We’re inviting expressions of interest to present workshops at the UHR Conference 2026, taking place virtually from 12–14 May.
In 2025, the conference brought together over 2,650 delegates from across Higher Education to explore every aspect of the HR remit, with many more engaging afterwards through recorded sessions. Presenting at the UHR Conference offers a valuable platform to share fresh ideas and innovative approaches, connect with the wider HR community, and influence sector thinking.
If you’d like to take part, please complete our online submission form via the link below. Before submitting, take a moment to read our tips and guidance on shaping your session — as each year we receive more proposals than we have presentation slots, these suggestions will help your submission stand out.
Submit now for UHR26
What do delegates want to see?
Feedback from past conferences tells us that delegates appreciate sessions which are relevant to their roles and offer information and knowledge that can be readily transferred to their own situation. They prefer sessions with an element of interactivity such as a Q&A or polls, that are based on real experiences over theory, and which are stimulating and thought-provoking.
Session Length
Workshops will run for 45 minutes. A typical format might be 30/35 minutes of presentation time and 10/15 minutes of Q&A, but we welcome different formats that will engage a diverse range of delegates and help them to learn inclusively and effectively.
Co-speakers
You don't have to go it alone! We welcome multiple speakers as part of one session, as having numerous voices and perspectives on a project or subject matter enriches the audience experience.
Objectives
Setting objectives for your session is important – both in terms of what you want to get out of the session as a presenter, and also in terms of the delegate expectation. These objectives may include increasing knowledge, building skills, changing attitudes and more.
Clear Takeaways
It really helps the audience to gain a lot from your presentation if you have clear points you would like to convey. By keeping your content concise and in an easy-to-follow structure, you will keep the audience engaged throughout. If your workshop is chosen, we will help with this by sharing our Speaker Toolkit with handy tips and tricks on how to put together a captivating session
Diversity & Inclusion
UHR's approach to diversity is about ensuring we cultivate a culture where all feel welcome and supported, and therefore we welcome proposals from individuals and organisations from all backgrounds. We are keen to increase the diversity of the speaker line-up for our conference and to ensure that the range of presenters reflects the diverse communities from which UHR members come and in which they work. We encourage submissions in particular from people with characteristics and backgrounds who are currently underrepresented in the people management profession in UK higher education. As part of this, we hope that HR staff in our member HEPs with atypical or neurodivergent characteristics will submit workshop proposals and UHR staff will offer support, if desired, to prepare or deliver a session. Our intention is that this will give HR staff with underrepresented characteristics a voice and enable UHR members to hear their lived experience.
Working Document
It is likely you will want to plan out your session content prior to submitting via our online form. Please find a Word document to help you prepare, and for you to use as a working document.
If you have an issue with accessing the online form, please get in touch.
Speaker Photo
Please note that we will be asking you to submit a speaker photo as part of your submission, so please prepare one ahead of time.
Confirmation Email
The online form will give you the option to email yourself a copy of your answers. Please do so, so that you have a version to refer to. When you choose this option, you will be sent an email with a link which gives you access for 90 days. As the event is some time away, please ensure you save a copy for yourself should you wish to view it after this time.
Submission Deadline
We please ask that all papers are submitted by Wednesday 19 November.
Submit now for UHR26
Thank you so much for your engagement with UHR and our 2026 conference. We look forward to receiving your suggested proposals.
All workshop submissions are moderated by members of the UHR Events Steering Group, appointed by the UHR Executive to ensure the development of a balanced programme. We will contact you to confirm the results of that moderation process early in the new year.
