HEPN NORTH 2026 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for real-world issues

HEPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the Higher Education sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

30 April - 1 May 2026, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

Day 1
Day 2

30 April 2026

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Welcome to the Higher Education Partnership Network (HEPN)
9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – Re-earning trust: Is university still worth it?

As public trust in higher education wavers, for institutional leaders, ‘value’ extends beyond teaching and research: it is about delivering measurable outcomes for students, employers and their wider communities while maintaining fin...

As public trust in higher education wavers, for institutional leaders, ‘value’ extends beyond teaching and research: it is about delivering measurable outcomes for students, employers and their wider communities while maintaining financial resilience and digital credibility. Panellists will consider how universities can redefine their offer for the next generation, through smarter use of data, transparency, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled student success. Panellists will explore what value looks like and what a meaningful return on investment looks like in an age of uncertainty. What does genuine return on investment mean for today’s students and how can digital transformation, service design, and collaborative leadership can keep universities relevant?
9:50 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:15 am - 10:35 am

Main Room

Dragons' 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.
...

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.
10:40 am - 11:55 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 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.
12:00 pm - 12:40 pm

Main Room

Lightning case studies – AI that delivers at scale: From pilots to institutional adoption

AI in higher education has moved beyond experimentation; the challenge now is scaling real, measurable impact across institutions. For senior leaders, the question is becoming how to integrate AI sustainably into core operations, teachin...

AI in higher education has moved beyond experimentation; the challenge now is scaling real, measurable impact across institutions. For senior leaders, the question is becoming how to integrate AI sustainably into core operations, teaching, and decision-making. This lightning case study discussion will highlight how three universities have embedded AI to drive tangible outcomes, from optimising student support to using predictive analytics for strategic planning. Each will unpack governance and implementation, revealing what it takes to move from pilots to institution-wide adoption. How can universities manage risk and align with strategic goals to ensure return on investment.
12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:05 pm - 1:45 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.
1:45 pm - 1:50 pm

Main Room

Workshops

Across four themes, these solution-driven workshops are designed to deliver practical outcomes. Speakers will outline key challenges facing the sector and pose critical questions for collective exploration. Attendees will then break into...

Across four themes, these solution-driven workshops are designed to deliver practical outcomes. Speakers will outline key challenges facing the sector and pose critical questions for collective exploration. Attendees will then break into small groups to delve into the issues and share insights from their institutional contexts to identify opportunities and solutions, with guidance from the speakers throughout. The workshop will conclude with group feedback to the wider room, fostering a shared understanding of possible next steps.

– Main room – Strategic collaboration for sector resilience
– Breakout room 1 – Policy readiness and system reform
– Breakout room 2 – Redefining student success
– Breakout room 3 – Digital transformation and innovation
1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Strategic collaboration for sector resilience – Sharing is caring: Rethinking collaboration and shared services

The concept of shared services is not new. However, with the current pressures facing higher education, shared services are emerging as a practical and strategic response. How can collaboration improve efficiencies and enhance access to ...

The concept of shared services is not new. However, with the current pressures facing higher education, shared services are emerging as a practical and strategic response. How can collaboration improve efficiencies and enhance access to digital and academic resources, without compromising institutional autonomy and brand value? This workshop will showcase successful models of shared services, from joint IT platforms to centralised student support systems. Participants will reflect on current practice and surface new opportunities for sector-wide innovation.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 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.
4:20 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Roundtable discussions: Collaborative solutions for sector challenges

This interactive roundtable session offers attendees the opportunity to select from a range of focussed discussion topics, facilitated by an expert with experience in the field. Designed to foster peer-to-peer exchange, these small-group...

This interactive roundtable session offers attendees the opportunity to select from a range of focussed discussion topics, facilitated by an expert with experience in the field. Designed to foster peer-to-peer exchange, these small-group conversations will explore practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to pose questions and contribute examples from their own institutions.
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in / free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner
1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 1

Policy readiness and system reform – Getting to grips with key questions ahead of the LLE rollout

With the 2027 rollout of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) fast approaching, universities must navigate a landscape of policy, operational readiness and learner expectations. Universities need to know how to position themselves in ...

With the 2027 rollout of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) fast approaching, universities must navigate a landscape of policy, operational readiness and learner expectations. Universities need to know how to position themselves in a more flexible learning landscape. This workshop will address questions surrounding how providers can build organisational capacity, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and design delivery models that meet the expectations of both learners and employers, while aligning with government priorities.
1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 2

Redefining student success – Equipping all students for an AI-driven future

As AI rapidly reshapes every sector, universities must move decisively to embed competencies into the student experience. For Gen Z and Alpha, these tools are second nature. Yet access, confidence, and fluency remain uneven across the st...

As AI rapidly reshapes every sector, universities must move decisively to embed competencies into the student experience. For Gen Z and Alpha, these tools are second nature. Yet access, confidence, and fluency remain uneven across the student population. Without intentional strategies, the digital divide will deepen existing inequalities. This workshop will encourage leaders to consider their role in ensuring all students can access and engage with emerging technologies. How can we design inclusive, future-focused pedagogy that keeps pace with technological and labour market shifts? Speakers will explore strategies to ensure that no student is left behind in their journey from enrolment to employment.
1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 3

Digital transformation and innovation – Response without disruption: Effective cybersecurity strategies

Universities remain prime targets for cyberattacks, with an increased number of attacks in 2025 from well-funded and persistent sources. Institutions must protect themselves with high levels of cyber hygiene and implement measures in com...

Universities remain prime targets for cyberattacks, with an increased number of attacks in 2025 from well-funded and persistent sources. Institutions must protect themselves with high levels of cyber hygiene and implement measures in complex environments that minimise disruption. Speakers will also examine how effective recovery are critical to this. This workshop brings together key stakeholders to share best practice on security challenges faced, without disrupting research or straining already tight financial resources.

01 May 2026

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks
9:05 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – The entrepreneurial university: Collaboration for a sustainable future

As higher education enters a new era defined by financial constraint, technological change and shifting learner expectations, universities must re-examine what it means to be entrepreneurial. With close to 40% of institutions operating i...

As higher education enters a new era defined by financial constraint, technological change and shifting learner expectations, universities must re-examine what it means to be entrepreneurial. With close to 40% of institutions operating in deficit in 2025, the challenge is no longer just balancing the books, it’s reimagining the university’s role in a rapidly evolving ecosystem – do we need to act more like businesses? This panel gathers leaders to rethink traditional models and explore strategic responses to current fiscal pressures. Discussion will focus on creating sustainable financial strategies that balance long-term resilience with short-term agility. How can institutions diversify income streams, reduce operational inefficiencies
9:50 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Fireside chat – To merge or not to merge?

With the recent news of the UK’s first ‘super university’ created through the merger of the universities of Kent and Greenwich, questions are rising surrounding when a merger may be a good option for institutions. As potential oppo...

With the recent news of the UK’s first ‘super university’ created through the merger of the universities of Kent and Greenwich, questions are rising surrounding when a merger may be a good option for institutions. As potential opportunities for financial resilience and enhanced student experiences, mergers also pose significant challenges: namely operational complexity and cultural alignment. This fireside chat will practical insights into mergers as part of institutional strategy and reflects on this as part of a broader problem in the sector.
10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Case studies

Institutions will share case studies that showcase innovative responses to key sector challenges. Each presentation will highlight a specific issue faced by an institution, outlining the approach taken, solutions explored, outcomes achie...

Institutions will share case studies that showcase innovative responses to key sector challenges. Each presentation will highlight a specific issue faced by an institution, outlining the approach taken, solutions explored, outcomes achieved, and lessons learnt. Following each, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. This session offers valuable insights from real-world practice and the chance to explore ideas that could be adapted within your own institutional context.
10:50 am - 11:10 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 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.
12:15 pm - 12:20 pm

Main Room

Workshops

Across four themes, these solution-driven workshops are designed to deliver practical outcomes. Speakers will outline key challenges facing the sector and pose critical questions for collective exploration. Attendees will then break into...

Across four themes, these solution-driven workshops are designed to deliver practical outcomes. Speakers will outline key challenges facing the sector and pose critical questions for collective exploration. Attendees will then break into small groups to delve into the issues and share insights from their institutional contexts to identify opportunities and solutions, with guidance from the speakers throughout. The workshop will conclude with group feedback to the wider room, fostering a shared understanding of possible next steps.

– Main room – Strategic collaboration for sector resilience
– Breakout room 1 – Policy readiness and system reform
– Breakout room 2 – Redefining student success
– Breakout room 3 – Digital transformation and innovation
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Strategic collaboration for sector resilience –

The need to rethink how universities operate has never been more urgent. Moving beyond short-term efficiency drives, this session explores how universities can design and embed operating models that enable resilience and sustained transf...

The need to rethink how universities operate has never been more urgent. Moving beyond short-term efficiency drives, this session explores how universities can design and embed operating models that enable resilience and sustained transformation. Speakers will consider how leadership and governance across the institution can support strategic positioning and provide clarity to sustain change. Participants will also consider what is required to drive business change and modernised service delivery and understand how we know we are on track for long-terms success.
1:05 pm - 1:40 pm

Main Room

Closing panel – Unfiltered: Students on what’s working, and what’s not

This panel will bring together a diverse set of students to share their insights and experiences in higher education. Through candid conversation, they will explore the most pressing issues they faced while pursuing their degrees, rangin...

This panel will bring together a diverse set of students to share their insights and experiences in higher education. Through candid conversation, they will explore the most pressing issues they faced while pursuing their degrees, ranging from academic support and mental health to financial struggles and digital learning. This is an opportunity for senior university leaders to hear directly from students and consider how policies, practices, and resources can better align to students’ needs; what is working and what needs to change? Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance to ensure to ensure the discussion focuses on the issues that matter most.
1:40 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
1:45 pm - 2:30 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.
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Breakout Room 1

Policy readiness and system reform – Reframing the case for internationalisation

UK universities are facing an urgent need to reinforce and diversify their international strategies. While internationalisation has long underpinned financial sustainability, the sector must now look beyond purely financial goals to achi...

UK universities are facing an urgent need to reinforce and diversify their international strategies. While internationalisation has long underpinned financial sustainability, the sector must now look beyond purely financial goals to achieve a more balanced approach. A year on from the 2025 Immigration White Paper, institutions are navigating intensified global competition, growing domestic scepticism towards migration, and the potential for further government reforms aimed at ‘fixing’ immigration. Against this backdrop, the session will explore how universities can remain agile and authentically welcoming to international students while preparing for continued policy volatility.
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Breakout Room 2

Redefining student success – Using data to support student engagement and attendance

With growing pressures on student retention, universities must make full use of the data at their fingertips. This workshop will examine what data is most useful and how these metrics can highlight what is, and isn’t, working in curren...

With growing pressures on student retention, universities must make full use of the data at their fingertips. This workshop will examine what data is most useful and how these metrics can highlight what is, and isn’t, working in current support strategies to drive engagement and ensure retention. A key focus will be on empowering staff to confidently utilise data in their roles, creating a culture where insight drives action. How can institutions data to identify students at risk and intervene before issues escalate with personalised support?
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Breakout Room 3

Digital transformation and innovation – Placing workforce digital maturity at the heart of transformation

A digitally capable workforce is fundamental to the successful transformation of universities. For institutional strategies to be sustainable, digital maturity must be recognised as a critical enabler of organisational change. This works...

A digitally capable workforce is fundamental to the successful transformation of universities. For institutional strategies to be sustainable, digital maturity must be recognised as a critical enabler of organisational change. This workshop will examine how to assess and respond to the evolving digital needs of staff and close the digital skills gap through targeted development. How can institutions drive improvements in student experience, support teaching innovation, and increase overall institutional efficiency?

Day 1
Day 2

HEPN NORTH 2026 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for real-world issues

30 April - 1 May 2026, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

30 April 2026

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – Re-earning trust: Is university still worth it?

9:50 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:15 am - 10:35 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

10:40 am - 11:55 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:00 pm - 12:40 pm

Main Room

Lightning case studies – AI that delivers at scale: From pilots to institutional adoption

12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

1:05 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

1:45 pm - 1:50 pm

Main Room

Workshops

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Strategic collaboration for sector resilience – Sharing is caring: Rethinking collaboration and shared services

2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:20 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Roundtable discussions: Collaborative solutions for sector challenges

5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in / free time

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 1

Policy readiness and system reform – Getting to grips with key questions ahead of the LLE rollout

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 2

Redefining student success – Equipping all students for an AI-driven future

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Breakout Room 3

Digital transformation and innovation – Response without disruption: Effective cybersecurity strategies

01 May 2026

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

9:05 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – The entrepreneurial university: Collaboration for a sustainable future

9:50 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Fireside chat – To merge or not to merge?

10:15 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Case studies

10:50 am - 11:10 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations