Ufi VocTech Showcase 2026
2026-03-19 17:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | 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.

Inclusion - Responding Effectively to Ofsted's Expectations
2026-03-25 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-14 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?

Developing a Robust Apprenticeship Training Plan
2026-03-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The training plan outlines how the apprentice will be supported to successfully achieve the apprenticeship. It must be signed by the apprentice, their employer and the provider and all parties must retain a current signed and dated version.
A compliant training plan is a complex document and during the course of our audit work, we regularly see examples of non-compliant training plans or poor practice.
At this seminar we will consider:

What a training plan is for and why it is important
What must be included within the Training plan to meet the Funding Rules requirements
The different delivery models and their impact on off-the-job training requirements
How to create a robust training plan & schedule
The effect of RPLE on the training plan
Documenting functional skills within the training plan
The requirements in updating the training plan

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-03-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-16 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.

Learning Support Claims – Getting it Right
2026-03-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learning support funding is available to meet the costs of putting in place reasonable adjustments, as set out in section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, for apprentices who have a learning difficulty or disability.
The funding is additional to the Total Negotiated Price but clear processes, procedures and evidence must be in place to support Learning Support and Exceptional Learning Support funding claims.
At this specialist workshop delegates will:

Gain an understanding the funding rules in respect of Learning Support (LS) and Exceptional Learning Support (ELS)
Discuss how to identify, assess and document LS and ELS needs
Be guided on how to evidence the delivery of LS and ELS
Understand Progress Review and off-the-job expectations around LS and ELS
Consider how to Identify and claim the costs of providing LS and ELS through the ILR and Earnings Adjustment Statement
Consider the importance of recording and retaining the evidence of the end-to-end LS and ELS process

Effective use of PDSAT and Monitoring Reports
2026-04-09 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.

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.

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-04-15 10:00 - 2026-04-22 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.

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
2026-05-11 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

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.

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.

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’

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-06-02 10:00 - 2026-06-09 13:00 | 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: 2 & 9 June 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online).

Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £78 awarding body registration fee – maximum 12 delegates.

Open Education Conference - OER26
2026-06-22 08:00 - 2026-06-23 17:00 | The Open University, Walton Hall, ,, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
Open education has always been both a practice and a proposition. It is grounded in commitments to access, equity, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge as a public good. Over decades, these commitments have taken institutional form through open educational resources, open practices, open pedagogy, open research, open access publishing, and global networks of collaboration. Openness has shaped learning systems, expanded participation, and redefined what education can be.

OER26 invites delegates to reimagine and re-theorise openness while recognising the enduring ethos that has sustained the movement from its earliest days.

Hosted by the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University (UK), widely recognised as one of the foundational institutions in the modern open education movement, this event offers a distinctive space for reflection and renewal. Established in 1969 with a radical commitment to widening participation and removing barriers to higher education, The Open University has long embodied the principle that education should be open to people, places, methods, and ideas. Its history reminds us that openness represents and constitutes an ongoing, transformative ethical and social commitment. Bringing the conference to this setting underscores both continuity and change: continuity in the enduring values of openness, and change in the technological, political, and institutional environments in which those values are enacted.

OER26 will foster dialogue across disciplines and regions, welcoming diverse interpretations of what openness means and what it might become. Our call for proposals welcomes contributions that explore how the ethos of openness is sustained, challenged, institutionalised, or transformed in the current moment.

Co-Chairs

Dr Rob Farrow and Dr Beck Pitt, from the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University, serve as co‑directors of the Global OER Graduate Network (GO‑GN). Their longstanding commitment to open education research, community building, and global collaboration brings a distinctive perspective to this year’s conference, ensuring a programme that is both inclusive and forward‑looking.

Call for Proposals

Submission Deadline: 13 AprilSubmission link: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/81712/submitterAll proposals will be reviewed by the programme committee, and notifications will be sent following the review period.

Register
