University Centre Peterborough Explores the Future of Higher Education at Annual Staff Conference

Staff from across University Centre Peterborough (UCP) came together for a dedicated Higher Education Conference focused on innovation, inclusion and student success.

Held as part of Inspire Education Group’s Staff Development Week, the event – Forging the Future: Innovation and Impact in HE – brought together academic and professional services colleagues to explore how higher education can continue to evolve to meet the needs of students, employers and communities.

The conference featured a range of workshops designed to enhance the student experience, including sessions on neuro-inclusion, employability, curriculum innovation and emerging digital technologies. 

The day began with a session on neuro-inclusive practice, led by Paul Wilks and Kat Beeton, exploring practical strategies to create inclusive learning environments and empower neurodivergent students to advocate for themselves throughout their university journey. 

Staff also explored UCP’s Careers and Employability Strategy, considering how every department can contribute to improving graduate outcomes and preparing students for successful careers. 

Innovation in teaching and learning was another key theme throughout the conference. Interactive workshops introduced colleagues to a range of digital tools, demonstrating how emerging technologies can enhance creativity, engagement and the student learning experience. Staff also explored alternative teaching approaches through sessions on low-tech gamification and the collaborative Escape the Curriculum Forge challenge, encouraging fresh thinking around curriculum design and assessment. 

The conference comes at an exciting time for University Centre Peterborough. The institution holds Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver status, recognising the quality of its teaching, student experience and outcomes, and is among the first higher education providers approved to deliver learning through the Government’s new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

Launching in 2027, the LLE will provide learners with greater flexibility to access higher education throughout their lives, supporting adults to upskill, retrain and progress their careers. UCP’s inclusion in the first wave of approved providers reflects its commitment to widening participation and delivering career-focused higher education that meets the needs of learners and employers alike.

By bringing colleagues together to share expertise, explore innovation and strengthen student support, the conference reinforced UCP’s commitment to preparing students for success in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.