The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) Conference 2025

Thursday 13th February 2025
9:30 am - 3:30pm
Virtual Conference

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) Conference 2025 will explore how providers can build readiness and develop organisational capabilities for the design, delivery and implementation of provision under the new LLE funding model.

The Conference will explore:

  • The key policy and implementation questions ahead of LLE delivery in 2027

  • What the regulatory approach to LLE will look like

  • How providers can build organisational capabilities and plan for the LLE rollout

  • Approaches to designing modular course provision

  • The next steps in developing effective credit transfer practices across the sector

Why attend the conference?

Gain the latest policy and regulatory updates ahead of LLE rollout

Assess the strategic questions for your institution in building LLE readiness

Learn from providers at the forefront of thinking on modularity and credit transfer

Agenda

09:30 am

Chair’s Welcome Address

Cathy Lambert
Pro Vice Chancellor (Student Journey and Academic Registrar)
University of Cumbria (invited)

09:40 am

The Road to 2027: The Delivery and Implementation of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)

  • What to expect from the LLE launch, with funding applications starting in September 2026, for modules starting in January 2027

  • Exploring the delivery route to LLE and how providers can prepare

  • The development of the qualification gateway and how new qualifications will be approved for LLE funding

  • Learning from the Modular Acceleration Programme (MAP) and how HTQ module development can drive insight for the wider roll-out

  • Building a model for maintenance and additional entitlement for the LLE

Laura Barclay
Head of LLE Stakeholder Engagement
Department for Education (invited)

10:10 am

The OfS Regulatory Approach to the LLE Model: What Comes Next?

  • Developing a regulatory approach which supports quality and student outcomes, whilst maintaining the reputation of the HE sector

  • The development of a third category of registration for smaller providers offering level 4 and 5 qualifications through the LLE

  • What the extension of advanced learner loans means for providers not registered with the OfS

  • Outcomes from the OfS consultation into its regulation of LLE modular courses

  • Supporting the registration of new providers and those not previously regulated by the OfS

Ruth Henrywood
Head of Pathways and Funding Policy
Office for Students (invited)

10:40 am

Break and Networking

11:00 am

Are We Ready? Building the Organisational Capabilities for Successful LLE Delivery

  • Meeting evolved expectations on productivity and student demand

  • Not just tinkering: Designing a strategic vision for the wholesale transformation of an institution’s operating model

  • Breaking from traditional academic structures: what can we learn from the public and private sectors?

  • Embedding commercial capabilities across an institution

  • Rethinking systems, delivery models and how institutions redesign teaching structures to support real modularity

Dan Heard
Partner
MH&A (invited)

11:40 am

Where Are We on Credit Transfer and How Do We Develop an Effective Approach for LLE?

  • The state of play with current credit transfer practices

  • Where the barriers to smoother implementation exist

  • What policymakers and providers can do to facilitate student mobility

  • Striking the balance between credit transfer initiative and institutional autonomy

Helena Vine
Lead Policy Officer (England)
QAA (CONFIRMED)

12:20 pm

Break and Networking

1:10 pm

Keynote: Unleashing the Potential of the LLE to Deliver a Cohesive Tertiary Education System Capable of Addressing the Skills Crisis

  • Driving the financial sustainability of the sector by breaking away from a traditional 3-year residential offering

  • Looking beyond just universities and building a collective tertiary education system that can address diverse skills requirements

  • How the LLE can meet employer’s skills needs and drive ambitions on economic growth and productivity

  • Rebalancing the higher education market by supporting skill development at levels 4 and 5

  • What needs to change to ensure the LLE can be the ‘engine room’ for unlocking a skills revolution based on true flexibility for learners

Professor Tim Blackman
Vice-Chancellor
The Open University (invited)

1:40 pm

Unlocking Modularity: Rethinking Course Design and Delivery for the LLE Age

  • Where does demand exist for modular formats?

  • What does course content, design and delivery look like?

  • How can we think about modules as distinct and bespoke products?

  • How can modules be developed to enable portability and mobility?

  • How do we manage quality and ensure consistency across the sector?

Professor Annabel Kiernan
Pro Vice Chancellor Academic
Staffordshire University (CONFIRMED)

2:10 pm

Break and Networking

2:30 pm

The Countdown to Implementation: Preparing for LLE in 2027

  • What are the operational and delivery decisions ahead for preparing for LLE implementation?

  • The mechanics: What systems and structures need to change for LLE to work?

  • The essential questions on quality and ensuring regulatory compliance in this new landscape

  • Managing strategic planning on the shape and positioning of an institution’s offering under an LLE model

Rajay Naik
CEO
Skilled Education (CONFIRMED)

Mike Ratcliffe
Academic Registrar
City St Georges, University of London (invited)

Dr Kate Wicklow
Policy Director
Guild HE (invited)

Professor David Shepherd
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Sheffield Hallam University (invited)

Joanne Purves
Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development
The University of Salford (invited)

3:30 pm

Conference Close

*Programme subject to change

Audience

This Conference is designed for all providers engaged in LLE preparation and implementation. Those in attendance will include:

  • Commercial Directors

  • Deans of Teaching and Learning

  • Directors of Curriculum

  • Directors of Education

  • Directors of Finance

  • Directors of Programme

  • Directors of Student Development Services

  • Directors of Student Experience

  • Head of Executive Education

  • Heads of Academic Quality

  • Heads of Online and Lifelong Learning

  • Heads of Professional Learning and Development

  • Heads of Quality Assurance

  • Heads of School or Faculty

  • Heads of Short Courses

  • Heads of Student Finance

  • Heads of Work Based Learning

  • Policy Analysts

  • Principal Lecturers

  • Vice Presidents, Education

Secure Your Ticket

HE and Public Sector

£195 + VAT

Private Sector

£395 + VAT

For group discounts and enquiries about your registration please contact us on enquiries@heprofessional.co.uk