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
Alice Wilby
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience
University of Northampton (invited)
09:40 am
From Policy to Delivery: The Modular Acceleration Programme and What Comes Next
What the Modular Acceleration Programme has revealed about delivering LLE in practice
Key lessons from pilot providers on modular design, demand and delivery
What institutions should take from MAP activity into 2026–27 planning
How the Department for Education is supporting the sector ahead of launch
Laura Barclay
Head of LLE Market Simulation
Department for Education (invited)
10:10 am
Regulating Modular Provision: An Update Ahead of LLE Delivery
How modular provision fits within the existing regulatory framework
Key requirements around quality, student protection and course design
Ensuring compliance while enabling flexibility and innovation
Where providers must focus to meet regulatory expectations ahead of delivery
10:40 am
Break and Networking
11:00 am
Designing Modular Offers Around Demand
What demand for modular and flexible learning really looks like in 2026
Moving beyond assumptions: who the LLE learner is — and isn’t
Aligning provision to skills demand, employer need and learner motivation
Adapting institutional offers to compete in a more flexible market
Sandra Binns
Policy Adviser
Universities UK (invited)
11:40 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)
12:20 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)
1:50 pm
Break and Networking
2:05 pm
The Operational Reality: Delivering LLE Across Systems, Finance and Delivery
Adapting systems to support modular enrolment and credit-based learning
Managing funding, pricing and financial sustainability under LLE
Aligning academic, registry and finance teams around delivery
Ensuring a seamless learner journey across modules and providers
Professor Kate O'Riordan
Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Students
University of Sussex (invited)
2:45 pm
Building LLE Readiness: A Case Study
Taking modular provision from concept to implementation
Aligning curriculum, systems and strategy around LLE
Working with employers and partners to shape provision
Lessons learned from early delivery and preparation activity
Jill Cowley
Pro Vice-Chancellor Extended Education and Director of DMU London
De Montfort University (CONFIRMED)
3:15 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
Brendan Coulson
Head of Technical Education
Nottingham Trent University (invited)
3:45 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