Conference Programme

Keynote Sessions

Student Life in an Always-On World: why digital health, literacy and online safety matters in FE now

Students are navigating a digital world that is reshaping attention, wellbeing, relationships and learning. At the same time, colleges are facing growing expectations around digital literacy, online safety, inclusion and personal development.

This opening keynote will set the tone for the day by exploring why digital health, literacy and online safety matters now in FE, what is changing in the student experience, and why the sector would benefit from a more joined-up response. 

Bringing together the FE student services perspective with wider insight into generational change and technology, the session will offer a strong framing for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The keynote speakers for this session are:  Glenn Stephenson and Connor Masson, Co-founders of Fluid Focus and Joe Baldwin, Deputy Principal at Bridgend College and Deputy Chair of NAMSS.

Navigating online safety and wellbeing in turbulent digital landscape

In an era of rapid AI integration, polarising social algorithms, and shifting privacy norms, the digital landscape isn’t just changing—it’s churning. This session will explore the dual challenge of staying secure and our digital wellbeing in an ‘always-on’ online world.

Our keynote for this session is Michael Webb, JISC Director of AI

From distraction to impact: how Salford City College Group is using smartphones positively in FE

As concerns around smartphone use continue to grow, what does a practical and constructive college response actually look like?

In this session, Salford City College Group will share its experience of embedding Fluid Focus across student study and college life, offering a practical case study in how colleges can turn smartphones from a source of distraction into a tool for positive behaviour change.

Led by Jenny Stead, Assistant Principal for Safeguarding and Pastoral, alongside student voices, this session will explore how the college has approached implementation in practice, from curriculum-led initiatives such as “Fluid Focus Fortnight” to wider efforts to build healthier digital and study habits across the student experience.

Attendees will hear how Salford City College Group has driven strong engagement, what students have valued most, and what other FE providers can learn from their approach. 

Over a three-month period, students have:

• Banked more than 170,000 minutes of focused time – equivalent to over 2,800 hours or nearly 17 full-time teaching weeks across the student body
• While also funding more than 300 days of education through Fluid Focus’ charity partnership with Mary’s Meals.

This session will offer practical insight into policy, implementation, student buy-in and measurable impact for colleges looking to respond to digital health challenges in a constructive and evidence-led way.

Our keynotes for this session are Jenny Stead, Assistant Principal at Salford City College Group and a number of students.

Panel Insight Q&A

Young Voices on AI, Safety and Student Digital Life – led by FlippGen

To close the day, members of FlippGen’s Digital Rebels will share fresh perspectives on some of the biggest questions shaping student digital life today, from AI and online safety to trust, policy, wellbeing and digital literacy.

Bringing together young voices with different lived experiences and areas of expertise, this panel will move beyond assumptions and offer delegates the chance to hear directly from those navigating these issues in real time. It will explore what young people believe educators and institutions most need to understand, where current conversations often miss the mark, and what a more credible and constructive response could look like.

This session will offer an honest, thought-provoking close to the conference.

FlippGen’s mission is to empower Gen-Z and Gen-A to build healthier relationships with the digital world through peer-led education, youth-driven campaigns, and a connected community.