You will need to pick which workshops* you wish to attend as part of your booking so please make a note of your choices from this selection.
*All delegates will participate in the AoC session at 3pm so this does not need to be selected when booking.
We all know that feeling of trying to engage students and being faced with absolute uncontrolled chaos. This session will focus on providing practical, takeaway tips that will get those Neurospicey young people (and staff!) eating out of the palm of your hand.
Alice Copp, Director of Quality, Teaching and Learning at Bournemouth & Poole College will host this session at 10.30am
This is an important issue that Colleges want to address but are not sure where to start. This session will hopefully share some lived experiences and points to reflect on.
Haroon Bashir, Head of EDI at University College Birmingham (UCB) and NAMSS Executive, and Eleah Kenton-Howells, Student Engagement Officer at UCB, will host this session at 10.30am
Across the last 3 years the profile of need within General FE College’s has changed becoming more challenging. As we look to support the wider mission of greater integration of children and young people with more complex needs into local college communities alongside their neurotypical peers there continues to be a significant operational impact. In particular there is an emergence in classrooms and corridors of growing levels of anxiety driven avoidance, opposition and challenging behaviour.
This session will explore tactics, strategies and tools which staff may find useful in navigating the day-to-day challenges of supporting learners with this profile whilst maintaining high expectations for all.
Craig Duggan, Director ALS, Inclusive Learning, High Needs, DDSL at Middlesbrough College will host this session at 10.30am
An exploration into gender variance with practical tips on how to support people with their gender identity.
Lee Smart from Halesowen College will host this session at 10.30am
This practical workshop will give you the tools to carry out high quality Equality Impact Assessments (EIA’s) to ensure your organisational strategies, policies and procedures do not unintentionally disadvantage students or staff. After attending the workshop you will understand both the legal and moral considerations when decision making to ensure your organisation is inclusive and fosters a culture of belonging.
Gail Pringle, Head of Inclusion, and Sherrene Harry, EDI Officer, at Leicester College will host this session at 11.30am
This session will explore the significance of EDI / DEI in further education currently, equality vs equity, and strategies to address challenges including misogyny, racism and discrimination.
Polly Harrow, Assistant Principal at Kirklees College and DFE Student Support Champion, and Carlie Smith, Safeguarding Manager at Kirklees College will host this session at 11.30am
This session will explore the importance of a values-based approach in fostering a sense of identity and belonging for both students and staff, focused on the importance of relational practice and learning.
Through examples and insights, the session will provide opportunity for reflection and learning which can be used as a basis for development and change within your own practice and organisation.
Joe Baldwin Deputy Principal at Bridgend College and Deputy Chair of NAMSS will host this session at 11.30am
The Student Commission on Racial Justice (SCRJ) is a national, student-led initiative offering young people across the UK a platform to champion racial equality. BMet College has teamed up with Leaders Unlocked for this project over the last 5 years, which has been recognised as the NAMSS Award-winning Inspirational Project of the Year 2025. The collaboration focuses on empowering students by amplifying their voices and involving them in decision-making on racial justice and inclusivity within all areas of college life and policy. This partnership encourages student leadership, promotes social action, and ensures young people play a significant role in shaping policies that impact their lives.
Kay Burton-Williams, Director of Student Experience, DSL, SMHL, and Kit Rennie, Deputy Director Student Experience at BMet will host this session at 11.30am.
Find out more about BMet and Leaders Unlocked.
The Department for Education (DFE) provides an overview of the current risks and threats impacting the education sector. This includes an analysis of the ideologies influencing young people and how these ideologies may manifest within educational environments.
Understanding these ideologies is crucial for educators and policymakers to effectively address and mitigate potential risks. By staying informed about the evolving threat landscape, educational institutions can better prepare and protect their students.
Alamgir Sheriyar, Prevent Education lead West Midlands, and Victoria Sheriyar, Senior Frontline Delivery, will host this session at 2pm
The ‘Journey to Belonging’ will offer insights into systemic approaches to EDI and practical solutions that MK College Group are embedding into their business as usual.
No matter where you are on your journey, this session will hopefully show you the next step of this journey.
This session is open to all, at all levels, however, I would encourage senior leaders to attend.
Arv Kaushal, Head of EDI & People Development, and Iman Essadiki, EDI & People Development Advsir at MK Colleg Group, will host this session at 2pm
Building the Business Case for Inclusive Recruitment, has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to future-proof your hiring practices.
Discover the benefits of inclusive recruitment and your “why” for embracing equity.
During the session you will:
– Understand where the gaps are in your current approach
– Learn how to upskill recruitment teams and hiring managers
– Develop sustainable, bias-free recruitment strategies that enhance business performance
Sally Spicer, Co-founder of Talent Included will host this session at 2pm.
A chance to discuss and unpack bias and stereotypes to embed anti-racism into our settings considering the positivity of inclusivity and inter-culturalism.
Dean Pymble, Campaign Manager for Wales, and Hannah Blain, Education Worker, at Show Racism the Red Card, will host this session at 2pm.
The session will outline the charter and college commitment pledges, offering a framework to help colleges shift from compliance to culture. It will also explore the role of student services managers in guiding, advising, and promoting an inclusive culture across the further education sector.
Jeff Greenidge and Nylah Ali from the AoC will be hosting this workshop for all our delegates at 3pm.
