Events | UVAC

UVAC EVENTS

Quality in Allied Health Apprenticeships Network

DATE: Tuesday 17th February 2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

TOPIC: Quality in Allied Health Apprenticeships

CONTENT:

Following on from previous collaborative networks between UVAC and NHSE 2026 dates are now live for registration on-line. These will build on previous discussions to support and facilitate discussion across the sector around sharing of good practice, challenges and enhancements/developments. These networks will include live guest speakers and alignment to HCPC, Ofsted, OfS and other regulatory bodies and requirements. UVAC login required for registration.

UVAC State of the Nation

DATE: Friday 20th February 2026 | 12:00 - 13:15

TOPIC: All things skills policy and higher education impact

CONTENT:

The first State of the Nation of 2026 and there is much to reflect on including exploring the implications for HE of the Skills White Paper, the rumours that rationalisation of apprenticeship standards will remove all management programmes from funding and DWP decisions on priority provision will impact on level 6 choice. With the Growth and Skills Levy due to announce and the introduction of 'Apprenticeship Units' from April, together with an emerging regional dominance, the LLE and a growing debate about how to get employers and individuals to invest more in training, this session will look at the practical support that UVAC will deliver to members.

Apprenticeship Audits & the new Test Papers - Members only

DATE: Wednesday 25th February 2026 | 9:30 - 12:00

TOPIC: Apprenticeship Audits & the new Test Papers

CONTENT:

This session will explore the latest audit test papers and a proposed good practice approach to conducting an internal audit using the new 2025/2026 test papers. We will also explain the approach that external auditors will take and how to best prepare, and look at the common audit findings with a focus on higher education.

UVAC login required for registration.

UVAC Social Work Network

DATE: Tuesday 10th March 2026 | 13:30 - 15:30

TOPIC: UVAC Social Work Network

CONTENT:

Over 25/26 the Social Work apprenticeship knowledge network will carry on from the work and discussions previously undertaken. This will provide a collaborative forum for UVAC members to explore different themes and topics during 2026. The agenda will be provided near the network dates. UVAC login required for registration.

UVAC Innovation Exchange: Ask, Innovate, Sustain: Powering the UK’s STEM Growth Ambitions

DATE: Wednesday 11th March 2026 | 9:30 - 16:30

TOPIC: Exploring curiosity-driven research, skills, and technologies, for a greener more sustainable future

CONTENT:

Hosted at the National Composite Centre, the Exchange will spotlight how cutting-edge technologies and industrial applications are advancing the UK’s strategic priorities in Aerospace, Energy Securitisation and Digital Technologies. From lightweight composite materials enabling cleaner, more efficient flight, to digital modelling, automation, and data-driven manufacturing enhancing industrial performance, through to materials and digital innovation supporting renewable energy systems and infrastructure resilience, we will examine how ideas become impact, across product life cycles and industrial value chains. These technologies are central to reducing environmental impact, accelerating Net Zero ambitions and delivering the skilled workforce required for a greener and more sustainable future.

Innovation Exchange Online: Raising Standards, Championing Future Skills and Empowering Young Learners to Succeed

DATE: Wednesday 25th March 2026 | 10:00 - 10:45

TOPIC: Raising Standards, Championing Future Skills and Empowering Young Learners to Succeed

CONTENT:

Join us, and our WorldSkills UK partners, as we explore the support available for universities and further and higher technical education providers, through the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, and the benefits of Centre of Excellence membership. Including World Class Teacher Training continuing professional development, industry-led Technical Masterclasses, and the on- demand resources, toolkits and support available through the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab.

We will also explore how your organisation can become involved in local, regional, national and international competitions, to provide inclusive, enriched and enhanced learning opportunities for students, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours for the world of work, and the work of the world.

UVAC Higher Education Tripartite Professionals Network

DATE: Tuesday 14th April 2026 | 14:00 - 16:00

TOPIC: Higher Education Tripartite Professionals Network

CONTENT:

This UVAC knowledge network seeks to support everyone involved in representing Universities in the apprenticeship tripartite relationship, and those who lead and support this work. If you undertake Progress Review Meetings, provide coaching/mentoring/tutoring to apprentices, or monitor individual learners’ compliance with funding rules, or lead or manage people who do this, then this network aims to support you and develop this professional community of practice. Login Required for Registration

UVAC NHSE: Quality in Nursing Apprenticeships Network

DATE: Tuesday 5th May 2026 | 14:00 - 16:00

TOPIC: Quality in Nursing Apprenticeships Network

CONTENT:

Following on from previous collaborative networks between UVAC and NHSE 2026 dates are now live for registration on-line. These will build on previous discussions to support and facilitate discussion across the sector around sharing of good practice, challenges and enhancements/developments. These will include live guest speakers and alignment to Ofsted, OfS and NMC and other regulatory bodies and requirements. Please note that this is a sequence of Networks so please sign up to all dates. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC Social Work Network

DATE: Tuesday 19th May 2026 | 13:30 - 15:30

TOPIC: UVAC Social Work Network

CONTENT:

Over 25/26 the Social Work apprenticeship knowledge network will carry on from the work and discussions previously undertaken. This will provide a collaborative forum for UVAC members to explore different themes and topics during 2026 The agenda will be provided near the network dates. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC CMDA Network

DATE: Tuesday 19th May 2026 | 10:00 - 12:00

TOPIC: Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Network

CONTENT:

The CMDA DAKN currently is made up of UVAC members/practitioners from 19 different Higher Education Institutions who are passionate about the quality, development, and impact of the CMDA for learners, employers, and wider skills agenda. The CMDA continues to be supported and developed by UVAC members at both the Open University, Nottingham Trent University and University of Central Lancashire and facilitated by the support of a UVAC Associate. More recent work has seen the knowledge network undertake sharing of best practice, research and currently working on the collation of impact of the CMDA across the Institutions in support of the review of the CMDA occupational standard. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC Quality Network

DATE: Tuesday 2nd June 2026 | 10:00 - 12:00

TOPIC: UVAC Quality Network

CONTENT:

The quality network has more recently been developed to broaden the focus of the network supported by UVAC members, practitioners, and external stakeholders. The network provides a facilitated platform and safe space to share good practice, discuss and explore the challenges and barriers to quality assurance of apprenticeship provision across the current apprenticeship and skills landscape. The network will focus on the apprenticeship journey and what this involves and development of a network blueprint. Our Quality network is support by other experienced HE consultants, external Stakeholders, partners and UVAC members. UVAC login required for registration

UVAC NHSE: Quality in Allied Health Apprenticeship Network

DATE: Tuesday 9th June 2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

TOPIC: Quality in Allied Health Apprenticeship Network

CONTENT:

STATE OF THE NATION - RECORDINGS

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UVAC is one of the most authoritative voices in the sector on education and training in HE and a leading expert on all aspects of the policy and operational requirements of higher and degree apprenticeships.

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