ALT Digital Accessibility Workshop
2025-11-25 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
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.

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.

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.

AmplifyFE Community Space Workshop: How to master LinkedIn to achieve your goals
2025-11-14 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
This session will use Tony K. Silver’s 4 pillars of LinkedIn to give attendees some invaluable and implementable takeaways.

We will look at making your profile very engaging so people will hang around not click away

We will look at how you can optimise it better to give value to the viewer and score search points

We will cover some of the key activities that drive the platform and get you noticed.

We will look at how we can use the Search engine to get highly targeted results

The session will be interactive to support your use of LinkedIn.

Skills London - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event - The Kia Oval
2025-11-13 09:30 - 15:00 | The Kia Oval, Kennington Oval, London, SE11 5SS
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills London) in Lambeth South London, 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 Kia Oval in London this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from across the South Region including all South London & Central London Boroughs, Berkshire, Essex, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent
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

The Digital Educator: Teaching with Confidence in a Connected World
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

Teaching is no longer confined to four walls—and neither are the opportunities to connect, inspire, and empower learners. In a digital-first world, educators need more than just awareness of technology; they need the confidence to use it seamlessly and creatively.

This webinar offers a practical roadmap for teachers/trainers who want to simplify their workload, spark engagement, and reach every learner through technology—without the need for expensive platforms or steep learning curves.

You’ll be introduced to a powerful toolkit of free, easy-to-use applications that can transform your teaching practice. From Canva for creating eye-catching visuals, to Trello for keeping projects on track, and Loom for delivering clear explanations. You’ll discover how these tools can save time and boost impact. You’ll also explore interactive platforms such as Padlet, Mentimeter, and Kahoot! to make learning more collaborative, participatory, and fun.

Alongside the tools, you’ll gain strategies for blending online and in-person teaching, building flexible learning journeys, and ensuring no student is left behind. Practical examples will show how small changes can make a big difference—whether you’re enhancing lesson delivery, encouraging collaboration, or breaking down barriers to inclusion.

Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will:

Discover a practical toolkit of free digital technologies that save time and reduce stress.
Gain strategies to foster student engagement and motivation in both online and blended settings.
Learn how to create flexible, inclusive learning journeys that work for all learners.
Leave with the confidence to embed digital approaches into everyday teaching.

Facilitator
Richard Parker, Senior Product Manager, Firebrand Training, End Point Assessor for IT & Digital Standards, Keynote Speaker

Click here to register or to find out more information.

Trustee Recruitment – Building a better Board
2025-11-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

A great board doesn’t just happen. It’s built—through trustees who are motivated, diverse, and driven by purpose. But finding the right people (and keeping them engaged) can be a real challenge.

Join us for this practical webinar and discover how to:

Reach beyond your usual networks to attract fresh talent
Write role descriptions that inspire people to step forward
Run an open, inclusive process that brings in the right mix of skills and perspectives
Welcome and support new trustees so they feel confident, engaged, and effective
You’ll leave with clear steps, fresh ideas, and the confidence to build a stronger, more dynamic board—one that reflects your community and drives your organisation forward. Don’t just fill seats around the table. Build a board that makes a difference.

Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Identify gaps in your board’s skills, perspectives, and experience.
Apply effective strategies to recruit beyond your usual networks.
Create inclusive role descriptions and transparent processes that inspire candidates.
Build supportive onboarding and development practices for new trustees.
Foster a culture of engagement that keeps trustees motivated long-term.
Enhance your organisation’s governance capacity through a resilient, diverse board.

Facilitators

Sarah Atkins Boal, Head of FE Appointments, Peridot Partners and Dan Baxter, Principal Consultant, Peridot Partners

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Stress-Test Your Exams: No More Drama on Exam Day
2025-10-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Join four assessment practitioners for a roundtable on what really makes exam delivery bulletproof, bringing perspectives from exam operations, support and platform technology.

Nicola Kurtz and Audrey Carter (Chartered Accountants Ireland), Aiden Molavi (Cirrus Service Desk) and Jeroen Habets (Cirrus CTO) will each share battle-tested practices from their work managing high-stakes exams.

Then we go off-script: Moderator Cristina Gilbert opens the floor for an honest discussion, exploring the blind spots most organisations overlook, the “gotchas” that catch even experienced teams and what the tech and services teams see from their different vantage points.

This isn’t a standard webinar, it’s a working conversation with people who manage exam delivery every day. Bring your toughest questions!

SCL Professional Neuro-Inclusive Leadership Webinar
2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:00
In today’s workplaces, one in seven people are neurodivergent, yet only 46% of managers feel confident supporting them. Our new apprenticeship programme focused on Neuro-Inclusive Leadership is designed to change that.

Join us as we explore how to lead with inclusion, confidence, and impact, creating teams where every individual can thrive, regardless of how their brain works.

📅 Wednesday, 23rd October🕐 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM🔗 Book your free place

Join us as we explore how to lead with inclusion, confidence, and impact, creating teams where every individual can thrive, regardless of how their brain works.

Why It Matters:

🔶 82% of UK managers are “accidental managers,” promoted without formal training.

🔶 Inclusive leadership benefits everyone improving performance, retention, and innovation. Let’s make inclusion the standard, not the exception.

ALT Annual Conference 2025 - ALTC25
2025-10-23 08:00 - 2025-10-24 17:00 | Glasgow Marriott Hotel
The ALT Annual Conference will bring together learning technology professionals from across sectors for two days of exchange, collaboration and community.

This year’s conference theme, “Stronger Foundations, Broader Horizons”, reflects our shared commitment to:

Building robust and reliable foundations in learning technology, supporting resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing landscape.

Broadening perspectives and ambitions by exploring innovative approaches, new opportunities and stronger collaboration across our community.

The programme has been shaped around these priorities, and we’re excited to offer a rich and varied line-up of over 60 sessions. You can expect:

Thought-provoking keynotes

Practical workshops

Interactive panels

Peer-led sessions

Lightning talks

Beyond the formal agenda, there are ample opportunities to connect through Group Fest, ALTC Radio, and a lively social programme, culminating in Thursday’s Awards and Gala Dinner, a highlight of the event.

Whether you’re joining us to share your practice, develop your thinking or reconnect with peers, ALTC25 promises to be a welcoming and energising space to engage with current developments in learning technology.

Explore the draft programme and start planning your ALTC25 experience now.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2025-10-20 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

It is a statutory obligation for those with a lead or designated professional role for safeguarding to meet a ‘robust two yearly training’ requirement. Having completed safeguarding awareness training, this webinar equips professionals to perform their senior safeguarding function.

AELP are delighted to be working with Education Child Protection (ECP) to offer this course, which holds 6 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits. When certificated, delegates can use the ECP centre number to record the activity as CPD.

Please note: Delegates will be required to attend both sessions fully in order to receive the CPD credits. If you don’t attend both sessions and participate you will not be eligible for a certificate. Please note that attendance is monitored by the software.

Objectives

This in-depth webinar will cover:

Understanding of the Safeguarding Framework, including legislation and statutory guidance;
Effective implementation of Duty of Care within the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead;
Exploration of effective and robust record keeping;
Understanding the referral process and effective information sharing, and mental capacity;
Responding effectively to whistleblowing concerns;
Understanding of thresholds and risk analysis within the context of safeguarding;
Management of safeguarding across challenging topics including Domestic Abuse, ‘so-called’ Honour Based Abuse, Exploitation including Radicalisation, Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (child on child abuse), Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice.
For more information on course content and outcomes please watch this video:

Facilitator

Carly Spicer, Education Consultant, ECP Safeguarding

Please note, you must attend BOTH days to receive your CPD certification.

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Embedding Safeguarding and Prevent into the Curriculum for 2025
2025-10-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Overview

Join us for a highly practical and forward-thinking webinar designed for leaders and decision-makers across the provider sector.

Together, we’ll explore how to embed inclusion at every level of governance and leadership, ensuring it becomes a driving force behind strategy and day-to-day operations.

Drawing on the Ofsted framework, best practice from providers, and the expertise of governance board members and leaders, this session will equip you with tangible tools and approaches to:

Lead with social conscience.
Build inclusive, equitable cultures.
Drive genuine impact for learners and staff alike.
By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear strategic roadmap to strengthen your organisation’s inclusive practices and demonstrate leadership with impact.

Objectives

Attendees will:

Understand the critical role of governance and leadership in embedding inclusive practices across the organisation.
Learn how to cultivate a socially conscious, inclusive culture that benefits both learners and staff.
Gain clarity on the Ofsted inspection requirements for inclusive practice and what they mean in practical terms.
Explore how to personalise the learner journey – from onboarding to progression – to ensure every learner has the chance to succeed.
Take away real-world examples of setting personal Inclusion, Equity & Diversity (IED) objectives for leaders.

Facilitator

Maureen Deary, FES Consultant

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Understanding Apprenticeship Off the Job training in 2025/26
2025-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Are your organisation’s models for planning and delivery compliant with the new 25/26 apprenticeship funding rules, and are you adopting best practice models for change?

From August 1st 2025 there will be significant changes to the compliance rules and operational implementation requirements for off the job training (OTJT). The publishing of new minimum hours per Apprenticeship standard and flexibilities of duration affect compliance in a significant way and could be a risk to funding if you do not manage change effectively.

We’ll help you to understand:

The new published minimums for OTJT
The transition timeframe
Rules on planning and distributing off the job hours
How to apply recognition of prior learning to content and price
Monitoring ‘Active learning’ in 25-26
How to use the new rules to open up new opportunities for business

About your session

The webinar will be facilitated by SDN Strategic Associate, David Lockhart-Hawkins. After working in the sector for over 20 years, 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 series is for anyone involved in planning or monitoring the design and implementation of off the job hours so could include quality, compliance and finance from practitioners to leaders.

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

Booking and payment:

You can either attend live session or be sent the recording 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’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.

Empowering Learners with Digital Skills for Life and Work
2025-10-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Overview

Digital capability is no longer optional—it’s a core life skill, as vital as maths and English. Whether it’s managing everyday online tasks or thriving in a fast-changing workplace, learners need the confidence and skills to succeed in a digital world.

This interactive webinar will:

Demystify the digital skills landscape—exploring why digital capability is now central to employability, inclusion and lifelong learning.
Clarify EDS and DFSQs—understanding how they connect, and what this means for your delivery.
Provide practical strategies—showing how to embed digital skills seamlessly across programmes, from adult education to apprenticeships.
Connect digital to sustainability and progression—highlighting how building capability supports Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and learner futures.
You’ll leave with clear, actionable ideas to strengthen your organisation’s digital skills offer—and to better equip your learners to live, work and progress with confidence.

Objectives

By the end of this session, delegates will:

Navigate the policy landscape with confidence—understanding the role of Essential Digital Skills (EDS) and Digital Functional Skills (DFSQs) in today’s learning and employability agenda.
Spot opportunities to embed digital learning across existing programmes, apprenticeships and adult provision.
Apply practical strategies to build both staff and learner confidence in using and developing digital skills.
Make clear connections between digital capability, employability, inclusion and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Take away tools and prompts to review and enhance their organisation’s current digital skills strategy.

Facilitator

Christine Edwards, QTLS, Creating Excellence

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Mastering Project Management Skills for Apprentices
2025-10-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, project management isn’t just a skill—it’s a critical foundation for apprenticeship success and effective End-Point Assessment (EPA).

This practical, hands-on webinar is designed for anyone supporting apprentices through projects, helping them build confidence, accountability, and the capability to deliver results. Whether you’re guiding learners or developing curriculum, you’ll gain valuable insight, proven strategies, and ready-to-use tools to embed robust project management practices within your programmes.

Learn how strong project management can drive both EPA success and long-term organisational value.

Objectives

This focused workshop will help you:

– Understand the role of project management in apprenticeships, EPA, and personal development
– Apply the project lifecycle in real apprenticeship contexts
– Implement practical tools to plan, monitor, and complete projects
– Support learners in building accountability, time management, and resilience
– Overcome common project challenges and enable high-quality outcomes
– Foster collaboration and stakeholder engagement
– Take away actionable plans for integrating PM into your apprenticeship programmes

Facilitator
Christine Edwards QTLS, Creating Excellence

Click here to find out more information or to register.

New legal duty of preventing Sexual Violence and Sexual Harrassment in workplace
2025-10-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

From August 2024, new legal duties require employers to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace—not just respond to it. Are you and your team prepared?

This essential, introductory-level webinar will provide staff across post-16 education and training with a clear understanding of the Worker Protection Act, what constitutes workplace harassment, and how to respond appropriately and lawfully.

Led by Carly Spicer, Safeguarding Consultant from ECP Safeguarding, this session offers a supportive space to explore practical strategies, statutory expectations, and everyday actions to protect learners, colleagues, and your organisation.

Objectives

By attending this webinar, delegates will:

– Understand Harassment vs. Bullying – Learn the legal definitions and why the distinction matters under the Worker Protection Act
– Recognise Problematic Behaviours – Identify the signs, behaviours and prevalence of sexual harassment, including current statistics and trends
– Assess the Impact – Explore the emotional, psychological and operational consequences of harassment in learning and working environments
– Develop Response Strategies – Gain tools for bystander intervention, respectful communication, and navigating complex areas like consent and freedom of speech
– Implement Safe Reporting – Understand how to establish effective, compliant reporting channels, including whistleblowing support and how to manage disclosures

Click here to register or to find out more information.

Skills London - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event - Saracens StoneX Stadium
2025-10-07 09:30 - 15:00 | Saracens StoneX Stadium, Greenlands Lane, London, NW4 1RL
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills London) in Barnet, North London, 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 Saracens (The StoneX Stadium) in London this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from all North London and Central London Boroughs, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
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

Apprenticeship compliance for your role
2025-10-06 14:00 - 2025-10-09 15:30 | 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 and updated in-year, 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 a CPD attendance certificate after the series, as evidence of your personal development.

This series, led by David Lockhart-Hawkins, 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

Participants will also receive a useful workbook that highlights the key areas of the learning journey.

This series takes place on Monday 6 October (2-3.30pm), Wednesday 8 October (2-3.30pm) and Thursday 9 October (2-3.30pm).

If there are any dates/times where you aren’t available, register anyway and we’ll send you the recording and slides.

Booking Information

To enable your organisation to make the most of the training we have set the following price structure:

Single ticket: £195 + VAT

Group ticket: £395 + VAT

Do you have a team who would all benefit from attending? This ticket allows for 10 registrations, we want all your team to benefit.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a price for a larger group.

Who is this webinar series for?

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.

Facilitators and speakers

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

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.

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.

Payment

To keep costs down, payment for the webinar series must be made online via credit card (book below). If you are a Local Authority, and unable to book via card, please email us on: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk.

Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions (including our refund policy) for SDN events and webinars can be found here. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)

Any questions, please email the SDN events team: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk.

Engaging the Disengaged: Free Webinar for FE & Skills Leaders – Sponsored by Gateway Qualifications
2025-10-03 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Overview

Almost 1 million young people in the UK are now classed as NEET – not in education, employment, or training.

For those of us working in the FE and Skills sector, the question is clear: what can we do to change that?

Join our free webinar to explore practical, proven approaches that Independent Training Providers (ITPs) and employers can take to re-engage young people and give them the skills, confidence, and opportunities they deserve.

Objectives

You’ll learn:

The changing profile of NEETs – and what this means for your work
How ITPs are successfully re-engaging hard-to-reach learners
Funding routes and partnership models that make initiatives sustainable
Practical tips you can apply straight away to make a difference

Click here to find out more information or to register your FREE spot.

Contextualised Careers Advice and Guidance: Meeting Inspection, Matrix Standard and Gatsby Requirements Part 2
2025-10-02 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

Ensuring learners are equipped for the future isn’t just good practice – it’s a statutory requirement and a critical component of quality and inspection frameworks in the FE and Skills sector.

This practical and insightful half-day online workshop will help you and your organisation to meet the required Ofsted Inspection, matrix standards and Gatsby Benchmarks.

You’ll gain some strategies, tools, and resources to embed high-quality careers guidance throughout the learner journey, including onboarding and curriculum delivery, with specific focus on supporting all learners, including those with SEND, ALN, and EHCPs.

Objectives

Why attend?

Understand the latest statutory and Ofsted inspection framework toolkit requirements for CEIAG
Explore practical ways to embed careers education into curriculum delivery, aligned with Gatsby Benchmarks and the matrix Standard
Evaluate proven CEIAG strategies, tools, and resources for FE and HE settings
Hear directly from the provider voice on effective practice
Develop a tailored CEIAG action plan to strengthen your Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)

Facilitator
Maureen Deary, FE and Skills and Independent Schools Inspector, Strategic Adviser in Quality

Guest speakers
Ian Smith, FES Consultant, Inspector, Formed Ofsted Senior HMI, Roger Chapman, Head of Service, The Matrix Standard, Tom Shirt, Project Manager, The Gatsby Foundation, and Sue Gomer, LLP Partner, Quality Director, DSL, Logistica Training and Consultancy Ltd

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Making Maths & English Matter: Embedding Core Skills for Confident, Work-Ready Learners
2025-10-01 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

With the February 2025 removal of mandatory Functional Skills for some apprenticeships, there is a growing risk that Maths and English development will be side-lined. Yet these skills remain essential for workplace competence, learner progression and employer satisfaction.

This interactive 3-hour workshop will equip vocational tutors, Functional Skills staff and curriculum leads with practical, adaptable methods to embed Maths and English seamlessly into their delivery.

Content will focus on live delivery impact — how to spot, create and maximise opportunities for core skill development during training sessions, workplace learning and reviews. The session will cover approaches that work with all learners, including those with maths anxiety, low literacy confidence or English as an additional language.

AI and digital tools will be explored as time-saving enhancers for resource creation and differentiation, without losing the human connection that makes learning stick.

Why This Topic, Why Now

Policy change means Functional Skills is no longer guaranteed in every apprenticeship — but employer and Ofsted expectations for numeracy and communication remain high.
Without intentional embedding, learners may leave with qualification ‘ticks’ but not the transferable skills they need for sustained success.
Providers are under increasing pressure to show that Maths and English are relevant, contextualised and integrated — not bolt-ons.

Objectives

This workshop will cover:

Identifying opportunities to embed Maths and English into vocational teaching, progress reviews and workplace tasks.
Strategies to overcome common learner barriers such as Maths anxiety, writing reluctance and limited workplace vocabulary.
Inclusive, culturally relevant examples to make core skills accessible to diverse learner groups.
Digital tools and AI integration to adapt activities for role relevance and learner need.
Ready-to-use activities and techniques for immediate implementation.

Facilitator

Christine Edwards, QTLS, Creating Excellence

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Making Maths & English Matter: Embedding Core Skills for Confident, Work-Ready Learners
2025-10-01 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Practical strategies to integrate maths and English into everyday vocational delivery

Overview

With the February 2025 removal of mandatory Functional Skills for some apprenticeships, there is a growing risk that Maths and English development will be side-lined. Yet these skills remain essential for workplace competence, learner progression and employer satisfaction.

This interactive 3-hour workshop will equip vocational tutors, Functional Skills staff and curriculum leads with practical, adaptable methods to embed Maths and English seamlessly into their delivery.
Content will focus on live delivery impact — how to spot, create and maximise opportunities for core skill development during training sessions, workplace learning and reviews. The session will cover approaches that work with all learners, including those with maths anxiety, low literacy confidence or English as an additional language.

AI and digital tools will be explored as time-saving enhancers for resource creation and differentiation, without losing the human connection that makes learning stick.

Why This Topic, Why Now
• Policy change means Functional Skills is no longer guaranteed in every apprenticeship — but employer and Ofsted expectations for numeracy and communication remain high.
• Without intentional embedding, learners may leave with qualification ‘ticks’ but not the transferable skills they need for sustained success.
• Providers are under increasing pressure to show that Maths and English are relevant, contextualised and integrated — not bolt-ons.

Objectives

This workshop will cover:

Identifying opportunities to embed Maths and English into vocational teaching, progress reviews and workplace tasks.
Strategies to overcome common learner barriers such as Maths anxiety, writing reluctance and limited workplace vocabulary.
Inclusive, culturally relevant examples to make core skills accessible to diverse learner groups.
Digital tools and AI integration to adapt activities for role relevance and learner need.
Ready-to-use activities and techniques for immediate implementation.

Facilitator

Christine Edwards QTLS, Creating Excellence

Good Governance in Practice
2025-09-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Overview
This session launches a three-part series designed to transform how governance is viewed and practised across the skills sector. Governance isn’t just compliance—it’s a strategic lever for excellence.
Led by Marie McQuade and Dan Baxter of Peridot Partners, this webinar will explore how good boards contribute to better inspection outcomes, sharper leadership accountability, and long-term organisational resilience.
Drawing on experience across the charity and public sectors, attendees will reflect on how to evolve governance from passive oversight to proactive, high-impact leadership.
Objectives
By attending this session, delegates will:

Understand the true purpose of governance beyond ticking boxes
Explore how governance contributes directly to inspection success and provider performance
Learn how to build or refresh an effective board using skills audits and strategic recruitment
Discover how to shift from passive oversight to informed challenge and support
Benchmark their own board’s practice using sector and cross-sector examples
Without strong governance, organisations risk ineffective leadership, poor inspection readiness, and missed opportunities for strategic development.

Achieving Excellence: NCG's Standards for Quality and Continuous Improvement
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview
Join this insightful session exploring how NCG delivers high-quality educational outcomes through a clear, unified approach to quality assurance, professional standards, and continuous improvement.
Delegates will gain a practical understanding of how NCG’s strategic intent is operationalised across its colleges—through deep dives, robust observation frameworks, and consistent professional development for staff. You’ll learn how these processes drive learner progress, build staff capability, and align with NCG’s mission to support social mobility and economic prosperity.
This is a valuable opportunity for quality leaders and improvement-focused professionals to reflect on best practices and take away ideas for immediate implementation.
Objectives
By attending this session, delegates will:
Understand NCG’s Strategic Intent – including its mission, vision, and aspiration to achieve an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ judgementLearn how standardised professional standards contribute to high-quality and consistent learner experiencesGain insight into the tools, training and frameworks used to embed continuous improvement across a multi-college groupTake away ideas and resources to support local implementation and drive performance
Facilitator
Ross Radford, NCG
Click here to find out more information or to register.

The Power of Tiny Gains: Simple Strategies to Build Practical Literacy and Communication Skills
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

Small changes can have a big impact.
In the wake of changes to Functional Skills requirements, it’s more important than ever for providers to embed core literacy and communication skills into vocational delivery — especially for 19+ apprentices.

This practical webinar explores how to make gradual, targeted improvements to learners’ written and spoken communication that add up over time. Using the concept of “tiny gains”, we’ll look at how to build skills in a way that aligns with employer expectations, inspection frameworks, and learner goals — all without overwhelming your delivery.

Objectives

You’ll learn how to:

Set and track simple literacy and communication goals with learners
Embed relevant skills into vocational delivery (e.g. vocabulary, SPAG, transactional writing, summarising)
Use dynamic, contextualised delivery to improve learner engagement
Enhance learner confidence, employability and progression
Meet Ofsted expectations through everyday practice, not add-ons
“A 1% improvement every day for a year makes you 38x better by the end of it.” – James Clear

Facilitator

Sam Woodland, Pick ME Consulting

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Manchester Health Series (HealthTech & MedTech)
2025-09-23 08:45 - 17:00 | Citylabs 1.0 – Bruntwood SciTech, 0 9NQ Nelson St,, Manchester, M13 9NQ, United Kingdom
About the Event

Join our free-of-charge events across Manchester to be super connected with innovators, SMEs, clinicians, academics, investors, private healthcare organisations and more

This exciting event will include keynote speakers and fireside chats, panel discussions, innovation pitching sessions, roundtable discussions for all attendees, business support expo and moreand careers expo and more

Speakers and Panellists

These include the following, with more being added every month:

NIHR HealthTech Research Centre for Accelerated Surgical Care

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

NIHR HealthTech Research Centre for Rehabilitation)

ABGI UK

Solventum (formerly 3M Healthcare)

MyDentist UK

Alzheimer’s Society

GC Angels

Mercia Ventures (VC)

PLOVM

Regulogix

ND Axon

Enbodie

Delivery Partners

The Manchester Health Series is powered by Empact Ventures in partnership with:

Manchester Inward Investment Agency (MIDAS)

NIHR HealthTech Research Centre for Accelerated Surgical Care

ABGI UK

Bruntwood SciTech

Super Connections:

Those who register, opt-in and attend on the day will be super-connected to 5 potential partners, clients, funders, collaborators and business support organisations within and outside the event that broadly match their needs, facilitated as warm email introductions by the Empact Ventures team of super connectors. This is in addition to those you meet during the event. Read more in the ‘Rise of the Super Connectors’ piece here

Note: If you indicate on the Eventbrite registration form that you’d like to be super connected, you will be sent a separate form to fill in before the event to select your preferences.

Achieving Compliance in Claiming Learning Support and Applying Functional Skills Exceptions - Sponsored by Cognassist
2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

Many providers miss out on Learning Support funding—not because they aren’t eligible, but because they lack confidence in navigating the rules and evidence requirements.

This practical session will demystify the apprenticeship funding rules around Learning Support and Functional Skills exceptions, giving you the clarity and confidence needed to support your learners effectively and claim the funding you’re entitled to.

Led by compliance expert Rupert Crossland (PAL), this session will take you through everything from assessing learning difficulty to documenting support delivery and evidencing continued need. You’ll also get the latest on the new Functional Skills flexibility for apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Objectives

This webinar will help you:

-Understand how to put effective and compliant reasonable adjustments in place
-Assess the suitability of your screening and assessment methods
-Apply and evidence learning support in line with DfE expectations
-Avoid common pitfalls and confidently claim Learning Support funding
-Decide when Entry 3 Functional Skills may be appropriate under the latest guidance

With better understanding comes better access—for your learners and your organisation.

Facilitator

Rupert Crossland, Director of Audit and Compliance, Professional Assessment Limited (PAL)

FREE for the sector to attend, as this webinar is kindly sponsored by Cognassist.

Click here to register or to find out more information.

Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
2025-09-17 10:00 - 2025-12-10 16:00 | 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

Progress Reviews: Advanced practice for expert practitioners
2025-09-16 14:00 - 2025-09-30 16:00 | Online
Join our advanced masterclass, designed specifically for experienced apprenticeship trainers, coaches, mentors and leaders who want to take progress reviews to the next level.
Why attend?
Progress reviews are more than a compliance task. When done well, they:

Build learner confidence and competence
Strengthen employer engagement
Improve achievement and retention

This two-part course is for professionals ready to move beyond the basics, using digital tools and advanced strategies to drive real progress.
What makes this different?

Not for beginners – Designed for those already familiar with delivering reviews.
Practical and advanced – Includes live demonstrations, real case studies and techniques you can use straight away.
Digital and AI integration – Explore the tools that streamline reviews and enhance evidence gathering.
Stronger stakeholder engagement – Learn how to involve employers and mentors meaningfully.

This 2-part advanced masterclass will take place on Tuesday 16 & 30 September 2.00pm-4.00pm.
Who is this Masterclass for?

Apprenticeship trainers, assessors, coaches (with experience)
Employer mentors and workplace supervisors
Skills coaches, L&D professionals and programme managers

Facilitators and speakers
Chris Cherry, an SDN expert in learning strategies and apprenticeship quality improvement, will facilitate this two-part series. With experience supporting hundreds of apprenticeship providers and employer organisations, Chris brings deep expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and learner engagement.
Why an SDN Masterclass?
SDN has supported 5,000 apprenticeship staff, from over 1,000 organisations, to prepare to deliver apprenticeship standards and end-point assessment. We’ve also worked closely with over 80 of the trailblazer employer groups, giving us a unique insight into what is required.
Payment
To keep prices down, payment for the masterclass must be made online via credit card (book below). If you are a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority) who is unable to book via card, please email us on: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk
Terms and Conditions
The Terms and Conditions (including our refund policy) for SDN courses, events and webinars can be found here. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
Any questions, please email: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk

ALT Online Conference: Open Education, AI, and Populism - Revisited
2025-09-16 09:00 - 17:00
This online conference picks up where OER25 left off, offering a chance to revisit key themes and continue the conversations that shaped this year’s event. Taking place on 16 September, the programme brings together practitioners, researchers and policy-makers from across sectors to explore what’s next for open education.

Themes from OER25, including equity and social justice, open practice during times of change, and the politics of openness in the age of AI, remain at the heart of this event. Whether you joined us at OER25 or are new to the community, this is an opportunity to reflect, share your work and connect with others working in open education.

The conference will be held entirely online, with a mix of live sessions, discussions and opportunities to engage with presenters and participants throughout the day. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registered attendees.

Programme

09:00 Welcome

09:10 Reflections and Forward Look: Opening from the OER25 Co-ChairsSheila MacNeil and Louise Drumm

09:25 Digital poster – What changed since June 2025?Joe Wilson

09:40 Negotiating an impossible challenge: Recognising and responding to the realities of GAI and threat to open education practice in the context of a digitally distributed universityKeith Smyth

10:10 Q&A Open discussion

10:30 Break

10:45 Workshops x2:

Room 1: From Principles to practice – resisting the GenAI narratives on ethics, equity and the environmentRosemarie McIlwhan, Louise Drumm, Kerith George-Bryan, Emma Duke-Williams

Room 2: Establishing A T.E.S.T. A.I.D. (Tracking the Engagement of Students & Teaching without AI Disruption) Research NetworkJohn N A Brown, School of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Robert Gordon University

11:45 Parallel sessions

Room 1: Global Pathways to Open Knowledge: Reimagining Universities as Ecosystems of KnowledgeAsad Ghalib, Liverpool Hope Business School, Liverpool Hope University

Room 2:Promoting Critical Literacy through AI-Mediated Dialogue Games: A Model of Progressive AuthenticationDejan Ljubojevic, Bath Spa University

12:15 Lunch

13:15 Presentation: Inclusive design and character illustrationAlice Clayton and Joanna Law, University of Leeds, Digital Education Service

13:45 Q&A and open discussion

14:00 Presentation: Exploring AI at the Edges: Creating Learning Media with Generative ToolsJohn Lenehan, Hibernia College

14:30 Q&A and open discussion

14:45 Break

15:00 Workshops x 2

Room 1: Fighting the good fight – go rogue or go home 2.0Kate Molloy and Claire Thompson, Atlantic Technological University

Room 2: Opening the Black Box: Demystifying Image-Based Generative AI for Ethical, Environmental, and Open Educational PracticeTim Fransen, London South Bank University

16:00 Break

16:15 Parallel sessions

Room 1: AI-Driven Simulation Scenario Generation in Healthcare EducationSam McNab

Room 2: Is Generative AI the New Music TechnologyPriscilla Angelique-Page

16:45 Wrap up

17:00 Close

View full session details here

Tickets are available now. We look forward to welcoming you.
