HR Leaders Conference Spring 2026
Join us for an unmissable day of insight, innovation and inspiration designed exclusively for HR leaders and practitioners navigating the evolving challenges of 2026.
This interactive conference brings together leading experts, forward-thinking strategies and a community of peers committed to transforming HR practice in education and the public sector.
Who Should Attend: HR Leaders and Practitioners across Education and Public Sectors.
Conference Themes
AI-Powered HR Transformation
Discover how AI is reshaping HR, from streamlining processes to boosting employee engagement. Hear practical insights from industry leaders on future-proofing HR operations through digital awareness and behaviour profiling.
Building Winning Cultures
Learn how high-performing, values-led cultures drive engagement, retention and results. Drawing on award-winning experience, this interactive session explores practical ways to identify and strengthen your organisation’s cultural foundations.
Actionable Strategies for Happier, Healthier Teams
Explore how staff wellbeing and performance go hand in hand, with a holistic focus on physical and mental health. Gain practical strategies to embed sustainable wellbeing practices that support resilience, meet regulatory expectations and help teams thrive.
Employment Law Developments
Get up to speed on the latest employment law changes impacting your sector. Learn how to stay compliant, reduce risk and respond proactively to evolving legal requirements.
Strategic Networking & Collaboration
Connect with peers, share challenges and exchange practical insights with fellow HR professionals. Build meaningful relationships and a support network that lasts well beyond the event.
Why Attend?
This is a strategic investment in your professional development and your organisation's future. In a landscape where HR professionals face unprecedented challenges from digital transformation to evolving wellbeing expectations. This conference provides the insights, tools and connections you need to lead with confidence.
Our carefully curated programme addresses the urgent priorities facing HR leaders in 2026. Through a blend of expert presentations, interactive workshops and peer-to-peer learning, you'll leave equipped to tackle your biggest challenges head-on.
Programme Highlights
Your day begins with refreshments and networking, followed by cutting-edge presentations on AI in HR and employee engagement. After morning discussions and a carefully selected lunch, afternoon sessions dive deep into staff wellbeing frameworks and organisational culture. Interactive workshops throughout the day ensure you're not just listening but you're actively problem-solving with peers and creating implementation plans tailored to your context.
What to Expect
- Actionable strategies for implementing AI in your HR functions that deliver measurable results
- Comprehensive frameworks for supporting staff wellbeing in line with Ofsted expectations and public sector requirements
- Up-to-date knowledge to confidently navigate the latest employment law developments
- Practical tools and templates you can implement immediately upon return to your organisation
- Valuable connections with HR leaders and practitioners across the education and public sectors
- Expert insights from leading speakers at the forefront of HR innovation
- Interactive workshop experiences addressing your most pressing HR challenges
- A comprehensive conference pack including resources, speaker materials, and take-home guides
Agenda
Registration
Registration & CoffeeTea and coffee on arrival and an opportunity to network ahead of the day.
Welcome
Welcome
AI for HR professionals
PresentationDiscover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising HR functions, from streamlining processes to enhancing employee engagement. Learn practical applications from industry leader Kieran Innes, CEO of Stribe. Explore digital awareness strategies that will future-proof your HR operations and behaviour profiling to boost leadership team cohesion and performance.
AI is Easy. Culture is Hard: A People-Led Roadmap for Embedding AI
WorkshopAI adoption isn’t just about technology, it’s about culture. Join Nicola Perkins, Founder of the FE HR Hub for an interactive session exploring the human side of AI in colleges. Discover the cultural risks, explore practical solutions, and leave with a people-led framework to guide your college through AI-driven change.
Refreshments & Networking
BreakEmployment Law Developments
Stay ahead of the curve with comprehensive updates on the latest employment law changes affecting your sector. Gain clarity on compliance requirements and learn how to proactively manage legal risks in your organisation.
Lunch & Networking
LunchActionable Strategies for Happier, Healthier Teams
PresentationNavigate the critical intersection of staff wellbeing and regulatory expectations with expert guidance from Sharron Davies MBE, Olympic silver medallist, broadcaster and passionate wellbeing advocate. Sharron emphasises that wellbeing encompasses both physical and mental health, advocating for sustainable practices around physical activity, nutrition and stress management. Learn how to create a culture of wellbeing within your organisation that models healthy behaviours, supports mental resilience through movement and lifestyle choices and meets Ofsted and organisational expectations. Sharron's practical, holistic approach will equip you with strategies to help your staff feel better, perform better and thrive in their roles.
Break Out Sessions
Building Winning Cultures
WorkshopExplore the essential elements of creating a thriving organisational culture with Guy Walker, Entrepreneur of the Year at the Recruiter Awards 2025 and CEO of the Talentia Group, recognised in The Sunday Times 100 fastest growing companies and also SUnday Time Best Companies to Work For in 2025. Drawing on his proven track record of building award-winning workplace cultures, Guy will share insights on how culture drives performance, engagement and retention. Discover practical strategies for developing values-led organisations where people want to work, grow, and succeed. This interactive discussion session will help you identify cultural strengths and opportunities within your own organisation.
Closing Remarks
Closing AI in practice at Milton Keyes College
PresentationAI emerged with a spark of optimism, encouraging us to rethink what’s possible. In People Services, we found ourselves stepping into this unfamiliar landscape, wondering what it would mean for our work and our people. In this session, we’ll share the highlights of our journey: the early uncertainties, the challenges that stretched us, and the key moments where opportunity broke through. You’ll hear how AI is beginning to expand our capacity, sharpen our focus, and strengthen the impact we have across the organisation.
Speakers
Guy Walker
HostChief Executive Officer
Entrepreneur of the Year at the Recruiter Awards 2025 and CEO of the Talentia Group, recognised in The Sunday Times 100 fastest growing companies and also Sunday Time Best Companies to Work For in 2025. Drawing on his proven track record of building award-winning workplace cultures, Guy will share insights on how culture drives performance, engagement and retention.
LinkedIn
Nicola Perkins FCIPD
Strategic Partner for Leadership Development and HR Consulting
As Founder and CEO of FE HR Hub Nicola connects and supports the Further Education HR community, leveraging over twenty years of leadership experience. Nicola's mission is to empower leaders to navigate challenges effectively, foster professional growth and drive engagement through collaboration and innovative solutions. Drawing on her expertise in Leadership Development and HR consulting, Nicola also provides tailored HR consultancy through NSP HR Solutions. Her approach is informed by a deep understanding of values articulation, employee relations and change management, with a focus on delivering impactful strategies to enhance organisational effectiveness and cultural transformation.
LinkedInJules Quinn
Group Director of People Services
Milton Keynes College Group
With 18 years of experience working in the Further Education sector, initially as a Lecturer, Jules Quinn is Group Director of People Services at Milton Keynes College Group with experience in strategic HR leadership. Specialising in innovation and using technology to implement organisational transformation and culture change; Jules has led large-scale people programmes, aligning talent strategy with organisational goals. Known for her collaborative approach and data-driven decision-making, she champions continuous improvement. Jules is passionate about developing agile, future-ready teams and driving innovation, bringing a wealth of insight into navigating complex change environments and fostering resilient, high-performing cultures.
Sharron Davies MBE
Olympic silver medallist, broadcaster and passionate wellbeing advocate
Sharron Davies MBE is a former Olympic swimmer who represented Great Britain for over 20 years, competing at three Olympic Games and winning silver in the 400m individual medley at the 1980 Olympics. Since retiring from elite sport, she has built a respected career as a broadcaster, author and speaker, and is a committed advocate for health and wellbeing. Drawing on her experience in high-performance sport, Sharron champions the role of physical activity, resilience and balance in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
Venue
University College of Birmingham (UCB), Baskerville House
UCB University College of Birmingham B3 1JB
Birmingham, B3 1JB
Getting There
Baskerville House is within walking distance of major transport hubs, including Birmingham New Street Station, Snow Hill Station and Moor Street Station, making it easily accessible by train. The venue is also well-connected to the city’s bus and tram networks.