About
Founded in 1838, the University of Westminster is a diverse and internationally engaged university based in London, recognised for its global outlook, strong links with industry and professional practice and long-standing commitment to widening participation. A global university with London energy, it supports students and colleagues in developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The event will explore how digital skills and capabilities can be developed across university life, from teaching and professional services to wider institutional operations. Westminster takes a comprehensive and inclusive approach to digital transformation, recognising that meaningful change is achieved when colleagues and students are supported to develop capability, share expertise and participate in decision-making, and when practices are equitable, sustainable, and ethical.
Attendees can expect a mix of plenary talks, showcases, workshops and collaborative sessions designed to illustrate how digital capabilities can be applied across different roles and contexts.
Some key highlights will include Westminster’s Digital Academy, digital humanities initiatives and strategies for managing digital overload and supporting wellbeing. The event will also showcase practical approaches to integrating AI and other technologies in ways that are human-centred and aligned with institutional priorities such as productivity, sustainability, collaboration and ethical practice.
The event will also focus on how digital transformation can be value-driven, ensuring that initiatives create a positive, lasting impact for individuals, processes and the wider university community. It is guided by Jisc’s Digital Transformation Framework and Maturity Model, providing participants with practical insights on building inclusive, digitally confident teams, enhancing teaching, professional services and the student experience and preparing colleagues and students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce of the future.
There will be an opportunity to attend all three breakout sessions.
Programme
Registration and coffee
Welcome
Keeping it human - people and capabilities first in a digital world
Speaker:
- Catherine O'Connor - deputy vice-chancellor education and professor of learning and teaching in higher education
Enhancing digital capabilities
Speakers:
- Lisa McLaren - head of library & archives service, University of Westminster
- Stephanie Coelho Westminster Digital Academy
- Olga Nunez-Pineiro - senior lecturer, University of Westminster
Break
Breakout 1 - digital wellbeing in practice
Speaker:
- Matt Galton - lecturer/junior digital learning development specialist
Breakout 2 - Inclusive and sustainable digital learning: enhancing accessibility, equity, and the digital experience for a diverse learning community
Speakers:
- Danielle Da Silva - senior lecturer, University of Westminster
- Anna Klemming - digital learning specialist, University of Westminster
Breakout 3 - AI in management and administration
Speakers:
- Sarah Reading - digital learning specialist, University of Westminster
- Gunter Saunders - director digital capability development & AI leadership, University of Westminster
Teaching the teachers: a wellbeing-first approach to empowering educators
Speaker:
- Lucy McWeeney - digital development specialist, University of Westminster
Lunch
Digital capabilities in an AI world
Speakers:
- Gunter Saunders - director digital capability development & AI leadership, University of Westminster
- Sarah Knight - director of digital transformation, Jisc
- Elizabeth Newell - senior sector specialist (digital transformation), Jisc
- Simon Birkett - senior sector specialist (digital transformation), Jisc
Short break
Plenary discussion panel - digital skills and the future of work
Reflections and next steps
Speakers:
- Gunter Saunders - director digital capability development & AI leadership
- Norbert Morawetz
Who should attend
Our 2025-2026 series of demonstrating digital transformation events will bring together senior leaders with responsibility for taking forward digital transformation within their university, including senior executive/director roles in:
- Student experience
- Education
- Digital and IT services
- Libraries, estates and facilities management
- Registry and data management
- Learning, teaching, research and innovation
Contact
For further information, please contact events@jisc.ac.uk.