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Training Conference - Building Skills for Better Futures

11 February 2026 | 09:00 - 15:30 | Eastgate, Kent

We'd love for you to join us for our first training conference in February 2026. It'll be an exciting gathering of professionals and industry experts for a day of networking and knowledge-sharing within Learning and Development!

This event is currently only open to SEC Members and tickets are free of charge. 

Register now
Training 900 x 850 px
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Agenda

10:00 - SEC Introduction

  • Alex Tooke - Senior Training & Development Partner
  • Emma Slade - Head of Training & Development

 

Keynote speaker: Jas Rai - CEO, South East Consortium

10:30 - Closing the Feedback Gap: Culture, Communication and Retention

Francesca O'Connor - Founder, Litmus Communications and Happy HQ

Feedback is one of the biggest levers you have for performance and retention but it’s also one of the most mishandled. In this talk we’ll share:

  • The state of play - why it's so important
  • The five “feedback types” we see leaders slip into, and the damage they do.
  • How HR and L&D can equip managers to give feedback that’s clear, future-focused, and actually lands.
  • A practical framework that helps managers step away from vague or emotional feedback and into constructive conversations.
  • Do's, Don'ts and ways to embed good processes and systems so you can grow your business effectively.

11:30 - Networking break

11:45 - AI is "not coming, it's here”

Dr Erika Brodnock MBE – Co-Founder, Kinhub

Learn how organisations can proactively and sensibly manage the rapid adoption of AI, specifically on mitigating risks while embracing the positive and productive elements that AI can offer.


Human-Centred Approach - Actively putting the human back at the centre of AI adoption strategies so that employees view it as an augmentation tool, not a replacement or displacement threat.


Responsible Implementation - Ensuring the use of AI promotes fairness, equity, and staff well-being/morale and does not amplify bias.


The Augmented Human - Thinking about how to use AI to strengthen and enhance leadership and development across organisations, rather than to replace human interactions.


Recruitment - Using AI to ensure the right people are in the right roles.


Onboarding and Management - Exploring how AI can be interspersed to support and augment employee development and performance.


Offboarding and Vacancies - Thinking about new vacancies, fair, unbiased recruitment, employee support, and using data from exits to improve culture and performance.

12:45 - Lunch break

13:45 - Building Tomorrow: Shaping the Future Workforce in Social Housing

Session Host: Alex Tooke – Senior Training & Development Partner, SEC

  • Rina De-Frayne - Head of People Services and OD, Phoenix Community Housing
  • Emma Slade - Head of Training, SEC
  • Joanne Hiscock - Board Member, SEC
  • Bekah Ryder – CIH Futures

16:00 - Networking and Close

Thanks to our exhibitors

We'll be joined by our training partners. You'll be able to meet them and learn more about what they can offer. 

Training Conference Exhibitors sq
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