UVAC is inviting contributions from across the higher education and skills sector for its National Conference 2026, Reimagining HE and Skills: Policy, Place, Innovation and Growth, taking place on 19 November 2026.

UVAC’s National Conference is a flagship event and a must-attend for those leading, delivering and shaping the future of higher-level skills. This autumn, leaders, practitioners, employers, policymakers and providers will come together to connect, collaborate and explore one of the most urgent questions facing the sector today: how do we reimagine higher education and skills in a period of rapid policy change and expanding opportunity?

We are seeking proposals that are ambitious, practical and forward-looking. Whether you are leading institutional change, working in partnership with employers, delivering provision on the ground, or conducting applied research, we welcome contributions that move beyond diagnosis and focus on action, innovation and impact. 

Invitation to Submit 

We are seeking proposals for workshop and presentation sessions that go beyond diagnosis and move into action. What is working? What could change? What does the future look like for post-18 skills? 

We particularly welcome contributions from a diverse range of voices, and are interested in contributions that highlight how institutions, employers and providers are responding to the current policy environment and what practical, evidence-based approaches are emerging across the sector. Contributions may draw on research, practice, policy analysis or direct delivery experience. 

We welcome contributions that align to the conference theme, including:   

• Institutional responses to the withdrawal of some Level 6 and 7 apprenticeship funding:  what providers are doing now?  

• Alternative funding and delivery models: fee-funded, modular, employer co-investment and blended approaches 

• Curriculum innovation: designing provision that meets emerging sector and labour market needs 

• The Lifelong Learning Entitlement: early thinking, institutional planning and employer engagement 

• Higher Technical Qualifications in practice: employer engagement, quality, take-up and lessons learned 

• Skills England and local growth plans: implications for HE and FE providers 

• Place-based approaches: how combined authorities and devolved bodies are shaping skills provision  

• Research and evidence: measuring economic and social return from higher technical provision 

• Employer voice: what businesses need from higher education and skills providers right now 

• Supporting underrepresented groups: mature learners, career changers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds 

• Progression pathways: from T Levels and HTQs through to degree-level work-based learning 

• Professional Solutions: how systems and professional solutions providers are supporting employers and providers to respond to challenges  

Session Types 

Contributors are invited to propose either interactive workshops (50 minutes), where at least half the session involves active participation, or presentations (25 minutes) offering a focused exploration of a specific project, challenge or opportunity.

How to Submit 

DOWNLOAD the full details in the call for contributions and guide to submissions document.  

Please send your expression of interest by email to: [email protected]  

Use the subject line: Call for Contributions UVAC National Conference 2026 

The deadline for submissions is 31st July 2026. 

Review and Selection 

All submissions will be reviewed by the UVAC Conference Programme Committee. We will notify applicants of the outcome of their submission by w/c 10th August 2026.