WELCOME TO THE AGCAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023

This year we are holding a hybrid conference, with our in-person conference at Keele University on 20–21 June, followed by this online conference to continue the conversation. We’re really excited about this new approach, which reflects our conference theme of Employability: Ethics and Evolution

This online conference is an opportunity for HE careers professionals to discuss how we, as a profession, support our students and graduates when there is so much uncertainty facing the working world We will consider how higher education careers and employability services adapt in the face of radical change.

Each online conference session takes place from 11:30–14:00 and focuses on a specific theme In each session, you will hear from a keynote speaker or panel discussion, then will have the opportunity for breakout discussions and networking Following a sponsor presentation and a break, you will then attend one of four fantastic parallel sessions, which will be free choice on the day

On day one our focus will be on evolving professional practice, with a panel session on integrating employability chaired by Gemma Kenyon, AGCAS Integrating Employability Director On day two we move onto graduate careers in a hybrid world, with a keynote address on graduate careers and mental health from Dr Nicola Thomas, Lecturer in Work Psychology, University of Sheffield Our final day will explore student values, regulation and professional responsibility, where keynote speaker Dr Doug Cole, Associate Director – Academic, Nottingham Trent University will look beyond employability.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to organising this event, in particular our conference sponsor, Symplicity, and our other sponsors who will be speaking in various sessions.

I’ve had a busy and enjoyable first few months as AGCAS President and really value input and ideas from the membership. AGCAS’s strength is its members so please take the opportunity to get in touch with me or one of the other Directors and let us know what you want from your professional association We’ve just relaunched the AGCAS Strategy so do take the opportunity to review and share your thoughts.

I hope you have an enjoyable and inspiring conference

Paul Gratrick, AGCAS President