We were delighted with the success of our first-ever 1-day conference focused on the often-challenging subject of Student Finance.

Held at the Novotel in Birmingham, the event attracted over 100 delegates who, being Finance people, all arrived bang on time!

The day started with a keynote from Andrew Thomas, Director of Funding and Financial Oversight at Operations and Infrastructure Group in the Department for Education.  This was followed by our own Executive Board member, Sharon Cousins, talking everyone through the key changes from this years Bursary Guidance.  Delegates then had the rare opportunity to ask DfE colleagues questions on the Guidance.

After a refreshment break and a chance for everyone to chat to others working in the same field across the country, delegates attended 3 workshops (with 9 to choose from) on subjects ranging from ‘Engaging students in financial education’, hosted by the Hyfa Foundation to ‘Bursary & Free Meals in FE audit process and common findings’ again hosted by the DfE.

Feedback from the event has been great* and proves that the work we are doing in this area is clearly needed and well received.

We are already talking about a possible 2026 event so watch this space for more information!

*100% of those who responded to our conference feedback survey would recommend a NAMSS conference to others.