Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

FEPN 2024 AGENDA

FEPN is a unique, one day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the further education sector to share ideas, knowledge and experience.

Our agenda has been carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector today.

FEPN 2024

14 October, DoubleTree Hilton, London

Day 1

14 October 2024

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main room

Chair's opening remarks

Catalina Marin

Group Director of Strategy and Innovation
Activate Learning

Welcome to the Further Education Partnership Event!
9:05 am - 9:35 am

Main room

Opening keynote panel: AI in further education: real-world applications and case studies

Somayyeh Clifton

Head of Quality and Innovation
North East Surrey College of Technology

Catalina Marin

Group Director of Strategy and Innovation
Activate Learning

Sage Lal

Innovate Consultant
City of Wolverhampton College

James Kieft

Teaching and Learning Development Manager
Activate Learning

This panel will discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in further education, highlighting practical implementation and real-world case studies from City of Wolverhampton College, Activate Learning, and North East...

This panel will discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in further education, highlighting practical implementation and real-world case studies from City of Wolverhampton College, Activate Learning, and North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot). Participants will gain insights into how these institutions have successfully integrated AI to enhance teaching methodologies, personalise student learning experiences, and streamline administrative processes.

Key takeaways:

1. Practical knowledge on implementing AI in educational settings.
2. Real-world examples of AI enhancing teaching and learning experiences.
3. Strategies for training and supporting staff in using AI tools.
4. Insights into AI-driven administrative efficiencies.
9:35 am - 9:50 am

Main room

Funding net zero

Mark Dolling

Strategic Development Director
eEnergy

With more than 1000 projects successfully delivered for education clients, eEnergy will explain how to mitigate the risks to achieving effective decarbonisation programmes.

Incredibly, 70% of educational establishments are yet to ...

With more than 1000 projects successfully delivered for education clients, eEnergy will explain how to mitigate the risks to achieving effective decarbonisation programmes.

Incredibly, 70% of educational establishments are yet to fully switch to LED lighting even though this could unlock savings of £2.3 billion! A lack of government funding is no longer an excuse for inaction with cost-effective options available to kick-start your net zero journey at no upfront costs.

eEnergy will outline the importance of avoiding delay in your net zero journey, where to start, and how to identify the right partner to successfully deliver your decarbonisation strategy.
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Main room

Dragon's Den - Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
10:20 am - 11:10 pm

Main room

Coffee break and business meetings

10 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:15 am - 11:40 am

Main room

Interactive roundtable discussion: Enhancing access and support for students

Catalina Marin

Group Director of Strategy and Innovation
Activate Learning

This interactive session focuses on strategies to democratise access to education and provide robust support for students. Participants will engage in discussions on flexible learning options, evening and weekend programs, and successful...

This interactive session focuses on strategies to democratise access to education and provide robust support for students. Participants will engage in discussions on flexible learning options, evening and weekend programs, and successful interventions that help students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, succeed in their studies. The goal is to share experiences, insights, and best practices to develop actionable strategies for enhancing access and support in educational settings.

We’ll examine the following key areas:

• Flexible learning options
• Comprehensive student support
• Successful interventions for disadvantaged students
11:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main room

The OneAdvanced Education Portfolio and how it will power the world of work and further education

Mark Dunne

Stategic Account Director
OneAdvanced

The OneAdvanced mission is to power the world of work. For the FE sector, this means delivering engaging solutions to support students, reducing the admin burden for teaching staff, and improving the quality of information for managers. ...

The OneAdvanced mission is to power the world of work. For the FE sector, this means delivering engaging solutions to support students, reducing the admin burden for teaching staff, and improving the quality of information for managers. All this means more time and resources can be invested into the student experience. This session will explore how the OneAdvanced Education Portfolio will bring all solutions together – including MIS, ePortfolio, Assessment & Learning, Financials, and Governance & Risks – onto a single cloud platform, with a common look and feel to power your world of work.
12:05 pm - 12:20 pm

Main room

The Skills Network, supporting the sector to put the “rich” into high impact enrichment

Mark Dawe

Chief Executive Officer
The Skills Network

To provide an overview of the new, high quality short course content designed by The Skills Network to support your core 16-19 curriculum, apprenticeships, study programmes and adults – whether the goal is to enhance your existing ...

To provide an overview of the new, high quality short course content designed by The Skills Network to support your core 16-19 curriculum, apprenticeships, study programmes and adults – whether the goal is to enhance your existing offer, maximise programme GLH, develop your students employability and work readiness, personal development or wellbeing, staying safe on-line, our extensive range of high impact short courses can support you implement effective blended curriculum content to prepare your students and provide them with the tools and resilience required to respond to challenging current affairs affecting the 16-19 demographic.
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Main room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
1:05 pm - 1:20 pm

Main room

Grow Your Sixth Form With ApplicaaOne

Antony Wambua

Chief Operating Officer
Applicaa

Join us for an insightful presentation on how ApplicaaOne can transform your sixth form’s admissions process. Discover innovative solutions that streamline student recruitment, enhance engagement, and optimise your marketing strate...

Join us for an insightful presentation on how ApplicaaOne can transform your sixth form’s admissions process. Discover innovative solutions that streamline student recruitment, enhance engagement, and optimise your marketing strategies. We will showcase our user-friendly platform, designed to simplify the application journey for both staff and students. Learn about best practices for leveraging data to attract and retain students, as well as effective communication tools to keep prospects informed and engaged. Whether you’re looking to increase enrolment numbers or improve the overall experience, ApplicaaOne provides the tools you need to grow your sixth form successfully.
1:55 pm - 2:45 pm

Main room

Coffee break and business meetings

10 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
2:50 pm - 3:30 pm

Main room

Panel discussion: Driving curriculum reform: insights, challenges, and future directions

Catalina Marin

Group Director of Strategy and Innovation
Activate Learning

Jon Adams

Chief Strategy Officer
Activate Learning

Kate Webb

Managing Director
KWP Limited

Tony Lewin

Executive Principal
NCG

Morag Davis

Group Executive Director, Strategy and Transformation
Nelson Group

Julian Smith

Assistant Principal and College Curriculum Reform Lead
The Manchester College

The common perception is that the FE sector is constantly buffeted by external policy and funding changes. Consequently, often the narrative is one of passivity and powerlessness, mourning the loss of what came before, and fearing top-do...

The common perception is that the FE sector is constantly buffeted by external policy and funding changes. Consequently, often the narrative is one of passivity and powerlessness, mourning the loss of what came before, and fearing top-down reform. In 2024, in response to the significant technical qualification reforms, four colleges came together to share the challenges, identify the opportunities, and take back control. The collaborative project brought together over 90 FE professionals, across the four colleges, with the intention to drive powerful, positive change for learners.

This session will share what they have learned so far together. Panellists will discuss the productive connections formed between managers at the sector pathway level, which have fostered a forum for shared resources and the development of example pathways. Insights from the granular conversations within each working group, which have informed the strategic conclusions of the project, will be shared. These include identifying what the real problems are that need solutions, the key risks for reform, joint actions to mitigate them, and suggested curriculum planning principles for pathways. Additionally, the panel will highlight the next steps, including the development of a Progressive Level 2 Curriculum for technical qualifications, the rollout of joint CPD for teachers to enhance pedagogy and assessment, and the importance of ongoing strategic communications to maintain stakeholder confidence in the reform efforts.
3:55 pm - 4:00 pm

Main room

Reflections and next actions/commitments
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Main room

Networking drinks reception
11:45 am - 12:00 pm

Breakout room 1

What our payroll report means for Further Education. A Conversation from MHR

Adam Mitchell-Whitcombe

Public Sector Sales Executive
MHR International UK Ltd

Joshua Annerson

USME Sales Executive
MHR International UK Ltd

Andrew Fowler

Senior Strategic Marketing Manager
MHR International UK Ltd

Join the MHR team as they share their latest research from their payroll industry report. The team reflect on current payroll trends, challenges and predictions as they review what this means for Further Education. Andy Fowler will sit d...

Join the MHR team as they share their latest research from their payroll industry report. The team reflect on current payroll trends, challenges and predictions as they review what this means for Further Education. Andy Fowler will sit down with our Public Sector team Adam Mitchell-Whitcombe and Josh Annerson in this casual fireside-style discussion. There will be an opportunity for questions from delegates and the opportunity to download our payroll report.
12:05 pm - 12:20 pm

Breakout room 1

The ever changing statutory landscape and how financial resilience is a critical enabler for improving academic attainment

Daniel Keane

Sales Director
Civica

We operate in a world where there’s changing statutory reporting requirements and a need to bring in students to fill places – plus the upcoming closure of ESFA in March 2025 and the unknowns that’ll bring.

This session will...

We operate in a world where there’s changing statutory reporting requirements and a need to bring in students to fill places – plus the upcoming closure of ESFA in March 2025 and the unknowns that’ll bring.

This session will share how adopting commercial thought processes and operating models can lower operating costs, raise revenue and save valuable time, unlocking valuable resources to improve academic outcomes.

Key learning points:

• How MIS systems deliver tools to implement standardisation and best practice to ensure Colleges have the right data and insights to meet statutory obligations
• Stronger finances offer more resources, time and choice for leaders to empower academic outcomes
• Partnering with a vendor who understands your needs/goals.
1:05 pm - 1:20 pm

Breakout room 1

Leveraging the ClassView network of connected classrooms to foster collaboration across colleges

John Wilson

Chief Experience and Technology Officer
ClassView

The Skills England Report emphasises the critical need for collaboration across the education sector to address gaps in workplace skills and align with the future Industrial Strategy. But how can Further Education (FE) colleges, which pl...

The Skills England Report emphasises the critical need for collaboration across the education sector to address gaps in workplace skills and align with the future Industrial Strategy. But how can Further Education (FE) colleges, which play a pivotal role in upskilling, meet this challenge?

Join John Wilson, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer, as he discusses how colleges are leveraging ClassView to foster effective collaboration across their growing network of connected classrooms.

ClassView is an innovative network that connects digital classrooms across colleges, universities, and industry partners throughout the UK. Through this platform, partners collaborate to deliver immersive, employability-focused curricula, share teaching resources, and strengthen ties with industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills demanded by the modern workforce.
1:25 pm - 1:50 pm

Breakout room 1

Distract and conquer: how to handle ADHD chaos like a pro

Alice Copp

Director of Quality, Teaching and Learning
Bournemouth and Poole College

We all know that feeling of trying to engage students and being faced with absolute uncontrolled chaos. This breakout session will focus on providing practical, takeaway tips that will get those neurospicy young people (and staff!) eatin...

We all know that feeling of trying to engage students and being faced with absolute uncontrolled chaos. This breakout session will focus on providing practical, takeaway tips that will get those neurospicy young people (and staff!) eating out of the palm of your hand.
1:25 pm - 1:50 pm

Breakout room 2

Getting started with Teach Assist AI: A step-by-step guide to enhancing your classroom

Rob Wraith

Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning
NCG

In this session, we’ll explore a real-life case study of how NCG successfully harnessed AI to develop and implement the AI TeachAssist PowerApp. You will learn how to leverage AI-driven platforms to create resources that support an...

In this session, we’ll explore a real-life case study of how NCG successfully harnessed AI to develop and implement the AI TeachAssist PowerApp. You will learn how to leverage AI-driven platforms to create resources that support and enhance teaching and learning. The session will demonstrate the use of AI TeachAssist, focusing on how the tool has been used to create resources that tailor lessons, meeting the unique needs of each student. Join us to discover practical strategies for integrating AI into yoSaur classroom, enhancing both teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.
1:25 pm - 1:50 pm

Breakout room 3

Accessible enterprise

Calvin Eden

Co-founder and Brand Director
Loud Speaker

In this session, educators will learn how to inspire and engage their students in entrepreneurship by emphasising the importance of personality and personal connections over pure innovation. Loud Speaker will challenge traditional belief...

In this session, educators will learn how to inspire and engage their students in entrepreneurship by emphasising the importance of personality and personal connections over pure innovation. Loud Speaker will challenge traditional beliefs about enterprise, showing how personality can be a game-changer for young entrepreneurs. Through engaging discussions, personal storytelling, and strategies on personal branding, educators will discover new ways to encourage their students to build businesses that are approachable, relatable, and authentic. Key topics will include leadership with personality, fostering team dynamics, and helping students overcome the fear of being authentic. By the end, educators will be equipped to make entrepreneurship more accessible and engaging for their students.
3:35 pm - 3:55 pm

Focus group 1

Collaborating with employers to develop an effective digital skills curriculum

Manoj Nanda

Head of Business, Digital and Creative Technology
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College

This session focuses on strategies for forging strong partnerships with businesses to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry needs. By integrating real-world insights from employers, educators can develop courses that equip students ...

This session focuses on strategies for forging strong partnerships with businesses to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry needs. By integrating real-world insights from employers, educators can develop courses that equip students with relevant, job-ready skills. Participants will learn how to leverage industry expertise, establish ongoing collaborations, and continuously update the curriculum to reflect current and future digital trends, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce.
3:35 pm - 3:55 pm

Focus group 2

Empowering FE educators: digital solutions for staffing and professional growth

Rob Wraith

Head of Learning Technology and Digital Learning
NCG

This session explores innovative ways digital tools can help tackle staffing challenges and promote continuous improvement in the FE sector. Participants will examine strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing high-quality teac...

This session explores innovative ways digital tools can help tackle staffing challenges and promote continuous improvement in the FE sector. Participants will examine strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing high-quality teachers and leaders by leveraging digital platforms and tools. The focus group aims to open up the conversations, allowing participants to share, learn, address key challenges and understand from one another’s experiences and insights.