Registration and networking

Heidi Fraser-Krauss, our chief executive officer, welcomes delegates to this year's Data Matters.

Welcome to Data Matters 2027

Heidi Fraser-Krauss, our chief executive officer, welcomes delegates to this year's Data Matters.

This session talks about evolving HE data landscape and related challenges, and developments in open data at Jisc, eg ‘In-year’ programme and innovations in publishing.In this session, we will talk about the data-related challenges in the HE sector including our take on emerging policy issues. The session will include updates on our ‘In-year’ programme, our key data collection initiative, and how we are planning for its rollout.We will also talk about latest updates on how we aim to use HESA open data for generating valuable insights for the sector, including from our flagship student publication. You’ll hear more information on how we are modernising HESA open data publications, making them more relevant and up to date, and introducing more automation and efficiency in producing HESA open data publications.

HE data: evolving landscape and adding value to the sector

This session talks about evolving HE data landscape and related challenges, and developments in open data at Jisc, eg ‘In-year’ programme and innovations in publishing.

As UK Government chief data officer, Aimee Smith believes we need to stop thinking about data as a by-product of government and start treating it as one of the nation's most valuable assets. In this keynote, she will explore how organisations can unlock the full value of data to improve decisions, deliver better outcomes, drive growth and enable AI, while maintaining the trust and accountability that underpin public confidence. Drawing on experience from law enforcement and government transformation, Aimee will share lessons on the leadership, culture and stewardship needed to make this shift a reality.

Beyond governance: treating data as a strategic national asset

As UK Government chief data officer, Aimee Smith believes we need to stop thinking about data as a by-product of government and start treating it as one of the nation's most valuable assets.

Morning break

Join Scotty Dixon, Heidi Plus product manager, as he gives an update on the project to redesign Heidi Plus. In summer 2026 our Heidi Plus team let customers know about significant changes coming to the tool in 2027. Join product manager Scotty Dixon for an update on the progress of the project to give Heidi Plus users even more direct access to vital HESA data. You'll hear about why Heidi Plus is being re-engineered, the progress made so far, and learn about what's coming up for users of Heidi Plus.

Lightning talk - redesigning Heidi Plus in the Heidi Plus Reimagined project: where are we? 

Join Scotty Dixon, Heidi Plus product manager, as he gives an update on the project to redesign Heidi Plus. 

Decisions are rarely made by data alone. Decisive advantage comes from developing the culture, skills and trust needed to use data wisely rather than blindly.We often talk about being data-driven, but decisions are rarely made by data alone. Using examples where analysis was overridden by operational reality, and others where data simply quantified existing knowledge, this session argues that decisive advantage comes from developing the culture, skills and trust needed to use data wisely rather than blindly.

Data didn't make the decision

Decisions are rarely made by data alone. Decisive advantage comes from developing the culture, skills and trust needed to use data wisely rather than blindly.

As AI transforms how data can be analysed and interpreted, learning analytics is moving beyond traditional dashboards and reports. New approaches promise deeper insight into student experiences, engagement and outcomes, but they also raise important questions about bias, explainability and accountability. This session will examine how we are evolving both our learning analytics code of practice and our future product roadmap to support responsible AI adoption. Drawing on emerging work around AI-powered student insight, we'll explore what institutions should do now to prepare for the next generation of learning analytics.

Beyond dashboards: AI, student insight and the next generation of learning analytics

As AI transforms how data can be analysed and interpreted, learning analytics is moving beyond traditional dashboards and reports. 

How does your organisation's approach to data compare with its peers? This interactive workshop introduces the key principles of data maturity, explores how maturity is measured across strategy, governance, systems, reporting and decision-making, and invites delegates to participate in a live (anonymous) assessment. Together, we'll examine the results, compare them with sector benchmarks, and discuss what they reveal about the opportunities and challenges facing our organisations today.

How mature is your data? An interactive sector benchmarking workshop

How does your organisation's approach to data compare with its peers? 

Lunch break

FE organisations are evolving from reactive reporting and disconnected systems towards data-driven decision making. Drawing on sector-wide data maturity insights and transformation programmes, this session explores what good looks like, what gets in the way, and the practical steps providers can take to accelerate their own data transformation journey. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, proven approaches and a clearer view of how data can become a strategic asset for institutional improvement

The data maturity journey: how FE organisations are evolving

FE organisations are evolving from reactive reporting and disconnected systems towards data-driven decision making. 

How confident are you that the data sitting in your systems today would stand up to more frequent scrutiny? The move to In-year Student data is a significant change in the way institutions will need to manage, maintain and have confidence in their student data.  Accurate data at source will be fundamental to making the transition as smooth as possible but data quality is not just a technology issue. It requires the right people, processes, systems and organisational behaviours.

From annual snapshot to in year insight: what will need to change 

How confident are you that the data sitting in your systems today would stand up to more frequent scrutiny? 

How can learning analytics support students without feeling compliance-driven? Jim Keane and Sarah Tucker explore trust, empathy and student voice to create meaningful, data-informed support.Learning analytics can help institutions identify students who may need support, but how do we ensure interventions feel supportive rather than compliance-driven? In this session, Jim Keane and Sarah Tucker explore the human side of learning analytics and the role of trust, context and student voice in creating meaningful student support.Drawing on Sarah's unique perspective as both a student and educator within a widening participation institution, the session will examine how data can be used responsibly and compassionately to understand diverse student experiences and improve outcomes. Attendees will hear practical insights into designing interventions that balance evidence with empathy, demonstrating how learning analytics can strengthen relationships and help students feel supported and empowered to succeed.

From data to care: putting the human side of learning analytics into practice

How can learning analytics support students without feeling compliance-driven? Jim Keane and Sarah Tucker explore trust, empathy and student voice to create meaningful, data-informed support.

This session will demonstrate how Calderdale College used data to drive digital transformationCo-presented with Jack Leng of Calderdale College, the session will highlight how a college has used data from the digital elevation tool to provide an evidence-backed digital transformation programme. Looking at changes to practices and digital capabilities it will reveal how the tool can be a central part in providing the evidence and collaboration needed to drive digital transformation in education

From evidence to activity: data-driven digital transformation in FE

This session will demonstrate how Calderdale College used data to drive digital transformation

Explore how the first national pilot of the Pre-Arrival Questionnaire (PAQ) is revealing a changing student landscape and helping institutions respond to student needs with greater confidence.This session will showcase how the first national pilot of pre arrival questionnaire (PAQ) has driven a greater understanding of student prior experiences and needs on arrival and how these insights can be used to maximise support and potential to drive high-quality outcomes. The session will describe how wave one and two have helped expand the reach of the project and bring new levels of understanding of what students want and need - shattering assumptions in the process. Join colleagues from University of East London, Advance HE and Jisc to hear more about how the project has developed benchmarking and established its influence across the sector as a consistent method of understanding how the student cohort is changing.

Shattering assumptions: how the first national pilot of the pre arrival questionnaire (PAQ) is helping to shape how the sector understands student needs

Explore how the first national pilot of the Pre-Arrival Questionnaire (PAQ) is revealing a changing student landscape and helping institutions respond to student needs with greater confidence.

Afternoon break

In a period of rapid economic, technological and social change, education providers must make decisions that not only improve outcomes for learners but also respond to the evolving needs of employers, communities and the wider economy. With government accelerating devolution at an unprecedented pace, providers face new questions about how data, learning and impact are understood, measured and acted upon. This session explores how providers can use data and insight to move beyond understanding what has happened towards shaping what happens next, while adapting to a more devolved landscape and its implications for planning, performance and local impact.

Turning insight into opportunity: using data to shape student success, skills and economic growth

In a period of rapid economic, technological and social change, education providers must make decisions that not only improve outcomes for learners but also respond to the evolving needs of employers, communities and the wider economy. 

Closing reflections on the key insights and takeaways from Data Matters 2027.Join Heidi Fraser-Krauss, chief executive officer, for the final reflections and key takeaways from Data Matters 2027.

Final reflections on Data Matters 2027

Closing reflections on the key insights and takeaways from Data Matters 2027.

Networking reception

Data Matters 2027

Data Matters 2027: venue information

Data Matters 2027 programme

Data Matters 2027 exhibitors

Featuring sessions by thought leaders and industry experts, our programme for 2027 supports you to embed data at the heart of decision making, build confidence in insight, and create the culture, skills and trust needed to use data effectively at every level.