Email: aset@asetonline.org
Key sub-themes include:
This year conference focuses on our practitioners at the centre of a rapidly shifting environment. The workplace has faced unprecedented evolution in the last few years and continues to do so, creating challenges and spaces for innovation in placement and work based learning. Our Higher Education Providers (HEPs) are different too, with a renewed focus on competition, a reconceptualised learner with expectations of their experience and, a focus on maintaining quality whilst being efficient. The programme will delve into how WBPL practitioners can innovate, create and collaborate in this changing context.
Tom Stables
When AI Can Do the Work, What Are We Actually Teaching?
Tom Stables is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing at the University of Lancashire, a doctoral researcher in AI and pedagogy, and a member of the inaugural Google HE Faculty AI Fellowship for EMEA, a curated cohort of academic leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, working to shape how AI transforms higher education at a systemic level. Tom has spent over twenty years as a digital practitioner and agency founder before moving into academia, and works directly with degree apprentices navigating the space between classroom and workplace. His research and practice sit at the intersection of AI, professional expertise, and experiential learning.
Sally Bucknell
Sally Bucknell is a senior leader at the intersection of higher education, talent strategy, and the future of work. As Deputy Pro-Chancellor at Keele University and Non-Executive Director at Your Housing Group, she brings a strategic, governance-level perspective to how institutions prepare students for employment.
Alongside her HE roles, Sally has held senior positions at EY, including UK Future of Work Programme Director and Culture & Inclusiveness Director, leading major transformation programmes focused on skills, workforce evolution, and inclusive talent strategies.
Sally’s work focuses on aligning higher education with employer needs – ensuring graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the behaviours, adaptability, and capabilities required to succeed. She brings a powerful cross-sector lens to employability, highlighting the critical role of partnerships, leadership, and long-term strategy in shaping future-ready graduates.
Ewan Bennie
Ewan is the Director of Communications and Influence at the young people charity, EY Foundation. The focus of his work is developing insights to support the systemic change needed to ensure young people eligible for Free School Meals have the same employment and earnings potential as other young people in the UK. Areas of focus include the changing skills needs to thrive in the future of work, the impact of AI through a social mobility lens, and breaking down the barriers between employers and young people. Previously, Ewan led on climate change communications in central government and was a television producer at the BBC.
Deborah O’Connor
Deborah O’Connor is a senior academic leader specialising in work-integrated learning within healthcare and professionally regulated disciplines. She is Head of the Department of Health Professions at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she leads programmes shaped by strong partnerships with practice and industry. Her most recent research explores belongingness during work-integrated learning.
With over 30 years’ experience as a physiotherapist, educator, and researcher, Deborah has a deep understanding of how practice-based learning, professional standards (PSRBs), and employability intersect. As former Faculty Director of Placements and Partnerships, she has been instrumental in the development of high-quality placement models across healthcare education across a number of different sectors.
An international Work-Integrated Learning Research Fellow, Deborah brings a global perspective on preparing students for complex professional environments. She champions inclusive, partnership-driven approaches that ensure graduates are not only work-ready, but capable of thriving in rapidly evolving healthcare systems. More recently, Deborah continues to focus her research around belongingness in practice settings and how this influences transitions from student to professional practice.
ASET MEMBERS (please note ASET fees are VAT exempt)
Two-Day Ticket, 1 delegate: £450
Two-Day Ticket, 2 delegates: £850
Two-Day Ticket, 3 delegates: £1150
Two-Day Ticket, additional delegates: £375
Day delegate: £250
Evening meal (Tuesday 8 September) £45
Accommodation on campus: £80 per person per night
ASET NON-MEMBERS (please note ASET fees are VAT exempt)
Two-Day Ticket: £750
Day delegate: £400
Evening meal (Tuesday 8 September) £45
Accommodation on campus: £80 per person per night
Please note: Two-Day Ticket price includes an evening meal on Tuesday 8 September. Day delegates are welcome to join the evening meal event on Tuesday 9 September for an additional charge of £45.
Evening meals are not included on Monday 7 September or Wednesday 9 September.
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation is available, £80 per person per night, bookable for Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September. All rooms are en-suite, with towels provided. WiFi is available throughout the accommodation.
Breakfast included.
Group Bookings:
Discounted rates are available for ASET Members booking more than 1 Two-Day Ticket (detailed above). Discounted rates cannot be applied retrospectively and must be made on the same booking form. Each Two‑Day Ticket is restricted to one delegate.
If you would like to book for more than three delegates or require more booking information, please contact the ASET office either by calling 0114 234 5197 or by emailing aset@asetonline.org
ASET Conference 2026 will take place 8-9 September 2026 at Lancaster University.
ASET Conference brings together professionals from across the UK and beyond to explore the evolving landscape of Work Based and Placement Learning (WBPL). This two-day event will provide a platform for Higher Education practitioners, employers, and stakeholders to share expertise, good practices, and forward-thinking approaches to shaping the future of skills development.
With an array of influential Keynote Speakers, Practitioner Parallel Sessions and Research Showcases, and, of course, ASET’s popular conference evening meal and drinks reception it is set to be another first-rate ASET event.
