Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 July

ABOUT THE EVENT

Over two days, you’ll gain insights into the strategic and practical impact of your student information solutions, explore innovations, and connect with peers who share your vision for the future. This year’s two-day conference will build on last year’s success, with an option to include 4* accommodation in Sheffield city centre within your ticket.

TICKETS HAVE NOW SOLD OUT

2-DAY DELEGATE TICKET

£ 375

(+VAT per person)

2-DAY DELEGATE TICKET + HOTEL

£ 375

(+VAT per person)

MEET OUR EMPOWER SPONSORS

AGENDA

FINAL TIMINGS AND SESSIONS TBC

TUESDAY 14 JULY

18.00 - 20.00

Early evening drinks reception (for delegates with 2-day delegate ticket + hotel)

WEDNESDAY 15 JULY

08:45

ATRIUM
Registration opens

09:35 - 09.50

PENNINE THEATRE
OPENING PLENARY

Join us as Tribal's Executive Leadership team officially open the 2026 Empower Conference.

09.55 - 10.45

EMB 3114
MAYTAS Opening Session

This session sets the tone for the conference, highlighting sector shifts, compliance pressures, and how the evolution to MAYTAS 6 equips you to deliver accurate ILR data, reduce operational risk, and free teams from infrastructure burdens.

10.45 - 11.15

ATRIUM
Refreshments

11:15 - 12.05

EMB 3114
MAYTAS 6

Explore the next generation of apprenticeship management with a first look at MAYTAS 6, Tribal’s fully managed, cloud hosted service offering seamless updates, built-in compliance, and a secure, scalable experience. Learn how the new model supports end-to-end learner lifecycle management and forms the foundation for long-term transformation.

12:10 - 13.00

EMB 3107
Getting The Best Out of MAYTAS

A practical session packed with tips, tricks, and under‑used features to help providers maximise value from your existing setup. From smarter ILR validation to improved reporting and workflow optimisation, this session shows how small changes can drive measurable efficiency improvements.

NORFOLK 209
Client to Cloud: Your Journey

Understand what moving to the Tribal Cloud really looks like, from readiness assessment to go live. This session walks through typical migration timelines (<1 month), risk reduction strategies, and how Tribal’s full stack support removes the burden of hosting and maintenance for training providers.

NORFOLK 208
MAYTAS Hub: Wellbeing, A Year On

Review the first full year of MAYTAS Hub Wellbeing and discover how providers are using it to enhance learner engagement and wellbeing. Hear insights into adoption, usage trends, and the role of personalised learner and employer hubs in improving outcomes and satisfaction.

NORFOLK 201
Ofsted and Inclusion
with Lou Doyle, Director and Co-Founder of SDN Mesma Group

Details coming soon.

13.00 - 14.00

ATRIUM
Lunch

14:00 - 14.50

EMB 3114
Panel Discussion: Supporting the Modern Learner: What Needs to Change?

14.50 - 15.10

ATRIUM
Refreshments

15:10 - 16.00

NORFOLK 208
The Future of MAYTAS 6

A forward-looking conversation exploring the roadmap for MAYTAS 6, including integrations, automation, analytics, and the shift toward MAYTAS as a Service. Learn how Tribal is shaping the platform to meet rising expectations and regulatory demands.

NORFOLK 209
Funding and Compliance: Changes to Apprenticeships in 2026

Stay ahead of the curve with a breakdown of the latest funding rule updates, ILR changes, and compliance expectations for 2026. This session is ideal for anyone navigating QAR targets, audit readiness, and reducing administrative burden.

NORFOLK 201
Safeguarding: Current Challenges and Best Practice
with Ann Marie Christian FRSA

Explore common safeguarding risks affecting learners—such as exploitation, harmful relationships, and mental health vulnerabilities—and consider how these risks may manifest differently across age groups. The session also outlines staff responsibilities, including recognising concerns, understanding consent in adult safeguarding, and following appropriate reporting procedures. Through brief scenarios and discussion, attendees will build confidence in responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and in understanding the importance of multi-agency working and their role within wider safeguarding systems.

16:00

End of Conference Day 1

17:00

Drinks Reception, Celebration of Success Awards and Gala Dinner

THURSDAY 16 JULY

10:30 - 11.05

ATRIUM
Network & Refreshments

11.05 - 12.00

NORFOLK THEATRE (210)
The Only Thing Certain in FE, WBL and VL is Change

With guest speaker Sue Pittock OBE

12:05 - 13.00

NORFOLK 208
There's An APP For That!

Discover the growing role of mobile and digital tools in employer engagement, learner tracking, and progress visibility. This session highlights how interconnected apps and APIs create a frictionless experience across the apprenticeship journey.

NORFOLK 209
Cognassist & MAYTAS: Working in Partnership

Discover how Cognassist and MAYTAS are working together to strengthen inclusive practice.

NORFOLK 201
Beyond the DBS Check: Strengthening Safeguarding Through Recruitment Excellence with Ann Marie Christian FRSA

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, but recruitment is where prevention begins. This interactive session challenges delegates to look beyond compliance and consider how recruitment decisions shape organisational culture and learner safety. Through real-world scenarios and discussion, participants will explore how robust recruitment practices help create safer colleges.

13.00 - 14.00

ATRIUM
Lunch

14:00 - 15.00

NORFOLK 209
Managing Funding Streams in MAYTAS: Skills Bootcamps, 16-19 study programmes, Apprenticeship units

Learn how to diversify revenue through emerging funding routes. This session covers compliance considerations, reporting expectations, and how MAYTAS and M6 support multi‑stream funding models.

EMB 3107
10 Years of Degree Apprenticeships with the University of Exeter

This session tells the story of how the University of Exeter has designed, delivered, and evolved its degree apprenticeship provision over the past decade, from early adoption to a mature, strategic pillar of work-based learning. Through honest reflection and real examples, Exeter will share what it actually takes to build and sustain high-quality apprenticeship programmes, and what they’re doing next.

EMB 3105
Transforming FE Apprenticeship Delivery with EBS ePortfolio powered by MAYTAS

A practical introduction to the ePortfolio for FE. We’ll demonstrate how learners log off‑the‑job hours, upload evidence, complete skill scans and build an EPA‑ready portfolio, while assessors and employers monitor progress, manage reviews, analyse risk indicators and communicate seamlessly through an intuitive, real‑time.