Events | UVAC

UVAC EVENTS

Ofsted Spotlight –Teaching Excellence

DATE: Thursday 5th November 2026 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Ofsted

CONTENT:

This practical Ofsted spotlight session for apprenticeship curriculum, teaching and quality teams will explore how to identify teaching excellence in apprenticeship provision. With member input from recently inspected organisations we will consider how inspectors evaluate curriculum design, teaching, training, assessment, feedback and the extent to which apprentices apply and remember what they learn. We will review data and evidence that demonstrates consistently strong practice, how staff development and quality assurance can improve teaching and how providers can identify and address inconsistency while retaining a clear focus on the apprentice progress and outcomes. UVAC login required for registration

Quality in Allied Health Apprenticeship Community of Practice

DATE: Tuesday 10th November 2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

TOPIC: Strengthening Practice Learning Across Allied Health Apprenticeships

CONTENT:

Delivered in partnership with NHS England, this community of practice supports quality across allied health apprenticeships. Members share effective approaches, address delivery challenges and explore policy and professional developments. Discussion focuses on practice learning, supervision, assessment and inclusive support, strengthening partnerships between education providers and employers to support apprentice progression and achievement. UVAC login required for registration

Quality in Nursing Apprenticeships Community of Practice

DATE: Tuesday 10th November 2026 | 10:00 - 12:00

TOPIC: Supporting Apprentice Progression: Sharing What Works

CONTENT:

Delivered in partnership with NHS England, this community of practice brings together education providers and employers to strengthen quality in nursing apprenticeships. Through shared good practice, sector updates and collaborative discussion, members explore practice learning, assessment, inclusive support and apprentice progression, responding to developments in education, regulation and workforce needs. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC National Conference

DATE: Thursday 19th November 2026 | 9:15 - 17:00

TOPIC: Reimagining HE and Skills: Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth

CONTENT:

In the last 12 months we’ve seen the UK apprenticeship and skills landscape shifting significantly, including the de-funding of level 7’s, and the sector undergoing structural changes driven by the Growth and Skills Levy. This year our conference takes the theme of Reimagining HE and Skills: Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth, where we will examine these key changes and look at how the sector will implement and adapt to the changes. Registrations are now open and we will be making more announcements about speakers, workshops and exhibitors for the conference soon.

Higher Technical Qualifications Community of Practice

DATE: Wednesday 25th November 2026 | 11:00 - 12:30

TOPIC: HTQ Policy, Practice and Emerging Developments

CONTENT:

The HTQ Community of Practice brings together colleagues developing and delivering higher technical education to explore current policy, emerging developments and institutional practice. Sessions will consider opportunities and challenges around HTQs, including demand, strategy, approvals and quality, progression and pathways, and links with modular provision and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. UVAC login required for registration.

Adult Social Care Community of Practice

DATE: Tuesday 1st December 2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

TOPIC: Making Career Progression Visible in Adult Social Care

CONTENT:

Connecting education providers, employers and sector partners, this community of practice champions higher-level skills and career progression in adult social care. Members share practice and explore workforce priorities, apprenticeships and flexible learning pathways. Collaborative discussion supports stronger employer partnerships, clearer progression routes and provision that reflects the realities of care delivery. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC State of the Nation Address

DATE: Wednesday 2nd December 2026 | 12:00 - 13:20

TOPIC: Policy and Programme Funding

CONTENT:

This State of the Nation will reflect on many months of change in government and its impact on skills delivered by higher education. With opportunities afforded by Erasmus+ in 2027, this session will explore how to maximise and optimise the programme for HE. We will also look at the UVAC response to navigating the apprenticeship and skills system.

Effective Assessment Services in Integrated Assessments

DATE: Thursday 3rd December 2026 | 9:30 - 11:30

TOPIC: Assessment & EPA Reforms

CONTENT:

This practical session is for curriculum leaders, assessment teams and academic staff responsible for the delivery of integrated assessment. We will explore a working model for effective assessment services, consider roles and responsibilities, performance measures, assessment planning, governance, quality assurance and the relationship between curriculum delivery and final assessment. With member input we will explore key policies, processes, handovers required and how to ensure that these are consistent across all delivery. UVAC login required for registration

LLE Update

DATE: Monday 7th December 2026 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Apprenticeship Units & LLE Modules

CONTENT:

This practical update is for leaders and teams working on Lifelong Learning Entitlement provision to review the latest policy, regulatory and implementation developments. We will consider what these mean for institutional planning, curriculum approval, learner eligibility and finance, systems, student support and market development. We will review the key decisions members need to make now, the areas that remain uncertain and the practical steps that can strengthen readiness while retaining flexibility as the LLE arrangements continue to develop. UVAC login required for registration

Community of Practice: Work-Based Learning and the Use of AI in Higher Education Practice 

DATE: Wednesday 9th December 2026 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: AI and Work-Based Learning: Where Are We Now? 

CONTENT:

Join the UVAC Community of Practice to explore how AI is reshaping higher education and work-based learning. Connect with peers, share practical experiences, discuss academic integrity and authentic assessment, and gain insights into employer expectations for AI skills. Discover real-world case studies and collaborative solutions that support innovation and learner success.  UVAC login required for registration

Ofsted member Experiences – Winter

DATE: Thursday 14th January 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Ofsted

CONTENT:

This practical member experience session is for apprenticeship leaders and curriculum teams to share learning from recent Ofsted inspections during the winter period. Members will describe their inspection process, the evidence and activities that mattered most and how inspectors explored curriculum, teaching, leadership, inclusion and outcomes. We will consider the emerging themes across inspections, identify the challenging or unexpected elements and explain the practical steps members can take to improve their own assessment readiness, prepare staff and demonstrate the quality and impact of their apprenticeship provision. UVAC login required for registration

Apprenticeship Units - Lessons from early engagement and delivery

DATE: Thursday 21st January 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Apprenticeship Units & LLE Modules

CONTENT:

This practical session for apprenticeship leaders, curriculum and employer-engagement teams will explore the early lessons from engaging employers and delivering Apprenticeship Units. We will consider what is driving demand, how employers and learners understand the offer and the operational challenges emerging from shorter, more flexible provision. We will consider unit selection, curriculum design, onboarding, timetabling, learner support, evidence and progression, drawing out practical approaches that can improve participation, delivery quality and the value of units within a wider apprenticeship strategy. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC State of the Nation Address

DATE: Friday 22nd January 2027 | 12:00 - 13:20

TOPIC: Policy and Life Long Learning and UVAC Strategic Priorities

CONTENT:

The first State of the Nation in the New Year, we will set out the latest on policy, quality and practice in apprenticeships and the start of engagement in the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and Apprenticeship Units. UVAC will also set out its strategic priorities for the longer term.

Ofsted Spotlight – Careers

DATE: Thursday 4th February 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Ofsted

CONTENT:

This Ofsted spotlight session is designed for apprenticeship leaders, curriculum design leaders, careers teams and delivery staff. With member input we will explore how to deliver careers education, information, advice and guidance within apprenticeship provision. We will consider what effective and impartial support looks like, how it should reflect the apprentice's starting point and ambitions and the roles of employers and providers. We will consider how careers activity can be embedded throughout the programme, evidenced and evaluated, and used to support progression, informed choices and sustained employment beyond the apprenticeship. UVAC login required for registration

Increasing engagement and achievement with SMEs

DATE: Thursday 11th February 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Business Development, Data and Innovation

CONTENT:

This practical session for apprenticeship delivery and business development teams will explore how to increase engagement, retention and achievement with small and medium-sized employers. We will consider what SMEs need from apprenticeship providers, the engagement activities that work and the barriers that affect participation and progress. The session will review successful approaches to recruitment, onboarding, programme flexibility, progress reviews and early intervention that strengthen the employer relationship while helping apprentices remain engaged, make progress and successfully complete their programme. UVAC login required for registration

EPA Reform – Adjusting Curriculum for on Programme Assessment

DATE: Thursday 18th February 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Assessment & EPA Reforms

CONTENT:

This practical session for curriculum, teaching and assessment teams will explore how apprenticeship programmes should be adjusted for a greater use of on-programme assessment. We will consider how assessment requirements can be mapped through the curriculum, sequenced alongside learning and supported by appropriate formative activity and feedback. We will consider staff roles, assessment readiness, evidence and quality assurance, and how to prepare apprentices effectively without narrowing the curriculum or teaching only to the assessment, while maintaining a coherent and positive learning experience. UVAC login required for registration

Developing curriculum for SME delivery

DATE: Thursday 4th March 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Business Development, Data and Innovation

CONTENT:

This practical session for curriculum, teaching and employer engagement teams will explore how to design apprenticeship curriculum that works effectively for small and medium-sized employers. Hearing from SME employers and exploring member's own successful practice we will consider the practical changes that balance the requirements of the standard with different workplace contexts, limited employer capacity and the need for relevant, flexible delivery. We will explore how to sequence learning, add key questions into initial needs assessments and skills scans, use workplace projects and examples, involve managers and adapt support so that SME apprentices can apply learning quickly and make sustained progress towards achievement. UVAC login required for registration

LLE Modules – Lessons from early engagement and delivery

DATE: Thursday 11th March 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Apprenticeship Units & LLE Modules

CONTENT:

This practical session for LLE leaders, curriculum and market development teams will explore the early lessons from engaging learners and employers and delivering LLE modules. We will consider what is influencing demand, how modular study is being understood and the operational challenges created by shorter, flexible provision. With members engaged in early delivery in the first round of approvals we will review module design, marketing, admissions, learner support, systems, quality assurance and progression, drawing out practical approaches that can improve the learner experience and support a sustainable LLE offer. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC State of the Nation Address

DATE: Friday 19th March 2027 | 12:00 - 13:20

TOPIC: Devolution and HE

CONTENT:

This presents an opportunity to update on policy in apprenticeships and skills and our response to decisions being made in the context of widening devolution and (hopefully) the detail of the Devolution White Paper.

Ofsted member Experiences – Spring

DATE: Wednesday 14th April 2027 | 9:30 - 11:00

TOPIC: Ofsted

CONTENT:

This practical member experience session is for apprenticeship leaders and curriculum teams to share learning from recent Ofsted inspections during the spring period. Members will describe their inspection process, the evidence and activities that mattered most and how inspectors explored curriculum, teaching, leadership, inclusion and outcomes. We will consider the emerging themes across inspections, identify the challenging or unexpected elements and explain the practical steps members can take to improve their own assessment readiness, prepare staff and demonstrate the quality and impact of their apprenticeship provision. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC State of the Nation Address

DATE: Friday 21st May 2027 | 12:00 - 13:20

TOPIC: Policy + use of HERA, CFO Toolkit, CoP's and CPD

CONTENT:

This State of the Nation gives an opportunity to revisit membership benefits including the use of HERA and the Chief Financial Officer toolkit as well as the communities of practice and CPD.

UVAC State of the Nation Address

DATE: Friday 30th July 2027 | 12:00 - 13:20

TOPIC: Reflection on the AY 2026/26 in policy and partnerships

CONTENT:

The end of the academic year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the work of UVAC in 2026-27 and to look forward to 2027/28 vis-a-vis apprenticeships and skills, devolution and other funding opportunities in partnership.

STATE OF THE NATION - RECORDINGS

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