Agenda

• Chair: Emily Bird, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Universities UK

• Rachel Sylvester, Political Editor, The Observer

A forward-looking keynote exploring the key political trends shaping 2026 and their implications for universities.

• Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive, Universities UK

A sector-focused look at government priorities for higher education, including key policy developments and what they mean for universities.

• Dr Debbie McVitty, Editor, Wonkhe
• Katie Perrior, Chair and Founder, iNHouse Communications
• Lauren Wards, Senior Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Universities Scotland
• Emma Burnell, Editor, Labour List
• Professor Nitasha Kaul, Professor of Politics, International Relations, and Critical Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Westminster

An analysis of the May 2026 election results and their implications for policy, public attitudes, and the higher education landscape. This session will explore how institutions can respond and strengthen their engagement and influence in a shifting political context.

Choose one to attend

UUK Boardroom

• Chair: Grace Clarke, Senior Public Affairs Manager, Universities UK
• Lenny Rolles, Associate Director of Public Affairs, University of Sussex
• Joshua Bell, Public Affairs Adviser, Universities Wales

How can universities engage effectively across a more diverse political landscape? This session explores strategies for building relationships, identifying resonant issues, and working with a wider range of stakeholders.

Woburn Hall

• Chair: Greg Wade, Head of Innovation Policy, Universities UK
• Paul Angrave, Director of Public Affairs and Engagement, University of Leicester
• Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice-Chancellor, University of Chichester

What does effective engagement look like outside mayoral combined authorities? This session explores how universities can build strong local partnerships, navigate complex regional dynamics, and drive impact without formal devolution structures.

Choose one to attend

Woburn Hall

• Chair: Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Westminster
• Nick Varley, Partner, Digital, Campaigns and Mobilisation, Crestview Strategy
• Kyle Fitzpatrick, Senior Politics and Public Affairs Adviser, Save the Children UK
• Jane Cox, Joint Chief Executive, Principle Consulting

A practical session for those newer to political engagement and a reset for those more experienced. Covering the fundamentals of lobbying, from navigating legislation to identifying influence, speakers will explore how approaches need to adapt in a changing political landscape.

UUK Boardroom

• Chair: Emily Bird, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Universities UK
• Andy Taylor, Head of Public Affairs and Policy, Network Rail
• Dr Charlotte Snelling, Head of Regulation Policy, Universities UK

As higher education faces significant financial and political pressures, this session explores what sector transformation could mean in practice. Drawing on lessons from other sectors, speakers will reflect on how institutions can respond to structural change and shifting expectations.

• Chair: Seb Gordon, Director of Communications, Universities UK

• Professor Sir John Curtice, Professor of Politics, University of Strathclyde

This keynote explores what the latest polling reveals about public attitudes, political dynamics, and emerging trends shaping the UK political and policy landscape.

• Jo Hindle, Head of External Communications, Universities UK
• Annie Bell, Associate Director, Higher Education, Public First

Discover the latest research on the Future Jobs agenda, including polling and regional insights, and what these findings reveal about the evolving relationship between universities, employers, and policymakers.

• Tom Lewis, Policy Adviser, Universities UK
• Annie Bell, Associate Director, Higher Education, Public First
• Paul Angrave, Director of Public Affairs and Engagement, University of Leicester
• Hannah Larsen, Policy Officer, British Chambers of Commerce
• Petra Wilton, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Exploring what Future Jobs means for universities, this panel will discuss how institutions can use evidence and local partnerships to influence policy, support graduate employment, and strengthen collaboration with employers in a changing political and economic landscape.

• Chair: Seb Gordon, Director of Communications, Universities UK