🔹 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 an insightful exploration of the legal, governance and regulatory issues surrounding university mergers, with practical lessons for institutions navigating a rapidly changing sector landscape.

🔹 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.

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.