Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
2025-09-17 10:00 - 2025-12-10 16:00 (Europe/London) | Online
This Level 4 teaching qualification is designed to develop delegates practical teaching
skills helping them to become effective teachers in a range of Post-16 contexts.
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 may
have moved into teaching as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence
programme you will complete a range of modules to help you develop and craft your
teaching and training skills.

Delivery will be led by Craig Busby (Director of Teaching and Learning) with all workshops
being conducted online via Teams or Zoom.

The core content will include an extensive programme of workshops which focus on
giving participants the skills and knowledge needed to drive improvements in teaching
and learning practice across an organisation.

There will be 9 Workshops (all 10.00—4.00) which will be held on Wednesdays. The topics to be covered and workshop dates are:

Workshop 1 – 17/09/2025 Introduction to learning
Workshop 2 – 24/09/2025 Planning to meet individual learner needs
Workshop 3 – 08/10/2025 Delivering education and training (Pt 1)
Workshop 4 – 15/10/2025 Delivering education and training (Pt 2)
Workshop 5 – 22/10/2025 Progress checking and showcasing
Workshop 6 – 05/11/2025 Assessment in learning
Workshop 7 – 12/11/2025 Learning resources
Workshop 8 – 03/12/2025 Inclusive practice (Pt 1)
Workshop 9 – 10/12/2025 Inclusive practice (Pt 2)

In addition to workshop attendance, delegates will undertake a short pre-course activity,
independent research, complete assignments and be observed on at least 3 occasions

Claiming apprenticeship learning support funding (LSF) with confidence - 2025/26
2025-11-18 10:00 - 2025-11-19 12:00 | Online
Apprenticeship providers often lack confidence in claiming Learning Support Funding (LSF) but with quality infrastructure and evidence templates, providers should be able to generate the additional revenue they are entitled to.

That’s why we’re hosting this two-part webinar series, which has been updated for the 25/26 funding rules and is designed to take you on a journey to understand the rules, the necessary processes of screening and assessment, best practices for planning and reviewing support, using our experience of delivering outstanding quality to demonstrate solutions that make a real difference to the apprentice and provider experience as well meeting the funding rules.

You will receive a CPD attendance certificate after the series, as evidence of your personal development.

Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the rules and giving best practice guidance on how to support a claim, we’ll take you through:

The 25/26 Apprenticeship Funding Rules for claiming learning support funding and the key changes from 2024/25
What is learning support
The foundations of learning support infrastructure
Screening for learning difficulties and disabilities
Needs Assessment
Support Planning
Support Review
SEND flexibilities
Using the Earnings Adjustment Statement
Effective evidence templates
Compliance management

Hosted across two 2hr sessions:

Part 1: Understanding the learning support and functional skills flexibility funding rules and relevant legislation
Part 2: Implementing best practice and an effective learning support management structure

Attendees will receive a learning support controls checklist as well as a Support Review Template.

Our package options also include document templates for meeting 2025/26 funding rules and additional consultancy on a one to one basis. The suite of document templates is worth £725.

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance expert will facilitate this series.

After working in the sector for over 20 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.

The session has been designed for those involved in apprenticeship compliance and learner support e.g. Operation Managers, Learning Support Managers, trainers and administration managers.

“David’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled.”
– Event attendee

Booking and payment:

You can either attend the session live or be sent the recordings and materials, if you prefer to review them in your own time.

If you have three or more staff who would benefit, or would like your wider teams/staff to have access, 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.

NEBOSH Online Conference: The event for the health and safety profession
2025-11-25 09:30 - 16:00
The NEBOSH Online Conference is where aspiring and practising health and safety professionals can access a day of educational content to support their professional development. Expert speakers will share their knowledge and experience to give delegates ideas for improving health and safety practice in their organisation.

ALT Digital Accessibility Workshop
2025-11-25 14:00 - 17:00
The Association for Learning Technology are excited to announce an upcoming interactive workshop that will delve into two critical lenses of reflection from the Digital Accessibility Maturity Model, developed by AbilityNet and McNaught Consultancy. This workshop is designed specifically for HE and FE institutions looking to enhance their digital accessibility strategies and practices.

Join us online on Tuesday, 25 November from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

The workshop will be facilitated by Amy Low from AbilityNet, Julian Tenney from the University of Nottingham and Ben Watson from UCL. Julian will bring his experience of using the maturity model to develop and mature practices at Nottingham and Ben will provide insights on the robust procurement guidance developed by himself and George Rhodes from University of Westminster who is also Ben’s business partner at AllAble.

During the workshop, we will focus on the Strategy and Structure lens, where we will explore evidence points that support the development and implementation of effective digital accessibility strategies that align with your institution’s goals and objectives. We will also discuss the importance of having a well-defined and resourced structure to support these strategies and ensure their successful execution.

In addition, we will examine the Governance and Accessibility Toolkit lens. This session will review initiatives and evidence points that signal robust governance frameworks are in place and practical tools being provided to manage and monitor your institution’s digital accessibility efforts including implementing a robust procurement policy. By leveraging these resources, you can ensure compliance with accessibility standards and create an inclusive digital environment for all users.

The workshop will be highly interactive, with opportunities for participants to engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on best practices. Whether you are just starting your digital accessibility journey or looking to refine your existing approaches, this workshop will offer valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Webinar series – Embedding Effective Assessment in Apprenticeships
2025-11-26 14:00 - 2025-12-02 16:00 | Online
Get ahead of the changes – build assessment practice that works for learners, employers and your team.

The way assessment is used in apprenticeships is shifting. With more focus on on-programme and pre-Gateway assessment, providers need to make sure their approach is fit for purpose. This session will help you build assessment into the apprenticeship journey from the very start – making it meaningful, manageable and linked to real workplace performance.

We’ll cover:

Practical ways to design and apply assessment methods that work across different standards.
How to build assessment into delivery – from day one through to Gateway.
Making assessments reflect the behaviours, skills and knowledge needed in the job.
Involving employers so they can play an active role.
Simple tools and templates to plan, record and review assessments.

You will receive a CPD attendance certificate after the series, as evidence of your personal development.

Series breakdown:

1. Planning Effective Assessment
Wednesday 26 November (2-3.30pm)

2. Assessment Design & Methods
Tuesday 2 November (2-4pm)

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN Mesma Group 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?

Managers, trainers, assessors and quality leads who want to improve assessment practice.
Anyone involved in curriculum design or progress reviews.
Employer engagement staff looking to play a role in assessment.

AmplifyFE Community Space: How Can We Increase Engagement in Maths with Interactive Technologies?
2025-12-05 12:00 - 12:30
Many maths learners find it difficult to connect with abstract course content, and as a result, not only do they struggle to learn the material, but they can also become demotivated, anxious, and disengaged. Fortunately, learning technologies for maths make lessons much more “touchable”, visual, and relevant, offering an effective means of engaging and motivating students, deepening their understanding of fundamental concepts, and reinforcing learning through practice.

In this session, we’ll explore some of the ways interactive maths technology can be used effectively in the classroom, from illuminating visualisations to interactive, learner-led activities that naturally foster investigation, collaboration, and discussion. Demonstrations will be done using Maple Learn, the online maths tool from Maplesoft, with examples taken from the A-Level and GCSE content collections, which conform to the AQA and Pearson exam specifications. These collections make it easy for educators to deliver engaging, interactive maths experiences to their learners through the use of customisable content created to meet the specific needs of their class.

Webinar leader: Karishma Punwani

Curriculum for the New Apprenticeship Landscape
2025-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Plan your curriculum so apprentices are ready for assessment and the workplace.

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 a CPD attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.

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.

Compliance essential series: Understanding apprenticeship financial management – Funding, forecasting, costs and budgeting
2026-01-14 10:00 - 2026-01-16 12:00 | Online
Apprenticeship financial management is complex.

Do you and your organisation know whether your provision is modelled effectively and profitably? Do you meet the compliance obligations for pricing and costs?

Getting your apprenticeship pricing right is essential for DfE compliance but perhaps more importantly for operating a financially sound apprenticeship programme. This three part webinar series is designed for role holders working in finance or operations to understand the funding methodology in apprenticeships, the compliance obligations and benefits of effective implementation.

For example:
How do you measure whether a new apprenticeship standard is financially viable for you to deliver?
Are you clear on what the apprenticeship actually costs you to deliver and where a profit margin can be made?
Can you forecast revenue effectively and identify profitability?
Are you clear on what are eligible and ineligible costs and that you aren’t overclaiming or underclaiming funding?
Are you reporting your training price breakdown correctly to the employer?
How do you recognise the apprentice’s prior learning and reflect this in your costings?
Are you applying the correct training price for your own employees (which must be at cost price)?

Session 1 – The funding model in England and funded components
Session 2 – Apprenticeship costs and pricing
Session 3 – Necessary infrastructure and variables

In the webinar series, we’ll help you to understand:.

The apprenticeship funding model in England
Understand price components of training and assessment
Eligible and ineligible costs, how to identify these at a budget level and implement an effective offer to an employer cost models and options
The importance of effective contracts with employers
The role of employer co-investment and models of collection to ensure compliance
Additional funding components: additional payments and learning support
The impact of prior learning on cost models
Employer-provider variables

You will receive an ‘Apprenticeship costs and budgeting tool’, ‘Revenue forecasting tool’ and a ‘Recognition of Prior learning calculator’ as well as a CPD attendance certificate as evidence of your personal development.

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance expert will facilitate this series. After working in the sector for over 20 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 development of apprenticeship budgeting and financial operations. This could, for example, include finance staff, compliance staff, employer-facing staff, business development teams, commercial leads, senior managers / decision-makers.

Note: This programme is a 25/26 update to our previously delivered series on understanding apprenticeship costings.

Professionally Speaking 2026: Exploring learner behaviour and the power of physical activity
2026-01-21 16:00 - 17:30
Across all settings, behaviour remains a topic that consistently tests educators’ resilience and creativity. Low-level disruption, emotional regulation, disengagement, and the growing pressures on learner wellbeing have all been widely reported.

In Professionally Speaking 2026, we will be joined by Professor Kelly Mackintosh of Swansea University who will explore this pressing challenge and the potential role physical activity can play in supporting positive behaviour and wellbeing.

Professor Mackintosh, an expert in physical activity for health, will:

explore the evidence linking physical activity to improved behaviour and emotional regulation

share practical examples of how registrants can embed movement into the day

offer new ideas to create calmer, more inclusive, and engaging learning environments

Following the keynote presentation, attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences, and put questions directly to Professor Mackintosh in a live Q&A.

Whether you work directly with learners and young people, or in a supporting or policy role, this session will provide valuable perspectives on how physical activity can contribute to positive behaviour and wellbeing across all education settings.

It promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that blends research insight with practical, real-world relevance. So don’t miss out, secure your free ticket now.

More about the speaker

Professor Kelly Mackintosh is an expert in children’s physical activity for health, with a particular focus on how schools can help young people build active, healthy habits for life.

Based at Swansea University, her research explores how physical activity can influence behaviour, well-being, and learning, and how simple, evidence-based changes within education settings can make a lasting difference.

Professor Mackintosh has led and contributed to a range of innovative projects, including the Children’s Health, Activity, and Nutrition: Get Educated! (CHANGE!) Project, which aimed to improve primary school children’s well-being through better physical activity and eating behaviours. Her work has also explored creative approaches to engaging learners, from after-school interventions that combine active video games with multi-skills training, to high-intensity, military-ethos programmes designed to boost motivation and confidence.

Working collaboratively across disciplines, she has partnered with computer scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals to develop new ways of encouraging movement, including social goal-sharing technologies in a project entitled ‘Mission Possible’ and physical activity-based interventions supporting young people with long-term health conditions such as cystic fibrosis and asthma.

Professor Mackintosh has won several awards and is recognised internationally for her contributions to physical activity research, evidenced as a top 1% researcher in her area.

Her ongoing research continues to highlight the crucial role of physical activity not just in improving health, but in supporting behaviour, focus, and overall well-being among children and young people.

Understanding 2025/26 Apprenticeship Funding Rules
2026-01-27 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The apprenticeship funding rules and requirements are updated annually and impact on the paperwork and processes which providers need to adopt.
At this easy-to-follow seminar, which is suitable for beginners as much as it is for seasoned apprenticeship professionals, we will look the funding rules, regulations and guidance impacting on apprenticeships.
The seminar format encourages delegate participation and aims to ensure that attendees get reliable guidance and advice.
As part of the day’s agenda we will:

Ensure that your organisation has the knowledge to fully comply with the funding rules and requirements for 2025/26.
Improve your understanding of the expectations around initial assessment, programme planning, prior learning, negotiated price expectations, the adjustment of programme content and duration, the evidence pack requirements and apprenticeship audit expectations.
Discuss funding bands, the timing of payments, co-investment, incentives, learning support, care learners and English and maths.

Led by an experienced member of the Solvendis Audit, Data and Compliance team the seminar will be of particular relevance to independent training providers, employer providers, universities and colleges.

Compliant Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience
2026-01-28 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.

Skills Northwest - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event
2026-01-29 09:30 - 15:00 | Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, Liverpool L9 5AS, L9 5AS
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Show Northwest) in Liverpool is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.
Taking place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from across the Northwest Region including Liverpool, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Blackburn, Preston, Halton, Wrexham, Warrington, Chester and Blackpool.
Be there. Be inspired!
Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.
Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.
Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.
Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.
Your students will be able to access information on future study options.
Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+
Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?
What are your options?

Which University?
Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!
What’s a T-Level?
How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?
What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+
Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?
Do you need to find out more about what comes next?
There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!
General Visitors
Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?
With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!
Exhibiting at our events
If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?
Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

AmplifyFE workshop: Smarter Careers Guidance - Connecting Learners, Education and Employers Through Immersive Technology
2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00
Careers guidance is most effective when learners can clearly see how education, training and employment connect — yet too often these experiences sit in silos.

This webinar explores how immersive technology is enabling a smarter, more connected approach to careers guidance. We’ll look at how digital environments can bring students, education and training providers, and employers together in one shared space that supports ongoing exploration, not just one-off encounters.

The session will include:

A practical tour of CareersVerse as a working example of immersive careers guidance

Real-world insight from organisations that have created their own careers hubs

Reflections on the impact this approach is having on learner engagement, confidence and informed choices

Designed for careers leaders, educators and employer partners looking to strengthen careers provision through collaboration and innovation.

Presenters:

Julien Sample, Harlow College

Dr Majid Al-Kader, mXreality

Skills Northeast – The National Apprenticeship & Education Event – Newcastle Civic Centre
2026-02-03 09:30 - 15:00
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Northeast) in Newcastle, is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.
Taking place at The Civic Centre in Newcastle this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from the Northeast Region including Newcastle, Gateshead, North & South Tyneside, Sunderland, Northumberland, Durham, Cleveland and Middlesborough.
Be there. Be inspired!
Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.
Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.
Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.
Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.
Your students will be able to access information on future study options.
Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+
Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?
What are your options?

Which University?
Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!
What’s a T-Level?
How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?
What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+
Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?
Do you need to find out more about what comes next?
There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!
General Visitors
Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?
With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!
Exhibiting at our events
If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?
Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

AmplifyFE webinar: Unlocking Creativity in Lesson Design with AI Tools
2026-02-06 13:30 - 14:00
Explore how free AI platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and NotebookLM can empower educators to design more creative and dynamic lesson resources. This session will introduce practical ways to integrate these tools into your teaching workflow, helping you save time and spark innovation in the classroom.

Skills Cymru / Wales - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event
2026-02-10 09:30 - 15:00 | Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Show Wales) in Cardiff, is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.

Taking place at Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff City FC) in Cardiff this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from the Wales Region including all of Wales, Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea, and Wrexham.

Be there. Be inspired!

Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.

Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.

Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.

Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.

Your students will be able to access information on future study options.

Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+

Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?

What are your options?

Which University?

Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!

What’s a T-Level?

How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?

What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+

Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?

Do you need to find out more about what comes next?

There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!

General Visitors

Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?

With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!

Exhibiting at our events

If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?

Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

Governance – Establishing an Effective Board
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
Ineffective governance has been one of the most commonly occurring Ofsted criticisms of providers deemed to be ‘Inadequate’ or who ‘Require Improvement’.
At this important workshop delegates will consider:

the different models of governance that exist in Post-16 education
the traits of an effective board
terms of reference, agenda and the importance of good minute writing
the importance of independent scrutiny challenge and support
how you ensure that your Board has the right skills/knowledge mix

The seminar is for apprenticeship and other education and skills providers who are looking to establish (or re-establish) an effective governing board. As part of the resource pack, delegates will be given a draft terms of reference, a skills matrix tool and a minuting template.
The focus of the seminar will be on the governance of training providers delivering apprenticeship and other DfE funded activity.

Understanding Motivation – Unlocking Performance Through Motivational Mapping
2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Unlock the secrets behind what truly drives people to perform at their best. This interactive webinar (part 1 of the Creating a Culture Where Staff Thrive Series) invites you to explore your own motivational drivers and assess how well they’re being met—an essential step in boosting your energy, engagement, and effectiveness at work.

Designed for leaders and managers at any level, the session offers powerful insights into how motivation influences engagement, performance, and wellbeing across teams and organisations.
Drawing on the principles of Motivational Mapping, you’ll discover the diverse motivators that shape behaviour and success, and how these differ from person to person. Through guided reflection, group discussion, and practical exercises, you will:
• Understand what sparks motivation for you and your team
• Explore how motivation links to productivity, culture, and retention
• Identify signs of low motivation—and what to do about it
• Learn how to interpret motivational profiles and spot potential motivational conflicts
• Use motivational insights to enhance leadership style, communication, and team alignment

By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped with practical tools to cultivate more energised, purpose-driven teams where people feel valued, inspired, and able to thrive. Whether you’re looking to elevate your own performance or unlock the potential of those you lead, this webinar will give you the clarity and confidence to create a workplace where motivation fuels excellence and sustainable organisational growth.

Effective use of PDSAT and Monitoring Reports
2026-02-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The DfE provide a suite of tools and reports to allow providers to conduct regular assurance and data checks to ensure they meet the funding rules and rectify anomalies in the ILR data
At this seminar, we will look in detail at the new Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkit (PDSAT) Online Toolkit, Funding Information System (FIS) and key submission reports
The seminar will explain how the Provider Market Oversight Assurance (PMOA) team utilises PDSAT reports, along with how providers should use them in preparing for a PMOA assurance review
The seminar will provide reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews
The seminar format encourages delegate participation and aims to ensure that attendees get reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews.
As part of the day’s agenda we will:

ensure that your organisation has the knowledge to ensure full understanding of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports for the academic year.
improve your understanding of the expectations around the tools and reports available to ensure appropriate control mechanisms are in place to provide assurance on your ILR data.
identify key submission reports and how to use them effectively, including the suite of FRM reports and any recent changes.
Provide guidance on the correction of data errors.

Governance – Effective Board Reporting
2026-02-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
Ineffective governance has been one of the most commonly occurring Ofsted criticisms of providers deemed to be ‘Inadequate’ or who ‘Require Improvement’.
At this important workshop we will look at Board reporting and how to ensure its effectiveness, including:

the Solvendis ‘What, When and Why Guide to Board Reporting’ for an apprenticeship provider
the importance of KPIs in the Board reporting process
striking the balance between too much and too little detail
the importance of reporting trends and not merely numbers to the Board
the use of slide decks as a means of sharing key performance updates

For providers looking to establish (or re-establish) a new Board, it is suggested that delegates attend our workshop on ‘Establishing an Effective Board’ before attending this workshop.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-02-24 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 will commence at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
The guidance given in the seminar will be inciteful and will reflect both inspector training and early inspection involvement.

Strategic Management and the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework
2026-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Understanding performance, risk and accountability following the 2026 updates.

All apprenticeship providers are monitored, measured and held accountable through their performance against the indicators within the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework. These measures play a critical role in how provider performance is viewed by the Department for Education and directly influence accountability, funding confidence and an organisation’s ability to continue to deliver apprenticeships in the future.
For governors, leaders and senior managers, understanding how these indicators are constructed, what data sits behind them, and how they are used is essential. The framework is not simply a compliance tool, it is a core mechanism for assessing organisational health, identifying risk, and supporting effective strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability.
Following the introduction of updated accountability indicators from January 2026, providers now need to revisit how they interpret performance data, monitor minimum thresholds, and use this information to inform governance oversight and strategic planning. While the accountability measures set out the minimum expectations providers must meet, strong organisations will go further, using the framework to understand emerging risks, protect revenue, and improve delivery efficiency.
This two-hour deep-dive session will support participants to develop a confident, practical understanding of the updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework and how it can be used effectively at both the leadership and governance level.

During the session, we’ll look at:

What the 2026 accountability metrics are and how they are used
How to interpret and contextualise accountability data effectively
Approaches to benchmarking performance using national data
How to forecast risk and monitor improvement at the leadership and board level
How to plan, prioritise and implement proportionate improvement actions

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s compliance specialist produced this session.
David has experience of working with hundreds of high performing apprenticeship organisations over the last twenty years, including some of the UK’s largest, highest quality, specialist and new providers.

This session is suitable for Governors, leaders, managers and senior delivery staff involved in apprenticeship provision.

“David’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled.”
– Event attendee

“I wished I had done it 18m ago when I got involved with apprenticeships.”
– Head of Quality & Improvement/DSL, Central College of Animal Studies

“Very well delivered, clear and very good subject knowledge”
– Team Leader Horticulture Apprentices, Capel Manor College

Booking and payment:

We recommend attending our workshops live, but you can also be sent the recordings and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time.

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.

Designing EDI 2.0: a practical guide for today's employers
2026-03-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
Keen to in-bed equality, diversity and inclusion in company policies?

Join a free online workshop being hosted by City of Wolverhampton College, on Tuesday, 10 March.

The interactive session is aimed at employers who have limited knowledge of equality, diversity or inclusion, are uncertain how inclusion fits into their business priorities, and want a practical, commercially-focussed approach that will align with their business goals and workforce needs.

The workshop will help employers identify their current level of knowledge, understand what EDI 2.0 means in the business landscape, learn how to embed inclusion in everyday operations and decision making, and build a simple and effective 90-day plan.

Participants will also gain an understanding of what modern, business-aligned inclusion looks like, explore why inclusion continues to matter in a world shaped by AI, automation and skills shortages, and how they can build the capability needed to attract, retain and grow talent.

The session runs from 12pm to 2pm and will be delivered by Sally Spicer, co-founder of Talent Included, an organisation which helps organisations to design and deliver high-performing and equitable workforce solutions.

Book a place on the workshop at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events/

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-03-16 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.

VocTech, skills and the future of work
2026-03-16 12:30 - 13:15 | Online
Kick off the Week of VocTech 2026 with a behind-the-scenes conversation with the Ufi VocTech Trust Board of Trustees.

In this live online session, Ufi Trustees will share insights gained from working at the cutting edge of technology, investment, education, workforce development and inclusion. Each Trustee brings a deep, real‑world perspective shaped by careers spanning FE leadership, EdTech innovation, commercial strategy, investment management, diversity and inclusion, and global skills policy.

Bringing candid reflections, practical experience and big‑picture thinking, they’ll explore:

What’s really changing in the UK’s skills landscape – and why it matters now

Insights from Ufi’s work and investments – what’s working, where the sector is heading, and what still needs to shift

How vocational technology can catalyse a more inclusive, thriving future for learners, employers and communities

Whether you’re a provider, policymaker, employer, innovator or funder, this session will help you understand the forces reshaping adult learning – and the role you can play in driving meaningful change.

Join us online as we open the Week of VocTech with energy, insight and a fresh look at the future of skills in the UK.

What next for AmplifyFE and ALT?
2026-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
AmplifyFE connects 3,500+ professionals in Further Education and Vocational Education. Since 2020, our network links communities of practice for digital learning, teaching and assessment.

Our network enables vocational teaching staff to acquire, develop and share the digital and digital pedagogical skills they need, with the ultimate aim of catalysing change across the UK so that significant scale can be achieved in digital vocational learning for adults.

Come along and find out:

how to engage with the AmplifyFE community

the benefits of CMALT accreditation for professional development

how to get your initiative on the UK map and much more.

This is an online interactive session chaired by Joe Wilson, Trustee of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), Educational Consultant and former Head of Digital Skills at City of Glasgow College.

To find out more about the work of AmplifyFE, explore their latest impact report at amplifyfe.alt.ac.uk/explore-the-2025-impact-report.

Rethinking work readiness: Using VocTech to assess essential skills
2026-03-16 15:00 - 16:00
Recent CIPD research (December 2024) highlights a persistent skills gap among young people entering employment, with only 28% of employers reporting that newly recruited young people are prepared for the world of work. Communication, collaboration and social interaction are critical to success, yet remain difficult to assess using traditional approaches.

As part of the Week of VocTech, this session will explore how vocational technology can enable more authentic, inclusive and scalable assessment of essential skills.

Hosted by NCFE, the session will draw on current research alongside learning from NCFE and Ufi’s Assessment Innovation Fund (AIF) projects. The AIF supports organisations to test and evaluate innovative approaches to assessment, building an evidence base for system-wide improvement. You can find out more about the pilots here: www.ncfe.org.uk/aif-pilots.

Together, we will explore:

the competencies that underpin workplace readiness across secondary and further education

how VocTech can support more valid, learner-centred assessment models

practical insights on implementation, scalability and impact from live innovation projects

This session is aimed at awarding bodies, EdTech organisations, providers and policy stakeholders seeking to modernise assessment in ways that are fair, robust and aligned to the realities of work.

Practical approaches to skills development in Scotland
2026-03-17 11:30 - 13:30 | North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1BN
Scotland stands at a pivotal moment for skills and economic transformation. Rapid technological change, the transition to net zero, and persistent and emerging skills gaps are reshaping the workforce. Recent policy initiatives emphasise the need for a responsive, collaborative skills system that meets the demands of employers, learners, and communities.

Hosted by Ufi VocTech Trust, this event brings together local leaders, educators, employers and policymakers to explore the challenges, opportunities and practical solutions for Scotland’s workforce challenges.

Discussion will be framed around early insights from the ongoing programme delivered by Ufi, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and North East Scotland College, designed to support learners to build confidence, understand their career options, and access meaningful work experiences. The approach includes a modular “Ready to Return” course with digital badges, employer‑codesigned sector videos offering real job insights and virtual work‑experience opportunities. The event will show how regional partnerships and vocational technology are driving real-world impact and creating new pathways into work.

With conversation and hands-on demonstrations, guests will gain valuable insights into the tools, partnerships and practical approaches shaping the future of vocational learning. The event will conclude with a networking lunch prepared and served by students from the College’s catering programme.

If you are involved in improving skills for work – whether as an employer or in a community, local government or educational setting- we invite you to join us in Aberdeen. Be inspired, learn about funding and support from Ufi, and help build a more agile, inclusive, and future-ready skills system for Scotland.

Inclusion - Responding Effectively to Ofsted's Expectations
2026-03-18 10:00 - 13:00 | 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?
