UniConnect CPD Calender 2026-2027 by SouthernUniversitiesNetwork

SUN Expert Speaker Programme: From Detection to Dialogue: Supporting Students to Use AI Honestly

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-07-21 14:35:18 UTC

Students are using AI in growing numbers, often without clear guidance on what's appropriate and what isn't. This interactive session looks at the challenges of supporting students with AI use, drawing on sector research about how students are actually using these tools, why detection-focused approaches fall short, and how to open up honest conversations about appropriate use, acknowledgement and academic integrity. You'll leave with up-to-date information, ideas and practical takeaways that you can take straight back into your own setting.

SUN Spotlight: Supporting Students with their Post-16 Choices

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 08:26:47 UTC

This session explores the range of academic, vocational and technical options available after Year 11 and considers how schools and colleges can support students to make informed decisions. You will gain useful insights and practical guidance to help students identify the pathway that best suits their interests, aspirations and future goals.

Interactive Course: Introduction to Supporting Estranged Students

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 08:30:40 UTC

This self-directed online CPD course is designed to introduce you to the experiences of estranged students and equip you with the knowledge and tools to support them effectively. Through this interactive course, you'll explore what estrangement means, the unique barriers these students face, and the support available to help them access and thrive in higher education.

SUN Spotlight: Supporting Underrepresented Learners from Day One

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:16:31 UTC

Designed specifically for Early Career Teachers and Trainee Teachers, this session introduces the concept of underrepresentation in education and higher education. You will explore the barriers some learners face and consider the important role teachers play in creating inclusive learning environments. Through discussion and practical examples, you will develop an understanding of how everyday practice can support student progression and success.

SUN Spotlight: Breaking Barriers to Higher Education

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:29:08 UTC

This free CPD session explores the barriers some learners face when considering higher education and examines how schools and colleges can support progression for underrepresented groups. You will develop a greater understanding of widening participation priorities, gain insight into the experiences of different student groups and explore practical strategies that encourage aspiration, application and success in higher education.

SUN Spotlight: Valuing the Voice of Boys

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:30:18 UTC

Statistics show a clear attainment gap between male and female students. This gap widens further for boys in receipt of Free School Meals. This session will explore how the SUN's Empower programme sought to address this issue using the Taking Boys Seriously research from Ulster University. It will discuss how the programme was conceived and the process of drawing on existing evidence to inform its development. The session will also share valuable insights from the boys involved, highlighting their experiences of education and learning. There will be opportunities to discuss current practice, share ideas, and learn from colleagues across the region.

SUN Spotlight: All you need to know about Apprenticeships

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:31:51 UTC

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular progression route for young people. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the apprenticeship landscape, including the different qualification levels, application processes, employer expectations and progression opportunities. You will also hear directly from a local employer about their experiences of recruiting apprentices, supporting progression within their organisation and the opportunities available to young people through apprenticeship pathways.

SUN Spotlight: Supporting Young Carers in Schools & Colleges

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:35:21 UTC

Young carers often balance their studies alongside caring responsibilities for a family member. This CPD session will explore the challenges young carers may experience, the impact on attendance, attainment and wellbeing, and the vital role schools and colleges play in identifying and supporting them. You will leave with practical ideas and resources to help ensure young carers are able to access the opportunities available to their peers.

SUN Spotlight: Supporting Service Children in Schools & Colleges

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:36:59 UTC

Service children can face unique challenges throughout their education due to parental deployment, mobility and changes in family circumstances. Planned alongside SCiP (Service Children's Progression Alliance), this interactive session will explore the experiences of service children, the potential impact on educational outcomes and wellbeing, and how schools and colleges can provide effective support. You will be introduced to the Thriving Lives Toolkit, gaining practical guidance on how it can be used within your setting. There will also be opportunities to discuss current practice, share ideas and learn from colleagues across the region.

SUN Spotlight: Mental Health & Wellbeing in Schools

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:39:32 UTC

Mental health and wellbeing play a crucial role in student engagement, attainment and progression. Developed in collaboration with the Schools Wellbeing Partnership, this session provides an overview of current challenges affecting young people and explores practical approaches for promoting positive wellbeing within educational settings. You will consider how to create supportive environments that help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom, while learning about effective strategies and resources that you can use to support wellbeing across your setting.

SUN Spotlight: University Applications from the Other Side

SouthernUniversitiesNetwork — 2026-08-19 14:59:53 UTC

What happens once a student presses 'submit' on their UCAS application? Delivered from a university admissions perspective, this session provides valuable insight into how applications are reviewed, the factors considered during decision making and the common misconceptions surrounding university admissions. You will gain practical advice that can help you better support students throughout the application process.

Opening Doors CPD For Professionals: Supporting Care-experienced Students into University

2026-09-01 12:39:51 UTC

upporting Care-experienced Students into University CPD event for professionals and advisors working with children-in-care and care leavers.

This free training opportunity is for key staff involved in supporting children in care and care leavers, including advocates, social workers, virtual school staff etc. to learn more about supporting young people into and through Higher Education. We will explore pathways to higher education and opportunities for young people after they complete compulsory education, and we will help to demystify university and higher education.

The aim is for attendees to:

Feel more confident having conversations about higher education with the young people they work with
Learn more about specific opportunities and funding available for care-experienced students
Have a better understanding of how to support young people in applying to higher education

Opening Doors CPD For Professionals: Supporting Care-experienced Students into University

2026-09-01 12:40:41 UTC

Supporting Care-experienced Students into University CPD event for professionals and advisors working with children-in-care and care leavers.

The aim is for attendees to:

Feel more confident having conversations about higher education with the young people they work with
Learn more about specific opportunities and funding available for care-experienced students
Have a better understanding of how to support young people in applying to higher education

London Uni Connect CPD Spotlight: Young Carers

rubyrp — 2026-09-08 11:55:19 UTC

We kick off the new academic year with our CPD Spotlight webinar looking at supporting Young Carers as an underrepresented group in higher education. We are excited to be joined by really interesting speakers with different perspectives, and in this way we hope to provide useful insights for a broader audience of university and college staff. We will be joined by Shuna Beckett, Education Development Worker at Sheffield Young Carers, Claudia Lusardi, Outreach Projects Manager at Study Higher, Suzanne Humphreys, Careers Adviser at New City College and Student Engagement Coordinator at Linking London Uni Connect, and Freya Grey, undergraduate student at University of Oxford and Young Adult Carer. We will also be introducing a new resource at the session.