23 January 2026 
Emma Walton-Pond, Communications Officer
We are delighted to announce the launch of the UHR Conference 2026 programme, taking place online from 12–14 May.
The UHR Annual Conference is designed to deliver exceptional value, ensuring HR colleagues from across our member universities can access high-quality professional development. With a single booking covering an entire team, it offers an accessible and cost-effective way to invest in people.
This year’s programme reflects months of careful planning and consultation, with one clear ambition: to bring together voices from across the sector and beyond, to challenge assumptions, share practical solutions, and support our members at a time of exceptional change for higher education.
You’ll hear from leading experts and practitioners from within higher education and beyond, sharing bold ideas, fresh perspectives and practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping HR today.
We’ve been busy curating a programme of practical workshops, insightful keynotes and collaborative sessions, with plenty of opportunity for networking and peer-to-peer learning. The event is designed to guide and inspire HR teams, uncover new opportunities, and strengthen your ability to lead, transform and grow.
Today we are sharing the programme details (with just a few final tweaks still to come), including some exciting highlights:
Energising, thought-leading plenaries from Nicolas Hamilton, Ritika Wadhwa and Stuart Baldwin
An expert panel on productivity in higher education, bringing fresh perspectives informed by real-world experience from within and beyond HE and HR
A wide range of workshops, specialist legal sessions and interest group discussions across three packed days
Freedom for delegates to choose sessions that best suit their role, interests and development needs
Opportunities to connect with top-tier business partners who can support your core HR activities, with the generous support of our headline partners, Shakespeare Martineau and People Insight
A networking carousel designed to help delegates connect beyond their own teams and build lasting professional relationships
Announcement of the 2026 UHR Awards during the conference, celebrating excellence in HR (nominations close 6 March)
Nearer the event, we’ll also be introducing conference pathways – tailored routes through the programme to help different roles make the most of the sessions on offer.
You can explore our headline speakers in more detail on our website.
Building on the success of our Team Tickets, we’re pleased to offer this option again in 2026, providing an affordable and flexible way for whole teams to attend together and maximise shared learning.
We recognise the pressures organisations are facing, from changing workplace expectations to tighter budgets. That’s why, for the sixth consecutive year, we’ve held Team Ticket prices, ensuring this high-value professional development opportunity remains accessible and delivers excellent return on investment.
We’re launching the programme now because we know senior people leaders will want to prioritise this unique development opportunity for their teams. The content itself demonstrates the value it will deliver: relevant, challenging and grounded in the realities our members are facing.
We would love to see people professionals at all stages of their career, from every university, joining us online. Together, we’ll explore, share and build the tools we need to support our teams and institutions – and move forward with confidence.
Everything you need to know is available online, and we’ll be sharing more detail about workshops and access in the coming weeks to help everyone get the most from the event.
We can’t wait to welcome colleagues to three energising days of shared learning, innovation and connection.
Team UHR
