At next week’s UVAC National Conference delegates are invited to visit the UVAC Knowledge Networks exhibition stand, where Dr Nicky Westwood and Professor Liz Cleaver will be available throughout the day to share insights and answer questions.

They’ll be highlighting how the Knowledge Networks bring value to UVAC members and the wider higher education (HE) community — supporting apprenticeship and higher technical education delivery, fostering vibrant communities of practice, encouraging the exchange of good practice and innovation, and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the HE and skills sectors.

These networks form a key strand of UVAC’s strategic priorities for 2025–2027, driving forward the organisation’s commitment to policy intelligence, partnership and collaboration, and advocacy and influence.

“UVAC Knowledge Networks provide a myriad of benefits for our members. The collaboration and support from the networks bring together individuals with diverse skills and expertise in a safe space to discuss different perspectives, share challenges, and explore innovative solutions. The rich discussions provide peer-to-peer support, reflection, and opportunities for collaborative work and research, forming a truly supportive community of practice. I feel privileged to facilitate these networks and excited to continue working in collaboration with our members.”  says Dr Westwood

Conference Workshops

As part of the day’s programme, Dr Westwood together with colleagues from across the sector will also lead two highly interactive workshops designed to inspire discussion and action:

1. Assuring Standards in Times of Change: Co-Creating a Blueprint for Quality, Consistency, and Change
   Facilitators: Dr Nicky Westwood, Julie Stone, and Phil Sanders
   
2. The Evolving Apprenticeship Workforce: Navigating Change in Tripartite Roles
   Facilitators: Dr Nicky Westwood, Dr Helen Charlton and Dr Phil Power-Mason

These sessions will explore how collaboration and shared insight across HE, employers, and professional bodies can support quality, innovation, and workforce development in a rapidly changing landscape.

They also directly connect to UVAC’s Knowledge Network outputs on assuring quality, supporting professional practice, and strengthening the apprenticeship ecosystem.

Join Our Upcoming Knowledge Network Meetings

Conference delegates — and all UVAC members — are warmly invited to take part in the next series of Knowledge Network meetings, including those running in December:

1 December 2025
Event: UVAC Apprenticeship Construction & Built Environment (ACBE) Knowledge Network
Time: 13:00–15:00

1 December 2025
Event: Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (OU & NTU Collaboration)
Time: 15:15–17:00

9 December 2025
Event: UVAC Research Network
Time: 10:00–12:00

These upcoming sessions reflect UVAC’s ongoing strategic development expanding networks in response to member priorities, sector reform, and national skills agendas such as digital, green, and health pathways.

Visit the Knowledge Networks stand at the UVAC National Conference to discover how you can get involved, connect with your peers, and help shape the future of higher and technical education. Your participation helps co-create the resources, frameworks, and research that drive quality and innovation across the sector.