On Tuesday 26 November 2024, almost 300 delegates, over 40 speakers, and 14 exhibitors gathered at One Great George Street in Westminster for the much-anticipated IHE Annual Conference 2024.
With a lively atmosphere throughout the day, the event was brimming with insightful discussions, knowledge exchange, idea generation, peer-to-peer networking, and the opportunity for delegates to meet exhibitors and learn more about the support they offer to the independent sector.
Our packed conference programme delved into the Government's priorities for higher education, the challenges facing independent providers - such as navigating sector regulation, and enhancing student success through the use of AI and technology - and much more.
The day also gave us the chance to reflect on 2024 and to flesh out our plans for 2025, with members' key priorities in mind. We have already started to plan next year's conference. Join us at The Royal College of Physicians on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Save the date!
You can find the day's full agenda in our Delegate Guide, and you can revisit our LinkedIn coverage.
We would like to say a huge thank you to our Gold Sponsors, who were also exhibiting at the event, for their invaluable support:
- Jisc - their digital and data expertise drives innovation across education.
- Tribal Group - they empower education providers with transformative technology.
Highlights of the day:
James Pitman, Chair of the IHE Board, opened the conference with a warm welcome to delegates, noting that it was a record-breaking year for the number of attendees, and a reminder that a key strength of our membership community is its diversity.
Alex Proudfoot, IHE's Chief Executive, then gave his opening address to delegates.
He outlined the Government’s new agenda for higher education, which asks whether it is delivering what the economy needs, and acknowledged the challenges facing the broader sector. Alex emphasised the vital role independent providers play in shaping this agenda, especially with member strengths in innovation, efficiency and collaboration, shining a spotlight on IHE's Manifesto for higher education, our blueprint for change, and IHE’s 2030 strategy.
He closed by sharing IHE's plans for a new online member community, due to be launched soon.
Next, we heard from The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills at the Department for Education, in a pre-recorded ministerial speech. She underlined the vital role of IHE members in delivering diverse and innovative higher education across the UK, emphasising the importance of expanding access for disadvantaged students, improving outcomes, and fostering greater civic and economic impact. Highlighting the need for ambitious access plans and improved teaching standards, the Minister outlined the Government’s five key priorities for higher education reform to benefit providers, students, and communities. View the full speech and transcript.
The first panel session, The skills solution: a strategy for people, place and productivity, discussed how strategic approaches to education and skills can drive economic growth. Key themes included the need for meaningful engagement with the skills agenda, the distinction between skills policy and immigration policy, and the growing importance of agility, partnerships, and regional coordination. The panel highlighted the Government’s focus on supporting learners for an evolving labour market and fostering new ways of collaborating with employers.
The day was spaced with opportunities for delegates to enjoy refreshments, network, meet exhibitors, and contribute to the buzz of conversation during each break in the Great Hall.
The second panel discussion, Fit for an uncertain future: reimagining regulation, was prefaced by a conversation between Alex Proudfoot and Philippa Pickford, Director of Regulation at the Office for Students, about the future of higher education regulation.
The panel then went on to explore how higher education can adapt to the sector's financial challenges, drive innovation, and bridge skills gaps. Key themes included strengthening governance, building trust between providers and regulators, rethinking funding models, and involving students in shaping policies. The discussion emphasised resilience, collaboration, and using regulation as a tool for growth and transformation.
After a break for lunch, more networking, and another opportunity to speak with exhibitors, our first set of breakout sessions took place. Delegates chose one of four sessions taking place simultaneously:
- What do we need to consider when student data is driving our analytics and AI strategy?
Highlighting how student data can drive AI strategies to enhance the student experience, wellbeing, and engagement while emphasising the importance of ethics, governance, and safeguarding privacy. Examples of effective digital solutions and best practices were shared.
- Student of 2030
Focusing on the need for higher education providers to adapt and innovate to prepare students for an AI-driven future. Key points included listening to current and prospective students, ensuring employability and value for students, and developing more efficient systems to meet learning outcomes.
- Graduates for growth
Exploring the Government’s growth strategy, with a focus on how education and skills can drive innovation and economic success. The discussion highlighted the impact of funding changes, such as the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), on unlocking opportunities or creating barriers, and emphasised the need to align education with skills for growth.
- Creating our future leaders
Exploring how to develop future leaders by building high-performing teams, embedding EDI principles, and aligning leadership with organisational values—crucial for institutions shaping their people and culture strategies.
After a final break to replenish, the second set of breakouts commenced:
- Building financially sustainable HE through innovation
Exploring how institutions can embrace innovation to achieve sustainability and growth amidst financial pressures. The discussion emphasised the need for proactive adaptation, highlighted risks, and underscored that traditional approaches are no longer viable in today’s challenging landscape.
- Student Visas: reflections and next steps
Reflecting on the evolving visa landscape and strategies for international student recruitment. Discussions provided insights into supporting low-risk recruitment cycles to ensure continued success in attracting and retaining international students.
- Equality of opportunity for the student of 2025
Considering how to adapt higher education to support underrepresented groups through flexible pathways like skills education, apprenticeships, and the LLE, breaking down barriers to meet future student needs.
- Governing in the student interest
Exploring how governance can uphold institutional values and prioritise students amid external pressures from regulators, partners, and funders, ensuring stability and success during challenging times.
Delegates returned to the Telford Theatre for a pre-recorded message from Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion. He highlighted the £28 billion contribution of UK education exports and the importance of global promotion. Sir Steve emphasised building strong international partnerships, diversifying student recruitment, maintaining quality and reputation, and supporting students beyond the classroom. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the sector’s value and pledged collaboration with IHE members on the updated International Education Strategy.
Our final plenary, Global strategies to drive local growth: building new links between education and trade, focused on how higher education can collaborate in growth sectors like the creative industries to position the UK as a global hub for talent and innovation. Key points included prioritising SME-focused education, promoting short lifelong learning courses to international students, and ensuring domestic skills initiatives incorporate and communicate a global perspective.
James Pitman, Chair of the IHE Board, gave his closing remarks and then it was time for our evening celebrations, starting with a drinks reception followed by the IHE Awards 2024.
It was wonderful to host guests from across the sector, supporters, partners and friends of IHE to honour excellence within our community.
Read more about the IHE Awards 2024 winners.
Image credit: www.guytraynorphoto.com