Lifelong Learning Entitlement Conference 2026
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Virtual Conference
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement Conference 2026 will explore how higher education leaders can move from policy to delivery — designing, funding and implementing modular provision that works in practice, while building institutional readiness, learner-focused models and sustainable approaches to flexible learning ahead of the 2027 launch.
The Conference will:
Explore how institutions can design and deliver modular provision that aligns with learner demand, skills priorities and flexible study patterns
Provide practical frameworks for building institutional readiness across systems, finance, curriculum and operations ahead of LLE launch
Examine how regulation, funding and credit-based models will shape delivery — and how to respond effectively
Share applied approaches to implementing modular learning, credit transfer and learner mobility in practice
Analyse how LLE can support more accessible, flexible and lifelong learning pathways while maintaining quality and sustainability
Why attend the conference?
Assess how your institution can prepare for LLE delivery — aligning strategy, systems and provision to operate effectively in a modular, credit-based model
Discover practical approaches for designing and delivering flexible, learner-focused provision that responds to demand, skills needs and employer priorities
Develop a roadmap for building institutional readiness, implementing modular delivery and supporting sustainable, high-quality lifelong learning pathways
Agenda
09:30 am
Chair’s Welcome Address
Professor Claire Pike
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience
University of East Anglia (CONFIRMED)
09:40 am
Where are We Now on the LLE and What is Coming in the Next Year and Beyond…
Laura Barclay
Head of LLE Market Simulation
Department for Education (CONFIRMED)
10:10 am
A GuildHE Update: LLE in Focus
Sunday Blake
Policy Manager
GuildHE (CONFIRMED)
10:40 am
Break and Networking
11:00 am
The LLE: Into the Unknown
History & Purpose of the LLE Idea
The Known Knowns - funding, scope, modularity
The Known Unknowns - consumer demand & provider marketing
Future Possibilities - Degree Break Points and Skills Passports
Andy Forbes
Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Lifelong Learning
Ruskin College Oxford (CONFIRMED)
11:30 am
Credit Transfer That Works: What Next?
Why current credit transfer approaches will not scale for LLE
The real barriers facing learners navigating credit and recognition
What a more transparent, accessible system could look like
Practical steps institutions can take now to improve mobility
Helena Vine
Lead Policy Officer (England)
Quality Assurance Agency (CONFIRMED)
12:00 pm
Lifelong Learning and the LLE: Tackling the Unanswered Questions
Designing for real lives: Belonging, evidence and co-creation in lifelong learning
From evidence to design: Reimagining courses and modules for lifelong learners
Co-creating knowledge: Developing research and practice in lifelong learning
Introducing Designing Curriculum for Real Student Lives: A Toolkit for Higher Education Leaders
Practical tips for strategic and academic leaders shaping lifelong learning, modular provision and flexible pathways
Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris
Visiting Fellow at Oxford Lifelong Learning
University of Oxford (CONFIRMED)
12:20 pm
Break and Networking
1:00 pm
Institutional Readiness for LLE: Moving from Strategy to Action
Where institutions are currently positioned on LLE readiness
The biggest operational and strategic gaps across the sector
What “ready” actually looks like in practice
How institutions can prioritise activity in the final run-up to launch
Rachel Reeds
Operational and Strategic Admissions Expert (CONFIRMED)
1:30 pm
How Can Lifelong and Modular Learning Support Universities to Articulate their Public Value
How can lifelong learning and the LLE help to re-energise universities’ civic agenda
How does lifelong learning and modular study facilitate place-making
Examples from Goldsmiths, University of London on engaging without participating in LLE
Professor Annabel Kiernan
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience
Goldsmiths, University of London (CONFIRMED)
1:50 pm
Break and Networking
2:05 pm
Operational Essentials for LLE: a Providers Viewpoint
Approaches to Admissions and Credit transfer
Adapting systems to support modular enrolment and credit-based learning
Modular frameworks to support delivery of LLE
Student advice and guidance
Helen Collinson
Director of Academic Quality and Enhancement, Academic Quality Unit
University of Lancashire (CONFIRMED)
2:45 pm
Rethinking Teaching and Learning for a Modular Future
Designing teaching models for flexible, stackable learning
Balancing academic coherence with learner flexibility
Delivering quality across shorter, modular formats
Supporting learners studying in non-linear pathways
Dr Sarah Wood
Academic Director of Curriculum Innovation and Regulatory Alignment
Birmingham City University (CONFIRMED)
3:15 pm
Conference Close & Key Takeaways
Audience
This Conference is designed for all higher education professionals responsible for shaping strategy, delivery and implementation of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Those in attendance will include:
Directors of Education and Academic Strategy
Pro Vice-Chancellors (Education, Skills or Student Experience)
Directors of Curriculum and Academic Development
Directors of Student Finance and Funding
Academic Registrars and Registry Leads
Heads of Lifelong Learning, Short Courses and Professional Education
Heads of Academic Quality and Standards
Admissions, Enrolment and Student Systems Leads
Secure Your On Demand Ticket
HE and Public Sector
£195 + VAT
Private Sector
£395 + VAT
HE Group 3 +
£526.50 + VAT
For group discounts and enquiries about your registration please contact us on enquiries@heprofessional.co.uk