Hedg Summer Meeting 2026
Park Plaza Hotel, Leeds
The in person HEDG Summer Meeting is to be held on Thursday 11 June 2026 at the Park Plaza Hotel, Leeds with a pre-conference dinner and overnight stay on Wednesday 10 June.
The theme will focus on Challenges and change – celebrating how far we’ve come. In the current climate of having to face various ongoing challenges across the sector, our individual work and leadership is as critical as ever for supporting strategic and operational developments. Both in our own practice and the work of HEDG, we help our organisations to continue moving forward. This meeting will therefore take time to acknowledging our work, recognising how far we’ve come and celebrate our achievements. Draft programme below.
HEDG Summer Meeting 11th June – DRAFT PROGRAMME
| Time | Activity |
| 09.30 – 09.40 | Welcome and introductions
Including introduction from new Vice Chair |
| 09.40-10.40 | Keynote
Dr Jane Dalton, Senior Head of Student Education Development at the University of Leeds |
| 10.40-11.00 | Break |
| 11.00-11.45 | What’s on top?
Opportunities for members to share what’s happening in their work and discuss sector matters too. |
| 11.45-12.15 | Project presentations
Presentations from prospective project bids and opportunities to develop ideas. |
| 12.15-13.00 | Lunch |
| 13.15-13.45 | Challenges and change
Interactive session to share examples of overcoming challenges and celebrating success. Members can share key learning and discuss how we can share experiences with other members. |
| 13.45-14.15 | Website launch
Feedback session with members on new website features |
| 14.15-15.00 | Strategy launch
Members will hear about our new strategy, outlining how we will develop our support for members through our activities. |
| 15.00-15.15 | Final plenary
Capturing key points from the day. |
Keynote Speaker, Dr Jane Dalton
Dr Jane Dalton is Senior Head of Student Education Development at the University of Leeds, where she leads institution‑wide provision to support teaching, learning and student education leadership. Her role includes responsibility for Advance HE–accredited provision, postgraduate students who teach, and student education leadership development.
Jane provides senior leadership within Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL), manages a cross‑institutional team of academic development consultants, and represents the University on a range of advisory boards and working groups. She has extensive experience in education and researcher development across the University of Leeds and previously the University of York.
With an original background in biomedical science, Jane went on to complete a PhD in Immunology and spent several years in medical research. This experience shapes a distinctive perspective, alongside a strong commitment to supporting educators and leaders to navigate challenge, sustain impact, and recognise the value of their work.
Bookings
Places are limited, so do book early, via the HEDG Humanitix Page. The cost of attendance for the whole event is £200, which includes dinner, bed & breakfast on 10th June, and attendance at the meeting all day on 11th June including lunch and refreshments. The day rate, for Thursday only, including lunch & refreshments, is £100.
Bursaries
We also have a limited number of bursaries (in the form of free places and/or travel costs) to support colleagues who are unable to get institutional funding to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please contact info@hedg.ac.uk. The deadline for this is Wednesday 27th May.