FE News

Governance – Effective Board Reporting
2026-02-24 10:00 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | 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.

Effective Apprenticeship Progress Reviews
2026-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The essential requirements for an apprenticeship, at any level, include the need for high quality Progress Reviews. Not only are they a contractual requirement, but Progress Reviews also support the effective measurement of progress through the curriculum.
This event will help providers, especially those responsible for curriculum quality/quality of education to understand what is required and why.
Clear links between the importance of measuring apprentices progress and the
requirements of Ofsted and the DfE are explored and explained, helping you to focus on delivering high quality education.
Key Outcomes Of The Day
At this important workshop delegates will explore and discuss:

What is ‘Progress’?
What is the purpose of a Progress Review?
What does an effective Progress Review look like?
What to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of Progress Reviews
How the the inspection framework and Quality of Education link to effective Progress Reviews
Understanding the link between apprentices starting points and recognising progress.
Using Progress Reviews to support apprentices progress, using effective target setting

Apprenticeship compliance fundamentals and what this means for your role
2026-02-25 14:00 - 2026-03-10 12:00 | Online
Everyone involved in apprenticeship delivery should understand the fundamentals of apprenticeship compliance.

Whether you’re involved in training, curriculum design, quality assurance, employer engagement or administration – understanding what ESFA compliance means for your role is crucial in helping the organisation to draw down the right funding and mitigate risks.
Designed around the latest version of the funding rules, this three-part series is designed to introduce all apprenticeship staff to the core apprenticeship rules and where their role fits in the compliance journey.
Part 1 will look at the typical apprentice journey, the core rules that matter and common solutions seen, including the importance of the little details and core parts of the evidence pack.
Part 2 will look at common errors and build an understanding of risk awareness as part of a transparent compliance culture.
Part 3 will open the floor to core questions and discussions of best practice.
You will receive an attendance certificate after the series, as evidence of your personal development.

This series will help you to:

Understand the core compliance rules for Apprenticeships
Understand how they fit into the typical apprentice journey
Know how funding works and what this means for your role
Keep an eye out for common errors
How to mitigate funding risks

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance specialist will facilitate this session.

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.
SDN’s CPD is drawn from its work with over 1,000 apprenticeship providers and thousands of staff – giving you a unique insights into practices that can drive the quality of your provision. Our sessions are also intensely practical – equipping you with the knowledge and resources to act and make improvements in your role and organisation.

Perfect for new starts across all departments as well as those requiring a refresher, this is designed for all staff involved in administrating or delivering apprenticeships so they can develop a healthy understanding of compliance and how it relates to their job role.

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-02-26 10:00 - 2026-03-03 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: 26 Feb & 3 March 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £78 awarding body registration fee – maximum 12 delegates.

Higher Level Learning in Safeguarding and Prevent (4.0)
2026-03-05 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.

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/

Understanding 2025/26 Apprenticeship Funding Rules
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.

Level 4 Award in the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-03-12 10:00 - 2026-03-19 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 Certificate in Leading the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-03-12 10:00 - 2026-03-26 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)

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

Ofsted Inspection Nominee Training (new framework)
2026-03-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Nominee’s arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
The nominee will continue to be at the centre of inspection and will a key person for their organisation.
This event will prepare potential nominees in the FE and Skills sector to carry out their role effectively before, during and after an Ofsted inspection.
As a result of the workshop, delegates will be better able to prepare themselves, their leaders, managers, staff, learners and employees for inspection, and show their provision in the best light.

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.

Safeguarding and Prevent – Training for Board Members
2026-03-17 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.

Inclusion - Responding Effectively to Ofsted's Expectations
2026-03-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-25 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?

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.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-03-19 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.

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 | 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.

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
