.

See the Global Teachers Award tab for more information on course dates near you