What to expect
Following on from last year's successful inaugural event, we are pleased to invite you to IHE's Academic Partnerships Conference 2026, taking place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at the London offices of Pinsent Masons, who are kindly hosting this event.
Academic partnerships remain central to a dynamic and resilient higher education sector, creating pathways for student choice, flexibility, and opportunity. With the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) and evolving regulatory frameworks shaping the future of provision, partnerships are under renewed scrutiny, and offer fresh possibilities for innovation.
This full-day conference will bring together leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how partnerships can adapt and thrive in this changing landscape. Through plenary sessions, interactive breakouts, and networking, delegates will gain insights into emerging opportunities, governance evolution, enhancing quality and student experience, and effective marketing in partnerships.
You can expect a day of thought-provoking conversations, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with peers and sector experts – all focused on shaping the future of academic partnerships.
We'll look at topics including:
- The role of partnerships in supporting skills and the LLE
- Partnership models in a changing sector
- Collaboration to enhance the student experience
- Quality and risks in partnership
- Partnering effectively in student recruitment
- A governance evolution
Join us to help define the next chapter of partnership working, ensuring it remains robust, innovative, and beneficial for all parties.
Who should attend?
Teaching and awarding universities, colleges, and higher education providers across the UK. We encourage those engaged in academic partnerships to invite their partner institutions.
Confirmed speakers for 2026
- Benn Chacksfield, Director of Higher Education & Partnerships, Tiro
- Robyn Corcoran, Director: Partnerships, Vocational Qualifications & Quality, The Open University
- Gayle Ditchburn, Partner, Pinsent Masons
- Katie Drapes, Director of Student & Academic Services, UCFB
- Sue Edwards, Senior Director of Compliance & Accreditation, Kaplan International
- Alan Fenton, Deputy Principal, Newcastle College
- Katy Grundy, Head of Governance Policy, Office for Students
- Rami Labib, Partner, Pinsent Masons
- Nick Miller, Chief Commercial Officer, QA Higher Education
- James Newby, President & Chief Executive, NMITE
- Sian Pering, Head of Higher Education and Adult Learning, Yeovil College
- Charlotte Snelling, Head of Regulation Policy, UUK
- Jeff Sorrill, Head of Educational Partnerships, Sheffield Hallam University
- Rebecca Robinson, Data Analyst (Higher Education Insight), QAA
- Helena Vine, Lead Policy Officer for England, QAA
- Professor Sarah Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Collaborations), Buckinghamshire New University
- Rhian Williams, Senior Manager, Policy and Compliance, The Open University
- Vanessa Wilson, CEO, University Alliance
Location
Pinsent Masons LLP, 30 Crown Place, Earl Street, London EC2A 4ES
Timings
Registration is open from 9am. Conference sessions will start at 10am. The event will conclude at 4pm.
Tickets
Bookings are now closed.
Programme
Take a look at the day's programme.