Championing Diversity in Higher Education: Teachers’ & Advisers’ Conference
Schedule
Fri Jul 10 2026 at 09:15 am to 02:45 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Leeds College of Building - South Bank Campus | Leeds, EN
About this Event
Championing Diversity across Higher Education in West Yorkshire: GHWY Teachers' and Advisers' Conference 2026
Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY) is excited to announce the return of our collaborative Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference in 2026 for its third year! We are delighted to announce that Tracy Brabin will be the keynote speaker. The speakers for the other sessions will be added to the programme at the end of this page as they are confirmed.
This free, one-day event brings together professionals who support young people in their education journey — including teachers, advisers, youth workers, pastoral teams, and local authority staff — for a CPD day of insightful discussion, student voice, and meaningful networking with lunch provided. Please indicate dietary requirements when you register.
Hosted at Leeds College of Building (South Bank Campus), the conference will showcase the power of partnership as we all come together. Delivered by our diverse consortium of 13 Higher Education providers, including universities, HE-in-FE institutions, and a small specialist provider, the day will explore the breadth of post-16 options — from Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, to apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees.
Join us as we work together to champion diversity in Higher Education for all students. Whilst the conference will champion the diversity of staff and students from across the Go Higher West Yorkshire partnership, it is open to attendees outside of West Yorkshire.
Cancellations
If you are no longer able to attend this event, please cancel your place as soon as possible to give others the opportunity to attend as we will be operating a waiting list for the conference.
Waiting List
If you get here and we are already full then do register to add yourself to the wait list. Things change, life happens so we expect that a few people will need to drop out closer to the date.
Agenda
🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:45 AM
Arrival and registration (tea/coffee, marketplace and networking)
🕑: 09:45 AM - 09:50 AM
Welcome and housekeeping
Host: Nikki Davis, Principal at Leeds College of Building
🕑: 09:50 AM - 09:55 AM
About Go Higher West Yorkshire
Host: Helen Sykes, Head of GHWY
🕑: 09:55 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote speaker
Host: Tracy Brabin (Mayor of West Yorkshire)
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:55 AM
Breakout session 1 - Getting into Higher Education (HE) - a choice of
Host: Clearing: Natasha Parker-Wood University of Huddersfield
Info: (A) Clearing and how to support learners (B) UCAS personal statements inc guidance on using AI (C) Support learners to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (D) Insight into HE-in-FE institution
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:10 AM
Break (tea/coffee and marketplace)
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:50 AM
Attendee feed in - your chance to input into questions related to HE access
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Lunch and networking
🕑: 12:55 PM - 01:30 PM
Breakout session Championing diversity of under-represented groups, choice of:
Host: A: Shames Maskeen, Leeds Trinity University
Info: (A) Black Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Students (B) Care Experienced and Estranged Students (C) Males on Free Schools Meals/Lads at Back project (D) Gypsy Traveller Roma Showmen and Boater
🕑: 01:35 PM - 02:35 PM
Student Panel
🕑: 02:35 PM - 02:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Where is it happening?
Leeds College of Building - South Bank Campus, Crown Point Road, Leeds, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
