Programme

This session will review some of the short, medium and long term trends in higher education law and policy, through the election and beyond, and consider briefly how the strategy of in-house legal teams might need to evolve so that they can continue to offer the best possible support to their institutions.

Identify burnout sooner. Explore daily stress-busting tools. Adopt a wellbeing model that also boosts team cohesion. Dive into the science of stress and prioritise mental health with strategies for a balanced, fulfilling career. 

In 2023, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act became law. In short, the Act introduces a range of enhanced and new duties for providers with respect to free speech on campus and academic freedom. James’s presentation will give a user-friendly overview of the new Act and the complex area of law. The session will be very practical in its focus – giving suggestions for best practice, highlighting risk areas and mitigation strategies in an easy to understand and accessible way.

The aim will be to ensure higher educational professionals at all levels get a good familiarity with the new requirements and take away practical tips for immediate use in their institution. James will also ensure that he explains how the new free speech obligations interact with existing obligations relating to equality law, so as to ensure professionals can properly ensure equity and diversity in their institutions.

How to successfully navigate a new procurement landscape while reducing the risk of legal challenge.

Cyber attacks are a very real risk for everyone and the potential disruption and reputational damage can be significant, with far reaching consequences. We will look at how universities can mitigate the risk of a cyber attack.

This talk considers the legal and practical issues raised by this case about disability discrimination, duties of care, and the relationship between these matters.

NPSA and the University of Bristol will be discussing the Trusted Research Evaluation Framework which NPSA and the NCSC has devised to help higher education institutions self-assess their compliance with Trusted Research principles.

This session will focus on the Indian higher education landscape and navigate through the recent regulatory changes that allow for international universities to set up in India. It will deep-dive into the various models for transnational education allowed under the new-regulations and what might the next steps when thinking of India.

An overview of new obligations, incorporating practical advice, in relation to academic freedom of speech considering the recent Charities Commission guidelines to balance free speech with the university’s charitable purposes’

New and growing businesses can raise funding from various sources– however, it isn’t easy and James from Hill Dickinson will highlight some of the potential pitfalls. 

An invaluable overview of recent policy changes to immigration law when recruiting international staff in the Higher Education sector. It will also offer practical considerations for sponsor licence compliance.

An update from AULP Chair Alex Hall followed by a Q&A with members of the AULP Executive Committee.

Recent cases demonstrate an increasing commercial risk for universities undertaking research. This talk will outline the issues in Innovate Pharmaceuticals Ltd v University of Portsmouth and implications for risk management.

The session will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the real legal implications of AI for universities. We will cover issues/developments, the material effects, practical advice and actions to consider.

A session to explore the 50 shades of green leases and how green lease clauses from the light green to the dark green can help achieve net zero, including advice on best practice in cultivating a really healthy green lease.

Dr Jim Baxter from the University of Leeds is leading a project for the Law Society to develop an ethical practice framework for in-house solicitors. In this interactive session he will introduce the project and give you a chance to have your say. What are the most pressing ethical issues facing the in-house profession today and how can the Law Society most effectively support you in dealing with those issues?

Can’t see the wood for the trees?  Loughborough University is home to two stunning ancient woodlands, both possessing histories of more than 800 years each.  But how can the way the woodland looks tell us about it’s history.  Join Rich Fenn Griffin (Assistant Gardens Manager) as he reveals the clues hiding in place sight that tell us a woodland’s story.

If you would like to attend this session you will need to pre-book your place here. There are only 30 places available on this walk, please book to guarantee your place.

Loughborough University's campus is home to 39 publicly accessible sculptures, including works of international significance. Led by the University's curator, this walk will provide an introduction to the collection, showcasing works that are interesting in their own right, but which also shed light on the history of both the institution and the changing functions of British public sculpture. David will also introduce some of the legal challenges that those responsible for University art collections often face. The walk will be approximately 1.5 miles in length, on step-free paved surfaces. 

If you would like to attend this session you will need to pre-book your place here. There are only 30 places available on this walk, please book to guarantee your place.

A session to explore psychologically safe working environments which better protect mental health and support the delivery of high-quality legal services. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges of their role and explore strategies to manage workplace stress including the value of effective boundaries to reduce the likelihood of overwhelm.

Loughborough University has invested £12million in bleeding edge technology to help transform our teaching capability and enhance our students' employability. The three campus based DigiLabs will harness VR, AR, AI and 3D technologies and you can see the Virtalis  3D Immersive wall and the Proto Hologram in action as part of the conference.

We will analyse the themes emerging from the wave of recent cases involving beliefs protected by the Equality Act 2010 and consider what factors employers should weigh in the balance when deciding whether to restrict the expression of such beliefs.

Taking you on a quest with the University of Hertfordshire, as they set out to develop their in-house legal delivery. We will explain how the UH Legal Fellowship implemented new processes, workflows, and technology, overcoming a few dragons along the way, helping improve efficiencies and ultimately demonstrate the value of the Legal Services team. 

James Muller (Principal Associate, Weightmans) discusses tips for any Higher Education provider involved in a Coroner’s Inquest, and particularly those relating to Student deaths where mental health was a key factor.

This talk summarises the latest in charity law and regulation to ensure universities get the most out of their donors. Attendees will learn about a range of topics, such as rules around donations and naming rights, as well as the new guidance from the Charity Commission on refusing or returning gifts.

A consideration of new and anticipated changes in the fast evolving area of regulation, the legal risks arising, the consequences of non-compliance and recommended actions for university legal functions.

Joint presentation with University of Bristol and VWV discussing lessons learned on managing high value and complex HE projects, including the University of Bristol's recent £225 million supercomputer project.