On Friday 4th April 2025, the University Centre West Anglia at the College of West Anglia’s King’s Lynn campus proudly hosted the Learning and Skills Research Network (LSRN) National Conference 2025. This landmark event convened educators, researchers and policy makers from across the UK to explore the transformative role of research in further education.
The conference featured a series of engaging presentations and interactive workshops, addressing critical themes such as digital transformation, inclusive education, and policy impacts on teaching and learning. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions aimed at fostering innovation and collaborative approaches within the sector.
Attendees also benefitted from networking opportunities, including a twilight high tea at the college’s Novus Restaurant, facilitating meaningful connections among professionals dedicated to advancing further education.
Reflecting on the conference, Kerry Heathcote, Deputy Ceo and Vice Principal of Quality and Curriculum remarked ‘“We have recently reached the second anniversary of our monthly CWA Research and Innovation Forum, so the timing of the LSRN National Conference being hosted at the University Centre West Anglia, is a fitting milestone celebration of research in further education. I am particularly delighted to welcome my former Edinburgh College colleague, Jo Turbitt, as one of our keynote speakers. Joyce Chen, Kayte Haselgrove, and the LSRN team have worked their magic to create what promises to be a fantastic event, so I would like to take the opportunity to thank them all, along with our sponsors, for their kindness and truly collaborative spirit throughout the planning process.’
Laura Holland, Head of Faculty: English, Maths, ESOL at and Multiply at CWA and speaker at LRSN said ‘This event is a unique opportunity for researchers and practitioners to join together and share ideas- something that doesn’t happen enough in education. It is a true celebration of all the good that education can do!’
Dr. Joyce I-Hui Chen, Quality Enhancement Manager and Chair of the Learning and Skills Research Network added ‘We are proud to be hosting our first national research conference here at the University Centre West Anglia, in collaboration with the Learning and Skills Research Network. It's a real pleasure to welcome over 100 delegates from all over the country as far as Guernsey. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kerry Heathcote and Kayte Haselgrove, and all the volunteers for their exceptional work in shaping what promises to be an inspiring event. I’m also deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generosity and the spirit of collaboration they’ve shown throughout the planning process.'
CWA would like to thank Bespak for sponsoring the event.
