FE News

Inclusion - Responding Effectively to Ofsted's Expectations
2026-03-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Online
The recent introduction of Ofsted’s revised inspection framework has firmly shone the spotlight of inspection onto Inclusion. Although Inclusion has always been considered in an inspection, it was embedded within other aspects of provision; recruitment, participation, equality, diversity or achievement.
Inclusion isn’t about any one single initiative – inspectors want to see how well training providers develop an inclusive culture, how leadership support inclusive education and how learner needs are identified and responded to.
This session aims to develop a providers understanding of Ofsted’s expectations around inclusion and to build confidence in applying inclusive practices across curriculum, teaching, support and leadership.
As part of this session, we will consider:
The expectations of Ofsted

What they expect to see
What they have reported so far
What makes an exceptional judgement?

Strategies for structure and support

A culture of inclusion
Practice and policy
Mechanisms for review
Measuring and understanding impact

Identifying and recording learner vulnerabilities

What makes a learner vulnerable?
What does your data tell you?
What are your patterns of attendance?

Compliant Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience
2026-03-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The apprenticeship funding rules continue to focus on Recognising Prior Learning and Experience, underlining the importance of identifying learners starting points.
Our audit review work continues to identify a recurring weakness with many providers failing to fully implement the DfE funding rule requirements around negotiated price calculations and the recognition of prior learning and experience.
At this focused workshop, we will:

review DfE apprenticeship funding rules and expectations for RPLE;
Consider and identify, in a simplified form, eligible and ineligible costs and how to record them;
consider the initial assessment process and the impact prior learning and experience has on the cost, content and duration of an apprenticeship programme;
Talk through the strategies which a provider can employ to successfully implement the RPLE funding requirements.

AI and work: where’s the opportunity, where’s the threat?
2026-03-19 16:30 - 17:30 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
As part of the Week of VocTech, join the conversation shaping the future of skills in the UK.

AI could shape jobs faster than most skills systems can adapt. This timely “in conversation” session will examine where AI can genuinely raise productivity, job quality and progression, and where it risks deepening inequality, weakening entry-level pathways, and undermining trust in work.

This event brings together senior voices from policy, employment, digital skills and workforce innovation. Together, they will focus on what matters most now: the practical choices facing employers, policymakers and system leaders as AI becomes embedded across the economy.

Expect a frank, solutions‑oriented discussion on what good AI adoption looks like in the workplace; how we protect fair access to opportunity as roles and routes change; and the role vocational technology can play in helping adults and employers adapt at pace.

This session is for those shaping the future of the UK skills system – and who want to ensure AI supports inclusive growth, resilient organisations, and a workforce equipped to thrive.

Featuring:

Anthony Painter (Chair), Director of Strategic Engagement, Ufi VocTech Trust

Antonio Weiss, Author and AI expert

Rt Hon. Lord Willetts FRS, President, Resolution Foundation

Liz Williams MBE, CEO, FutureDotNow

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, Chief Executive, Ufi VocTech Trust

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a discussion how the UK can build on the opportunities that AI presents, creating a skills system that empowers individuals, fuels business success, and accelerates economic growth.

Attendees will have access to the Ufi VocTech Showcase taking place in the same venue from 5:30pm..

EdTech meets employability: Investing in job readiness
2026-03-19 16:30 - 17:30 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
Across Europe and the US, skills systems are struggling to keep pace with rapidly shifting labour‑market demands – and young people are feeling the impact acutely. Employers are cutting early‑career roles while simultaneously expecting stronger practical capability, AI fluency and job‑readiness from new entrants. Traditional education pathways are failing to deliver the talent pipeline businesses need, leaving many young people without a clear or confident route into meaningful work.

As part of the Week of VocTech, this event brings together investors, founders and infrastructure operators – who underpin the vocational technology and skills for work ecosystem – to explore where innovation and capital can have the greatest impact.

Drawing on insights from Ufi Ventures’ ongoing market intelligence programme, the discussion will examine why capability signals matter more than ever, how portfolio‑based and project‑based assessment is reshaping hiring, and spotlight the ventures and investable opportunities defining the fast‑evolving learning-to-work market segment. Speakers will be announced in early February.

Attendees will have access to the Ufi VocTech Showcase taking place in the same venue from 5:30pm.

Ufi VocTech Showcase 2026
2026-03-19 17:30 - 21:30 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
The Ufi VocTech Showcase returns for 2026 as the flagship event of the Week of VocTech, bringing together innovators, educators, employers and investors for an evening of hands‑on exploration into the future of vocational technology.

Hosted by Ufi VocTech Trust, the Showcase offers a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge vocational technology projects in action. Attendees can get up close with live demonstrations, discover new digital tools transforming skills development, and hear short lightning talks from organisations pushing the boundaries of vocational learning.

This year’s demonstrations span a wide range of challenges and solutions across the sector — from digital skills passports improving access to temporary work, to TikTok‑style microlearning designed for the UK’s deskless workforce, to AI‑powered VR tools helping learners build confidence and essential soft skills.

Held at CodeNode, the purpose‑built tech venue near Liverpool Street, the evening also provides space to network with peers from across FE, EdTech, workforce development, employability and industry.

Effective Self Assessment Report Writing
2026-03-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections commenced at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
At this seminar we will consider the implications of the new framework on the format, structure and content of the SAR and the implications for quality improvement planning.

Data management in apprenticeship programmes: including ILR and operational effectiveness
2026-03-24 14:00 - 2026-04-02 16:00 | Online
Do you and your organisation have confidence in collecting and analysing data to generate funding effectively, inform operations and meet your compliance obligations?

Data management is the foundation for compliance and operational effectiveness. Apprenticeship programmes require ILR and operational data. They utilise mandatory fields but also require a host of other data points to inform current and forecast performance.
This multi-part webinar series comprises over 8 hours of professional development. Designed for leaders and operational and data management staff, this series covers the key principles for compliance and efficient operations.

Session 1 – Tue 24 March, 2pm, – 4pm: “Awareness”
ILR essentials, the core fields and data needed and common errors
Session 2 – Thurs 26 March, 2pm-4pm: “Control”
The data cycle for apprenticeship funding
Session 3 – Mon 30 March, 2pm-4pm: “Assurance”
Understand DfE compliance approaches, Provider Data Self Assessment Toolkit and Post 16 Monitoring Reports
Session 4 – Thurs 2 April, 2pm-4pm: “Develop”
Improving your data visibility, forecasting and building confidence in performance

We will cover:

The ILR recording expectations, core fields and data needed across the phases of the apprenticeship journey.
Common ILR errors and how to design processes to mitigate them.
Controlling the integrity of our data.
Data sources and key monthly processes needed to meet DfE requirements.
Core reporting requirements for operational efficiency and performance evaluation.
How to self-assess your data using PDSAT and Post 16 monitoring reports
The Apprenticeship Accountability Framework and the necessary data to inform long-term compliance.

You’ll also receive practical tools to help you embed compliance practice across your organisation:

Operational reporting checklist
Recognition of Prior learning calculator
PDSAT management checklist

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance specialist will facilitate this series. After working in the sector for over 25 years, David has supported hundreds of providers to establish effective compliance systems. His in-depth understanding of funding and wider apprenticeship delivery gives him a unique insight into compliance across the organisation.

This series is for anyone involved in the management of provider data, focusing on data management leadership but would also be useful for team members in data operations.
Note: This programme is a 25/26 update to our previously delivered series on ILR and Data management in apprenticeships.

World Math Day
2026-03-24 19:00 - 2026-03-26 19:00 | Online
World Math Day runs for 48 hours, starting on March 25 in Australia and on March 24 in most U.S. locations (due to time differences). It is the world’s largest online math competition, an international celebration of mathematics where 10 million students have answered more than 1 Billion questions. World Math Day is FREE for all and is hosted on the Mathletics platform. All registrants have free access to Mathletics starting on March 12: https://www.3plearning.com/world-Math-day. The 2026 theme, United by Numbers, celebrates the belief that everyone can learn and excel at mathematics when given the right support. Teachers and students need not be Mathletics users to participate.

AUCSO Conference- Excellence Shared – Value Realised
2026-04-13 08:00 - 2026-04-15 17:00
‘Excellence Shared – Value Realised’ has been announced as the theme for the forthcoming Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) Annual Conference 2026, marking the organisation’s 42nd annual conference.

Registration is now open (available to AUCSO member institutions only) for the Conference, which will take place at the prestigious University of Exeter. The event will be hosted by Dan Nicoll, Head of Security (Parking and Transport) Operations, University of Exeter.

Apprenticeship compliance for leaders – CPD accredited
2026-04-15 10:00 - 2026-04-23 12:00 | Online
“An apprenticeship deliverer is only going to be compliant if they understand the real risks within their organisation”

This CPD-accredited, in-depth webinar series digs deeply into the realities of apprenticeship compliance.
Designed for managers and leaders who want strategies for apprenticeship compliance, these sessions bring to life the knowledge and understanding of the core rules and funding methodologies. Beyond the basic rules, you’ll look at the foundations of compliance across your organisation, and how curriculum, evidence system design and monitoring of implementation are integral to getting compliance right while also strengthening quality.

At the end of the series, you will:

Be able to critically evaluate compliance in your own area of operation
Have developed your understanding of best practice for reducing risk
Increased your knowledge of common errors and how to avoid them

We’ll take you through:

Key compliance principles – How it all should work
Risk in areas of operation
Managing the risk of rogue elements within your organisation
Safeguarding funding through the apprentice journey – the data needed
The three R’s, Right programme, Right learner, and Right employer
Compliance strategies
Common strategic errors

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance specialist will facilitate this series. After working in the sector for over 25 years, David has supported hundreds of providers to establish effective compliance systems. His in-depth understanding of funding and wider apprenticeship delivery gives him a unique insight into compliance across the organisation.

This Compliance for Leaders series is now fully CPD accredited! The accreditation reflects the industry-leading insights and practical strategies the series gives you. Not only will you come away more confident to lead compliance in your team and organisation, you will also receive a CPD certificate to evidence your personal development.

We’ve built this series so that providers can send middle and senior managers from all departments and areas on an intensive high-level compliance journey so that they can bring new ideas and best practice examples back into their organisations.
We highly recommend that you attend our Apprenticeship compliance fundamentals and what this means for your role series prior to attending these webinars. This will introduce all apprenticeship staff to the core apprenticeship rules and where their role fits in the compliance journey.

“Gave me a better understanding of how to improve quality through compliance audits and reviews within the company.”
“Very insightful, lots of great knowledge and handouts to help.”
– Previous event attendees

Booking and payment:

You can either attend live sessions or be sent the recordings and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time. You can also mix and match for whatever works best for your schedule.

If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.
If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
SDN CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.

QAR – Understanding and Calculating Achievement Rates
2026-04-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The calculation of the QAR (Qualification Achievement Rate), pass and retention rates are seen by many as the absolute definition of dark arts in the FE and Skills sector. At this focused workshop we will reveal all enabling managers, MIS and Compliance staff to understand QAR and make accurate QAR calculations for your organisation.

The workshop will be practical in nature and will give delegates:

A clear understanding of the principles of QAR and the business rules applied by the DfE
Worked examples of how the hybrid year-end impacts the QAR calculation
An understanding of the impact planned and actual end dates have on QAR outcomes
Guidance on how to benchmark your QAR performance against sector norms for the Standards you deliver
Review and practical application of pass and retention rates
How to effectively forecast future years using the data and tools available
Linkage to the Accountability Framework and benchmarking data

The workshop will also provide guidance on the strategies which can be adopted when planning and delivering programmes

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Fast-track)
2026-04-27 10:00 - 2026-05-12 16:00 | Online
We are pleased to be able to offer an effective response to the need to develop the teaching and training skills of staff working in Post-16 education.
The programme will focus on those aspects of training so essential in ensuring sound learning. Participants will benefit from a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the education and training sector. They will develop their teaching and training skills through a clear understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, and be able to plan, deliver and evaluate learning which meets the needs of all learners.
Participants attend for 4 workshop days, which include a microteach, and assignment completion. Assessment will be via portfolio, assignment and observation.
Dates of attendance are 27 & 28 April and 11 & 12 May 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00).
Maximum delegate number 12
Delegate fee £455 plus £62 registration fee (plus vat)

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-05-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key outcomes of the day:

Understand the implications of Keeping Children Safe in Education and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

The programme will be delivered by a member of the Solvendis Quality Improvement and Inspection Team and serving inspector.
All delegates will receive a Solvendis certificate of attendance which documents the training content.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-05-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key Outcomes Of The Day

Understand the implication of Keeping Children Safe in Education
and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

Safer Recruitment in Apprenticeship and Post-16 Settings
2026-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Effective Safeguarding arrangements must embrace the importance of a Safer Recruitment Strategy/Policy and the need to ensure the implementation of that policy when recruiting.
The purpose of the Safer Recruitment Policy is to ensure that applicants who are at risk of abusing children and vulnerable adults are identified and rejected at the application stage.
At this important workshop we will focus on:

the development of an appropriate Safer Recruitment Policy for Apprenticeship and Post-16 providers
the role and responsibilities of the Board, Senior Staff and the DSL for establishing compliant procedures
the establishment of an effective selection and induction process
Ofsted’s expectations of providers and how providers should be responding
Disclosure and Barring Service requirements and the relevance of a Single Central Register

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections commenced at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
The guidance given in the seminar will be inciteful and reflects both inspector training and involvement in inspections.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Online

Inclusion – Responding Effectively to Ofsted’s Expectations
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Online

Level 4 Award in the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-19 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and has an option for a top-up for ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles. We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete two modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 2 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Total attendance time is 2 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Dates and times are as follows:

12 & 19 March 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online)

Level 4 Award in the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-19 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and has an option for a top-up for ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles. We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete two modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 2 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Total attendance time is 2 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Course Dates and times are as follows:

12 & 19 May (10.00 – 4.00)

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-26 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles.

We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 3 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Delivery is made up of 3 mandatory modules as follows:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of
Assessment
Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Plan, allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

Total attendance time is 3 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Dates and Times of attendance:

12, 19 & 26 March 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00)

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-26 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles.

We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 3 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Delivery is made up of 3 mandatory modules as follows:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of
Assessment
Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Plan, allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

Total attendance time is 3 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Advanced progress review practice
2026-05-15 09:30 - 2026-05-22 12:00 | Online
For experienced trainers, coaches and leaders who want to deliver exceptional progress reviews using current digital tools and engagement strategies.

Are your progress reviews helping apprentices thrive, or are they just ticking boxes?
Join our advanced masterclass, designed specifically for experienced apprenticeship trainers, coaches, mentors and leaders who want to take progress reviews to the next level.

We’ll take you through step-by-step examples of how to:

Set advanced learning objectives and targets
Adapt your reviews for diverse apprentice needs (high-flyers, struggling learners, neurodiverse)
Lead high-impact discussions and track real progress
Use digital tools and AI to enhance documentation and evidence

You will receive an attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN Mesma Group specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and assessment.
Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their approach to progress reviews and has lots of insights to share.

This advanced masterclass is for experienced apprenticeship trainers, assessors and skills coaches seeking a more effective approach
During the session one you’ll work on ‘Objective setting and foundations’ and in session two ‘Troubleshooting and impact’

Safeguarding and Prevent – Training for Board Members
2026-05-18 14:00 - 16:30 | Online
Keeping Children Safe in Education imposes duties on the Advisory Boards and Governing Bodies of Post-16 education and skills providers: The DfE publication requires:

Governing bodies and proprietors to ensure that all governors and receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training at induction.

The training should equip Board members with the knowledge to provide strategic challenge to test and assure themselves that the safeguarding policies and procedures of the organisation are effective and support the delivery of a robust approach to safeguarding.
Led by Bob, an experienced trainer, safeguarding specialist and former full-time HMI the workshop will be engaging and delivered at a digestible pace – delegate numbers will be limited to a maximum of 12.

Higher Level Learning in Safeguarding and Prevent (4.0)
2026-05-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Solvendis Higher Level Learning programme in Safeguarding & Prevent will be of interest and of practical use to Designated Safeguarding Leads and to staff who have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of their learners.
Attendance at this high-level workshop will further develop the knowledge and skills of those staff in the FE and Skills sector with significant safeguarding responsibilities. The Solvendis programme will focus on those issues most likely to affect learners in the post-compulsory education sector.
Following participation in this programme, delegates will:

be confident in what effective internal reporting should look like and the importance of the interface with governance
understand, and thus help to overcome, factors which may inhibit the disclosure of abuse
understand the relevance and applicability of key documents to adults in training and skills settings
be confident in conducting risk assessment on those who are not required to hold DBS checks
reflect on themes from case reviews and consider how this learning can inform their organisation’s procedures
consider a range of safeguarding-related learning resources for use with learners, staff and those responsible for governance
understand the importance of the role of DSL in relation to improving adult learner outcomes

The session will invite consideration of a range of safeguarding related responses drawn from the wide inspection and governance experience of the Solvendis team and examples of good practice arising from these responses. As a result, delegates will be confident in constructing a clear action plan to ensure an excellent safeguarding culture in their organisation.

Preparing for an Apprenticeship Audit
2026-05-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The responsibility for identifying irregularities in the claims process, in part rests with the DfEs Provider Risk and Assurance Team who have been instrumental in recovering millions of pounds from providers through the extrapolated clawback process.
In addition, the DfE undertake desktop Financial Audits on your monthly returns with a view to identifying errors, inconsistencies and potential overclaims.
At this important seminar we will talk through the audit requirements of the apprenticeship model, giving you tips and advice to ensure that your paperwork is robust and that you are prepared for the audit review.
The seminar will cover:

The DfE Audit Process and what you can expect
The Sample Testing Process, error reporting and the potential consequences of
getting it wrong
The key documentation you will need to have available and the importance of
ensuring its compliance with the funding guidance and audit requirements
The importance of using PDSATs and key Funding Monitoring Reports;

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-06-02 10:00 - 2026-06-09 16:00 | Online
This Level 3 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical assessing skills helping them to become effective assessors in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom.
We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.
Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills.
Delivery will be led by an experienced member of the Solvendis Teacher Training Team with all workshops being conducted online via Teams or Zoom.
Workshop Dates and Times: 15 & 22 April 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £78 awarding body registration fee – maximum 12 delegates.

Curriculum Design for the New Apprenticeship Landscape
2026-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Changes to how assessment is carried out will have a direct knock-on effect on how you design and deliver your curriculum. This practical workshop will help you map, sequence and refine your programme so it sets apprentices up to succeed – without adding unnecessary workload.

In this two hour workshop, Chris Cherry will take you through:

Building assessment into your curriculum from the outset
Designing learning activities and content that develop the right competencies
Linking sequencing and delivery to on-programme assessment points
Using digital tools to save time and improve planning
Stripping out “filler” and focusing on what works.

You will receive an attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.

Workshop breakdown

2 hour workshop (live attendance highly recommended for maximum benefit)
Pre-event resource pack sent one week before, to get everyone on the same page with key concepts
Recording and slides

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and end-point assessment. Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their curriculum against the new standards and has lots of insights to share.

Who should attend?

Curriculum leads and planners
Trainers and assessors involved in programme design
Quality managers overseeing curriculum changes.

You can book onto this workshop for £95+vat.

Feedback from previous event attendees

“Breaking down the KSB’s and how the curriculum forms the ILP was a key learning point. Excellent session and also enjoyed the pre-training recording.” – Orange Moon Training

“I’ve been trawling the internet and asked FE colleagues about curriculum design and found nothing useful. This is just the ticket. Very engaging, informative and fun to listen to. I’ve learned more in the first 15 minutes than the previous 15 years.”

“Very informative and helpful”

You can either attend the live session or be sent the recording and materials if you prefer to go through it in your own time but we highly reccommend attending live to get the most out of this interactive session.

Booking and payment:

If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.

If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)

Any questions, please email us.

SDN CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.
