Kent AI Best Practice Conference

Schedule

Thu Apr 30 2026 at 10:00 am to 03:15 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Westgate Hall | Canterbury, EN

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Join Social Enterprise Kent for the Kent AI Best Practice Conference at Westgate Hall in Canterbury on Thursday 30th April 2026.
About this Event

At this event, we will share learning from the Kent AI Skills Accelerator (KASA) programme, designed to help SMEs and VCSE organisations adopt AI tools confidently, safely and responsibly.


The conference also marks the official launch of the AI Best Practice Toolkit for SMEs, created through the KASA programme and funded by Kent County Council.


This event brings together businesses, communities and AI specialists to encourage collaboration, shared learning and long-term knowledge exchange across Kent. You’ll hear from programme partners, participating businesses, AI governance experts and policy leaders about what responsible AI adoption looks like in practice.


What you will learn

· How Kent SMEs and VCSEs are already using AI to improve efficiency

· The governance, legal and ethical issues organisations must understand

· Practical steps to reduce risk when adopting AI tools

· How to build AI literacy across your organisation

· Where AI fits into future business growth and resilience


Keynote Speaker

Associate Professor Jaspal Kaur Sadhu Singh.

Senior Lecturer in Law, Canterbury Christ Church University.


An international expert in AI governance and ethics, Jaspal advises governments on responsible AI policy and will explore the opportunities and risks SMEs must understand when adopting AI.


Who is this event for?

This event is ideal for:

  • SME business leaders
  • Social enterprises and VCSE organisations
  • Kent AI Skills Accelerator (KASA) participants
  • Business advisors and support organisations
  • Anyone interested in safe and effective AI adoption in business


Booking Information

Places are limited so reserve your free place today and be part of shaping how Kent businesses adopt AI safely and effectively.

We also have limited spaces for stall holders, please contact Heather Biddles at [email protected] if you would like to reserve a space. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.


About the Kent AI Skills Accelerator (KASA)

The Kent AI Skills Accelerator (KASA) has been developed to equip SMEs across Kent with the essential skills, knowledge and confidence to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations effectively, responsibly and safely.


Through training, practical tools and expert guidance, the programme supports organisations to:

  • Improve efficiency and productivity using AI tools
  • Navigate legal, ethical and governance challenges
  • Reduce risks associated with AI adoption
  • Build confidence and AI literacy within teams
  • Strengthen long-term business resilience through digital innovation


This conference shares the learning from the programme and launches the AI Best Practice Toolkit for SMEs, providing practical resources that any organisation can apply immediately.


The KASA programme has been made possible thanks to funding from Kent County Council's Helping Hands Scheme.


Agenda

🕑: 10:00 AM - 03:15 PM
Kent AI Best Practice Conference Agenda

Info: All timings are approximate and may be subject to change


🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Registration

Info: Tea and coffee will be provided


🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Welcome and opening remarks

Info: Rebecca Smith, Chief Executive, Social Enterprise Kent


🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Funder address

Info: Simon Sim, Project Manager, Financial Hardship Programme - Helping Hands, Strategy, Policy, Relationships & Corporate Assurance, Kent County Council


🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Programme learning and insights

Info: Rebecca Bradley, Founder, R People Ltd


🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel discussion - AI Best Practice

Info: Including Q & A


🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch and Networking

Info: A light buffet lunch will be provided


🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:15 PM
Navigating the Challenges of AI: Opportunities for Governance and Oversight

Info: Keynote Speaker - Associate Professor Jaspal Kaur Sadhu Singh, School of Business, Law & Policing, Canterbury Christ Church University


🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:45 PM
Launch of the AI Best Practice Toolkit

Info: Rebecca Bradley, Founder, R People Ltd


🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Close and informal networking

Info: Rebecca Smith, Chief Executive, Social Enterprise Kent


🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Certificate presentation

Info: For students who have completed one of the KASA AI training courses.
The certificate presentation will take place during a dedicated session in the afternoon and will celebrate the commitment, learning and contribution of KASA participants from across Kent.


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Where is it happening?

Westgate Hall, 3 Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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