Professional exchange forums supporting the wider YLP community
YLP's forums bring together professionals from across the Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Employability sectors to connect, collaborate and share best practice. Together they offer a range of CPD opportunities that help organisations stay informed and ahead of change.
A collaborative space to learn, connect and grow
Held frequently throughout the year, each forum gives members sector updates, guest speakers, policy discussions, practical resources and networking — a range of CPD opportunities built around professional exchange between peers.
Whether you're looking to improve quality, understand new policy, build partnerships or develop specialist knowledge, our forums offer a space to learn from peers and industry experts.
Guest speakers
Hear from sector experts, policymakers and practitioners at every forum.
Peer networking
Connect with professionals from across Yorkshire's skills community.
Policy updates
Stay ahead of the latest developments affecting your sector.
Practical resources
Access tools, guides and materials from every session.
Trusted by sector professionals across Yorkshire
15 specialist forums — find yours
Each forum meets frequently across the year and is open to YLP members. Use the search or category filters to find the forums most relevant to your work.
Digital Communications & Marketing Forum
Supporting marketing professionals across education and training, sharing practical ideas, content strategies, digital campaigns and learner engagement techniques. Members also have opportunities to showcase their organisation through collaborative content creation.
AI & Digital Forum
Exploring the latest developments in artificial intelligence and educational technology, helping providers understand emerging tools, policy, governance and practical applications across teaching, assessment and business operations.
Business Development Forum
Designed for employer engagement and business development professionals, discussing apprenticeship policy, employer partnerships, funding changes and strategies for strengthening relationships with industry.
Careers Guidance Forum
Helping providers enhance careers education, information, advice and guidance through shared practice, Gatsby Benchmark updates, employer engagement and Ofsted-ready careers strategies.
Construction Skills Forum
Bringing together construction providers and industry partners to address regional skills shortages, curriculum development, green construction, workforce planning and employer collaboration.
Data & Compliance Forum
Keeping providers up to date with funding rules, compliance requirements, governance, audit expectations and accountability frameworks, while providing practical guidance from sector experts.
Early Years Forum
Supporting Early Years providers through discussions on recruitment, workforce development, funding reforms, safeguarding, qualifications and emerging policy affecting the sector.
Green & Sustainable Development Forum
Helping organisations embed sustainability into leadership, curriculum and organisational practice while supporting collaboration around net zero, green skills and Education for Sustainable Development.
Health & Social Care Forum
Connecting providers delivering health and social care education to discuss workforce challenges, apprenticeships, recruitment, sector reforms, technology and regional priorities.
NEET 16–19 Forum
Focused on improving outcomes for young people not in education, employment or training, exploring policy, SEND, youth engagement, local partnerships and innovative approaches to learner support.
Prison Support Forum
Supporting collaboration between education providers, prisons, employers and partner organisations to improve education, skills, apprenticeships and employment opportunities for prisoners and ex-offenders.
Quality Forum
A dedicated forum for quality professionals covering Ofsted developments, quality improvement, leadership, governance, teaching excellence, inspection readiness and continuous improvement.
Safeguarding & Prevent Forum
Providing updates on safeguarding legislation, Prevent, learner wellbeing, inclusion and emerging risks, while sharing practical resources and best practice from across the sector.
WISE Forum
Supporting women working across skills and education through networking, leadership development, collaboration and discussion around equality, inclusion and creating positive change across the sector.
Future of Apprenticeships Forum
A new forum bringing together providers, employers and sector leaders to explore the future of apprenticeships, funding reforms, policy developments and emerging opportunities. Further programme details will be announced soon.
No forums match that search. Try a different word, or choose "All forums" to see everything.
Join one or more forums
You'll receive invitations, agendas, resources and event updates for your selected forums. Registrations are sent directly to the YLP team.
You're signed up
Thank you for registering. You'll begin receiving invitations and updates for your selected forums.
Forum registration
Frequently asked questions
Forums are primarily for YLP members, however some are open to the wider sector. If you're not yet a member and would like to attend, please get in touch and we can advise on the best options for your organisation.
Forums are held frequently throughout the year, with the pattern varying by forum depending on sector activity and member demand. Between them they provide a range of CPD opportunities across the year. Dates and agendas are sent to registered attendees in advance, and upcoming dates are listed on our Eventbrite events calendar.
Yes — forums are free to attend for YLP members as part of your membership. Non-members may be able to attend certain forums; please contact us for details.
Absolutely — you can register for as many forums as are relevant to your role and organisation. Simply tick all the forums you'd like to join using the sign-up form above.
Once registered, you'll receive email invitations with agendas, joining links and resources directly from the YLP team. Add info@wylp.org.uk to your safe senders list so nothing gets missed.
Most forums are held online via video conference, making them accessible to members across Yorkshire and beyond. Some include in-person or hybrid events — these are confirmed in the invitation.
Ready to get involved?
Sign up to our forums, explore membership or contact the team to find out more about how YLP can support your organisation.