Conferences
Our annual conference brings the wider Network together to pause, connect and think collectively about the role coaching can play in creating a more human-centred higher education. It is a space for diverse voices, shared learning, new ideas and meaningful conversations across institutions and roles.
2026
Our inaugural virtual conference, The Future of Higher Education: What is the Role of Coaching?, took place in June 2026, bringing our community together to explore how coaching can help us respond to the changing higher education landscape while keeping people, relationships and growth at the heart of our practice.
Agenda
09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Opening and welcome
Jelena Matic
09:50 AM - 10:20 AM
How can we bring joy back into higher education?
Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh
10:25 AM - 10:50 AM
Breakout room: Creating connections
10:55 AM - 11:15 AM
How can we integrate both ease and speed in compassionate coaching?
Dr Kathryn Waddington
11:15 AM - 11:25 AM
Break
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Provocation: What do we call ourselves?
Jamie Mackay
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
In Conversation with Christian, Kathryn and Jamie
12:20 PM - 12:45 PM
Breakout room: Facilitated reflection
12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch break
01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
HE in Transition: Are we asking the right questions?
Professor Damien Page, Dr Lisa Gannon
02:05 PM - 02:35 PM
Why Coaching Culture matters: A leadership perspective
Professor Gavin Jack and Rona Doig
02:35 PM - 02:40 PM
Break
02:40 PM - 02:55 PM
The start of collective and personalised future visioning
03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Breakout room choices:
- Guided individual coaching
- Collective change discussion
- An introduction to Coaching in HE development groups
Meet the Organising Team
This conference would not have been possible without the dedication, creativity and hard work of our organising team. A heartfelt thank you to Jamie, Rona and Lisa for their commitment, collaboration and enthusiasm in helping to bring this event to life. It has been a pleasure working together to create such a welcoming and inspiring experience for our members and guests.
Head of Coaching
University of Edinburgh
Business School
Head of Post Graduate Learning & Teaching Programmes and Academic Development
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Senior Independent Director, Goalball UK. Corporate Coach and Commentator