-
National Conference 2026
Bookings for National Conference 2026 are open, secure your place now
-
Join HELOA
Find out more about what it means to be a HELOA member and how you can join.
-
Engage with our partners
We work with a range of partners at HELOA from across the higher education sector
For our members, we provide:
• High quality and low cost training and professional development opportunities
• Networking and conferencing opportunities, locally and nationally
• Advice, guidance and support for both newcomers and experienced practitioners
• Regular updates on changes to the HE sector, helping you to better advise your students
• Networking and conferencing opportunities, locally and nationally
• Advice, guidance and support for both newcomers and experienced practitioners
• Regular updates on changes to the HE sector, helping you to better advise your students
For our partners, we provide:
• Advice and guidance to students and their families, who may be thinking about progressing to higher education
• Representatives at HE and careers fairs organised by UCAS, schools and many other organisations
• Talks and presentations to students and teachers on topics ranging from finance, student life and individual subject choices
• Liaison with local and national government and many other bodies to affect policy and represent the interests of the higher education sector.
• Representatives at HE and careers fairs organised by UCAS, schools and many other organisations
• Talks and presentations to students and teachers on topics ranging from finance, student life and individual subject choices
• Liaison with local and national government and many other bodies to affect policy and represent the interests of the higher education sector.
Who we are
Latest HELOA Blog Posts
- HELOA National Conference 2025: Embracing Vulnerability and Reconnecting with the Sector
- Your Voice, Your AGM: Reflections on HELOA AGM 2025 and Plans for 2026
- AI in Action: What every HELOA member should know about using AI in student recruitment, outreach and engagement.
- Tackling the Cost of Living: A Practical Tool to Support Student Decision-Making
- Planning Our Next Conference: How Your Feedback Shapes the Experience
🎤 Keynote spotlight: Dr Jo Saxton CBE 🎤
We’re excited to welcome Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive of UCAS, as one of our keynote speakers at the HELOA National Conference 2026.
Jo became the Chief Executive of UCAS in January 2024, having previously been at Ofqual for 3 years as Chief Regulator. With over a decade of experience in school leadership, Jo has served as an education advisor to government and began her career in academia, holding qualifications from universities in England and the USA.
Recognised with a CBE for services to education in 2024, Jo has also contributed to the sector as a trustee of The Brilliant Club, the New Schools Network, and as an Ofqual Board Member from 2018 to 2020.
📍 Join us at #HELOAConference to hear Dr Jo Saxton share her insights and vision
🔗 View the full programme and keynote line-up (link in bio)
#HELOA #HigherEducation #HELOAConference
1 week ago
🎤 Keynote spotlight: Professor Ken Sloan 🎤
We’re delighted to welcome Professor Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer at Harper Adams University, as one of our keynote speakers at the HELOA National Conference 2026.
Ken brings extensive national and international experience in university leadership, strategy and governance. Before joining Harper Adams, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Governance) at Monash University, Melbourne, where he was responsible for providing university-wide leadership and strategic support for the creation and acceleration of major partnerships, government relations, precinct development, new revenue creation, commercialisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, strategic intelligence, group governance and institutional risk.
📍Join us at #HELOAConference to hear Professor Sloan share his insights.
🔗 View the full programme and keynote line-up (link in bio)
#HELOA #HigherEducation #HELOAConference
2 weeks ago
🚀 Unlock insight, sharpen strategy and connect with peers
The HELOA National Conference is packed with expert-led workshops that tackle the most pressing questions in higher education recruitment, widening participation, outreach, marketing and admissions. From cutting-edge AI applications in CRM and developing inclusive practice to re-thinking postgraduate taught opportunities and running an effective summer school, there’s something for every HE practitioner.
🎯 By attending our conference workshops you’ll:
- Gain actionable strategies and fresh perspectives
- Share experiences and learn from leading practitioners
- Network with colleagues across the sector
Here are just a few examples from the workshop programme:
- It’s tough in the middle with Matthew Shore
- The Authenticity Advantage: Driving Recruitment with Real Student and Alumni Stories with Rebecca Giddings
- Equity in Widening Participation: Developing Inclusive Practices to Address Racial and Class Barriers with Immy Lawlor
- Lets talk Contextual Support with no slides, no pressure - just good conversation.
- From ambassador to leader; climbing your HE Liaison ladder with Sarah Booth and Alastair Harman
- Subject Focused, Student Driven: What works in Faculty Recruitment Events with Gabriella Smith
- The rise of the commuter student with Gemma Standen
Whether you’re a seasoned HE professional or new to the sector, block out your diary, book your place and make time for workshops that align with your goals.
🔗 Link in bio to discover the full programme and book your place.
#HELOAConference #HigherEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment
4 weeks ago
📣 Have you booked your place for the HELOA National Conference 2026?
This is your opportunity to:
✔️Connect with colleagues across the sector
✔️Share best practice, innovations and insights
✔️Be inspired by keynote speakers, including Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive of UCAS
✔️Take part in workshops, networking, and the Business Expo
✔️Celebrate achievements through the HELOA Awards
Join us in Stratford-upon-Avon for three days of collaboration, insight, and inspiration:
📅 Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 January 2026
👉 Learn more and book your place:
https://www.heloa.ac.uk/training/heloa-national-conference-2026/ (link in bio)
#HELOAConference #HELOA2026 #HigherEd #StudentRecruitment #Outreach #Access #Marketing #ProfessionalDevelopment
1 month ago
Don't forget to join the Official HELOA Facebook Group