We are delighted to invite internal audit professionals from across the higher education sector to join us for the CHEIA Annual Conference 2026, which will take place online on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September via the Ring Central platform.
Our theme this year is “Surviving Today, Preparing for Tomorrow” and will focus on helping our members to explore the challenges facing the sector today while equipping themselves with the insights, knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex future. Across two days, delegates will take part in a rich programme featuring expert speakers, sector-leading presentations and interactive discussion sessions.
🔹 Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, De Montfort University
Professor Normington will outline the challenges facing higher education at present, both nationally and internationally, and consider how internal audit can support senior leaders in responding to those challenges. She will explore the importance of an evidence-based approach to change and transformation, the role audit can play in supporting good decision-making, and how internal audit may itself need to work differently in future to remain effective in a changing environment.
🔹 Sandro Boeri
Sandro Boeri is a Culture & Leadership Advisor to Boards and Executives, and a speaker on practical culture and business performance. A former President of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, board chair and non-executive director, he has spent decades observing how organisations really operate, especially under pressure. Drawing on more than 40 years of senior leadership experience in complex, high-pressure organisations, Sandro helps leaders make culture visible, practical and commercially useful. His work focuses on how leadership behaviour and everyday decisions shape performance, trust and long-term business outcomes.
🔹 Amanda Oliver, Interim Executive Director, Committee of University Chairs (CUC)
Amanda will explore the implementation of the new CUC Higher Education Code of Governance, examining its implications for governing bodies and institutional leaders, alongside practical considerations for successful implementation across the sector.
🔹 Gayle Ditchburn, Partner, Pinsent Masons
Gayle will present a fascinating case study on the recent merger between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, highlighting the legal, governance and operational considerations associated with institutional collaboration and change.
🔹 Dr Julian Westwood, Director, S Squared Insights (S2)
In an increasingly competitive environment, setting tuition fees and scholarships requires careful strategic consideration. Julian will discuss how universities can take a more evidence-based and commercially informed approach to pricing and financial support, ensuring decisions align with institutional objectives and market realities.
🔹 Scott Isaacs, Head of Academic Partnerships, University of Hertfordshire
Scott will share practical insights into preparing for and implementing the Office for Students’ new Condition of Registration E10, helping institutions understand and meet the strengthened requirements relating to subcontractual arrangements and partnership provision.
🔹 Dr Debbie McVitty, Editor, Wonkhe
Debbie will provide an overview of the proposed new TEF framework and explore where internal audit can add value by providing independent assurance over an institution's readiness for TEF requirements.
🔹 Nerys Ireland, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Nerys will explore how internal audit can provide effective assurance over student sponsor licence compliance by examining the key areas scrutinised by UKVI, common compliance weaknesses, and the controls that matter most. Nerys Ireland, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland
The conference will also include interactive breakout discussions both days, giving delegates the opportunity to explore key topics in greater depth. Day 1 will be a practical session lead by IT audit specialist Peter Sheppard, showcasing how internal auditors can use AI most effectively in their work. Day 2 will explore the evolving fraud risks facing higher education institutions, allowing delegates to share experiences and challenges with peers, and discuss practical approaches to strengthening fraud prevention, detection and response.
The delegate rate for the first booking per organisation is £295 plus VAT. For all other bookings from the same organisation the delegate rate is £245 plus VAT.
The first delegate from each organisation will receive a discount code with their booking confirmation which additional delegates can use in order to be charged the lower rate of £245 plus VAT when they book. In order to receive the discount for additional delegates, you must book your first ticket separately to any additional tickets from your organisation, and use the discount code in your original booking email to purchase any additional tickets.
All delegates will have access to recordings of all the sessions at the conference after the event via the CHEIA website.
Payment by card is preferred. If you are unable to pay by card, you can continue with your booking and request an invoice at the point of payment. Please note that you will need to provide a purchase order number to complete the booking. Please ensure that the Vendor for your Purchase Order is Professional HE Services Ltd (PHES), not CHEIA. Invoices will be issued by PHES. For multiple delegates, please try to provide one purchase order for your organisation so that you will receive one invoice.
Please refer to our Event Terms & Conditions when booking your ticket.
The CHEIA conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover valuable insights, share best practice and engage with colleagues across the UK HE internal audit community. We hope you will be able to join us in September for this exciting event.
Tagged : Events, Annual Conference
Type : Conference
