FE News

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

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

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-05-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key outcomes of the day:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effective Self Assessment Report Writing
2026-04-20 10:00 - 13:00, 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.

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

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

At the end of the series, you will:

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

We’ll take you through:

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

About your session

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

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

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

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

Booking and payment:

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

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

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

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

Inclusion - Responding Effectively to Ofsted's Expectations
2026-03-25 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The recent introduction of Ofsted’s revised inspection framework has firmly shone the spotlight of inspection onto Inclusion. Although Inclusion has always been considered in an inspection, it was embedded within other aspects of provision; recruitment, participation, equality, diversity or achievement.

Inclusion isn’t about any one single initiative – inspectors want to see how well training providers develop an inclusive culture, how leadership support inclusive education and how learner needs are identified and responded to.

This session aims to develop a providers understanding of Ofsted’s expectations around inclusion and to build confidence in applying inclusive practices across curriculum, teaching, support and leadership.

As part of this session, we will consider:

The expectations of Ofsted

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

Strategies for structure and support

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

Identifying and recording learner vulnerabilities

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be there. Be inspired!

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

Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

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

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

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

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

Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+

Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?

What are your options?

Which University?

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

What’s a T-Level?

How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?

What can the regional colleges offer you?

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

Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?

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

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

General Visitors

Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?

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

Exhibiting at our events

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

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

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