
Our Annual Conference will be opened by the brilliant Dr Paul Redmond; one of the UK’s leading experts on generational change and the future of work.
Formerly the Director of Student Experience and Enhancement at the University of Liverpool, where he continues to lecture regularly, Paul has held visiting lectureships at various leading universities and has been responsible for guiding the careers of thousands of students and graduates. Paul’s research into
‘Generation Z,’ the post-Covid world of work, the rise of ‘Zombie Jobs’ (the theme of his TED talk), techniques for building excellent inter-generational communications, and ‘Helicopter Parents’ has garnered him praise and respect from a range of national and international organisations.
In recognition of his writing and research, Paul was awarded a Fellowship of the British Royal Society of Arts.

Stuart Lawrence—award-winning speaker, author, consultant, and younger brother of Stephen Lawrence-dedicates his life to empowering young people to achieve their potential and become the voices that change society.
A specialist in Diversity, Inclusion, Grief, and Youth Engagement, Hon Dr Stuart Lawrence will share his powerful story and invaluable insights on fostering tolerance and celebrating difference.
Dr. Lawrence, author of Silence Is Not An Option and Growing Up Black in Britain, has received an Honorary Doctorate from Greenwich University and the MBCC Special Recognition Award for his work in equality.
This is a keynote that will challenge and inspire you to drive change.

Denise is the Deputy Director, Post-16 Education, Training and Skills; she is also a qualified teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management. Her career is defined by her incredible breadth of experience across the sector:
She previously managed a massive range of college faculties and complex provision, including:
– Foundation Learning & ESOL
– Provision for Children Looked After and NEET learners
– Adult Community and subcontractors
Now, as a key leader at Ofsted, Denise brings expertise from leading inspections across General FE, Sixth Form, and Offender Learning.
Join us to gain a holistic view of the sector from a leader with practical experience in every corner of FE.
Denise will address the conference on Tuesday morning.

Lis Hoyte BA (Hons) MSc is a renowned expert speaker and CPD Accredited Trainer specialising in coercive control, with a particular focus on education and safeguarding. Drawing on her lived experience as a survivor of an 18-year coercive and controlling relationship, Lis delivers impactful workshops for post-16 education settings and dynamic assemblies tailored for secondary schools.
She has created a comprehensive coercive control curriculum for secondary schools across the UK, alongside guidance booklets for the Department for Education (DFE) that are aligned with the government’s strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. Lis’s work is dedicated to equipping educators and young people with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognise, respond to, and prevent coercive control, fostering safer and more informed educational environments.
Lis has spoken at international conferences, participated in countless podcasts and is the author of ‘Break Free: A Transformational Journey and Paradigm shift out of coercive control’ (2021) and ‘Co-parenting within Coercive Control’ (2022).
Lis is committed to educating and empowering young people through the education system, guided by her message: ‘Make choices and decisions that will create peace in your heart.’
Lis will present the conference finale on Tuesday afternoon.