Wednesday morning - hot topics

What's next for artificial intelligence and digital technologies transformation in colleges?

Hall 11a

Chair: Anthony Bravo OBE, Principal, Basingstoke College of Technology

Panel members:

• Sharmen Ibrahim, Group Digital Education Director, Activate Learning

• Anthony Painter, Director of Strategic Engagement, UFI

• Keith Smith , CEO, HRUC

• Michael Webb, Director of AI, Jisc

Come and join the debate about how we ensure that all students and staff are fully benefitting from the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence and digital technology while avoiding the pitfalls. How do we ensure consistent standards of student experience and make a positive impact on teaching and learning? Can sector collaboration contribute to preventing colleges from all re-creating the same wheels in a tight fiscal landscape?

What will SEND reforms mean for college students?

Hall 10a

Chair: David Warnes , Principal, Chelmsford College

Panel members:

• Michelle Dowse, Principal and Chief Executive, Heart of Worcestershire College

• Liz Franey, Deputy Director, Social Justice and Disadvantage Division, Department for Education

• Clare Howard OBE, Chief Executive, Natspec

The schools white paper sets out reforms to the schools system intended to improve the experience and outcomes for learners with SEND. But will reforms have unintended consequences for college students? If so, what needs to change?

Unlocking growth through adult education

Hall 8a

Chair: Colin Booth, CEO, Luminate Group

Panel members:

• Michelle Burton, Head of Employment Skills, West Yorkshire Combined Authority

• Mark Malcolmson, CEO, CityLit

• Caroline McDonald, CEO, Holex

• Diana Sutton, CEO, The Bell Foundation

• Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute

In a time of economic uncertainty, social fragmentation and evolving workforce demands, adult education stands as a powerful catalyst for transformation. As we launch The Association of College's Adult Education campaign, the panel will explore how adult learning can drive economic productivity, foster social mobility and empower individuals to thrive. Panellists will debate: - Economic impact: How adult learning boosts employability, fills skills gaps in key sectors and contributes to regional regeneration. - Societal value and personal growth: The role of adult education in promoting inclusion, reducing poverty and strengthening community cohesion. The psychological benefits of learning as an adult. Expect policy provocations and real-world insights into how adult education can be re-imagined as a cornerstone of national renewal.

How should colleges balance local versus national skills priorities?

Hall 10b

Chair: Anna Dawe, Principal, Wigan and Leigh College

Panel members:

• James Farr, Director, Think
• Karen Spencer, Principal and CEO, Harlow College
• Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy- People and Work, British Chambers of College

The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy sets out eight growth-driving sectors and with the priorities of construction and health, colleges have the challenge of planning their curriculum to meet local and national needs. Against a backdrop of further and deeper devolution, Local Skills Improvement Plans, new Local Growth Plans and Technical Excellence Colleges, the panel will explore opportunities that position colleges at the heart of the government's agenda to bring more people into work and training, drive productivity, innovation and reduce regional disparity, whilst debating some of the barriers to unlock their full potential.

Will the post-16 education and skills white paper deliver a system that works for all?

Hall 9

Chair: Corrie Harris, CEO, Loughborough College

Panel members:

• Stephen Wan, Deputy Director, Skills Strategy and Delivery
  Skills Strategy and Engagement Directorate, Department for Education
• Professor Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, University of Birmingham
• Steph Harris, Director of Policy, Universities UK
• Rachel Nicholls, Principal and CEO, Inspire Education Group

The long-awaited post-16 education and skills white paper has recently been published. As anticipated, the paper builds on the overarching themes of a co-ordinated and coherent system signalled by the Skills Minister at last year's AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition. What is the role for colleges and universities in this co-ordinated system? Can Skills England provide the necessary coordination and oversight to join up local and national priorities?

New government – Changing industrial relations and the current trade dispute

Hall 7b

Panel members:

• Gerry McDonald, Chief Executive and Group Principal, New City College Group

• Jenny Arrowsmith, Partner, Irwin Mitchell

A practical, informative discussion on the hot topic of pay and industrial relations. The issues are changing on a weekly basis. The aim of this session is to provide an update regarding possible changes to ballots and strike action within the 2025 Employment Bill, and to discuss, in a safe environment, the current University and College Union trade dispute, ballots, and strategies on how to deal with trade unions. Come ready to join the debate, ask questions, and give your views. The session aims to be both discursive and practical. Closed, members-only session.

After the White Paper and Curriculum and Assessment Review: what curriculum opportunities for colleges?

Hall 8b

Chair: Tony Medhurst, Principal and CEO, Hertford Regional College

Panel members:

• Lisa O'Loughlin, Principal and CEO, East Lancashire Learning Group

• Dr Lindsay Pamphilon, CEO and Principal, East Surrey College

• Jane Belfourd, Director Technical Qualifications and Essential Skills, Department for Education

• Qasim Hussain, Vice President Further Education, National Union of Students

How will the recommendations of the White Paper and the Curriculum and Assessment Review impact on qualifications and college study programmes at level 3 and level 2? What do we want from V Levels, T Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates? This will be an opportunity to discuss how the sector responds to the current consultation on Post-16 Level 3 and Below Pathways.

Ask the Inspector?

Hall 11b

Chair: Janet Smith, Chief Executive and Principal, Nottingham College

Panel members:

• Julia Arechiga, Deputy Principal of Curriculum and Innovation, Kirklees College
• Rieks Drijver, Senior HMI FE and Skills, Ofsted
• Lorraine Heath, Deputy Principal. BCoT

• Denise Olander, Interim Deputy Director FE and Skills, Ofsted

Join Ofsted representatives and pilot colleges for a short update on the renewed approach to education inspection along with an opportunity to ask direct questions about inspections. The Q&A session will offer insight into what inspectors look for and how the inspection process works.