IHE Annual Conference 2026

On Wednesday 18 November, we return to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP London) for the UK's only annual conference dedicated to independent higher education providers.

What to expect

Join us for a full day of insight, discussion and collaboration as we explore the key challenges and opportunities facing the independent higher education sector today. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and breakout sessions, the conference brings together leading voices from across the sector to share insights on skills policy, regulation and quality, financial sustainability, lifelong learning, student recruitment and sponsorship, workforce reskilling, disability support, and the student voice in an age of choice.

You'll leave with:

• expert insight into the latest policy and regulatory developments
• practical perspectives on financial sustainability, quality, compliance and student success
• fresh ideas and approaches you can apply within your own organisation
• a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping higher education
• valuable connections with peers, sector leaders and exhibitors (find out who's exhibiting)

This is a full-day event, followed by an evening drinks reception and the IHE Awards 2026 ceremony.

Booking information

This event is open to anyone to attend. Your ticket includes access to the full conference programme, networking opportunities, drinks reception and awards ceremony.

IHE Members and Launchpad subscribers: £400+VAT

Non-members: £450+VAT

Bookings close at 23.59 on Sunday 8 November 2026. Late bookings are subject to availability and will incur an additional charge. 

Conference programme

View the programme (programme content is correct at time of publication). 

Confirmed speakers

Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith
Minister for Skills, Department for Education

Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne
Chief Executives, Office for Students

Naomi Abayasekara
Policy Advisor, Universities UK

Professor Paul Ashwin
Professor of Higher Education and Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Arts, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Lancaster University

Christie Beauchamp
Academic Director, pointblank Music School

Diana Beech
Director, Finsbury Institute

Rebecca Bouckley
Student Support and Engagement Manager, Tavistock Education and Training

Lil Bremermann-Richard
Group Chief Executive Officer, Oxford International

Suzanne Carrie
Head of Equality and Welfare, Office for Students

Bishan Chapman
Former member of the IHE Student Advisory Board and graduate of the University of the Built Environment

James Coe
Senior Partner and Director, Counterculture Partnership LLP

Dr Melanie Collins
Head of Region (South), Skills England

Michelle Di Leo
Director, MDL Strategy

Will Dent
Head of Financial Analysis, Office for Students

Professor Wendy Finlay 
Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Students, University of the Built Environment

Zoe Forbes
Deputy Director, Admissions, Participation and Post-16 Student Experience, Department for Education

George Hastings
Student, Software Engineer and Entrepreneur

Peter Hendy
Chief Executive Officer, Independent Higher Education Australia

Dr Peter Kay
Associate Dean of Academic Engagement and Partnerships, ASU London

David Kernohan
Deputy Editor, Wonkhe

Rami Labib
Partner, Pinsent Masons

Aaliyah Likuluta
Founder, LiyahTalks, Speaker and Youth Voice Advocate

Ronnie McAulay
Business Manager, Work, Study, Family & Ukraine Services, Home Office

Barbara Mistick
President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Derby

Nick Miller
Chief Commercial Officer, QA Higher Education

Reza Mosavian
Senior Account Manager, TechnologyOne - Conference Partner

James Newby
President and Chief Executive, NMITE

Professor Ian Palmer
Principal, Escape Studios

Nimmi Patel
Associate Director – Skills & Talent Policy, techUK

Chris Petts
Partner, Grant Thornton UK LLP

Jack Rose
Study Service Manager, Work, Study, Marriage & Citizenship, Home Office

Professor Lynette Ryals OBE
Vice-Chancellor, University of Buckingham

Joanne Roxburgh
Director, OMNES Education

Sophie Scott
Vice Apprentice Chair, South East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network

Michelle Smyth
Head of Government & External Affairs, The Open University

Alice Stapleton
Career Change Coach & Coach Supervisor

Imran Tahir
Senior Economist, Institute for Fiscal Studies

Charlie Wasley
Co-Host, Get There One Day Podcast

Tom Williams
News Editor, Times Higher Education

Lewis Wilson
Vice President Higher Education, NUS England