Powered by people: community-led transformation in education

Speaker:

• Dharma Kovvuri, director of degree apprenticeships, University of Lancashire

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

As organisations continue to invest in new digital platforms, developing confident everyday practice can remain a significant challenge. This joint keynote from Jisc and the University of Lancashire positions ‘community’ as a critical ingredient to enabling meaningful digital and cultural change. Drawing on the University's DigiLearn model and Jisc's community champions initiative, the session explores how confidence and momentum develop through peer learning, recognition and connection. Through shared stories and interactive provocations, participants will consider how digital capability flourishes when people feel supported, visible and part of a wider community.

Speakers:

• Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice lead, University of Lancashire and Jisc community champion 2022
• Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

This session showcases how interprofessional education can move from aspiration to reality. Drawing on real-world experience delivering large-scale interprofessional education (IPE) to 6000 students across 4 schools and 17 courses and disciplines – this interactive session shares a practical, replicable framework for designing and sustaining collaboration at scale. Using examples such as large-scale online multidisciplinary team simulations and authentic complex cases, the session will explore key steps and common barriers to implementing IPE. Expect practical insights, honest reflections, and ideas you can take back to your institutional setting.

Speakers:

• Dr Abhilasha Jones, clinical lead for interprofessional education, University of Lancashire
• Steven Seymour, lecturer in interprofessional education and patient and public engagement, University of Lancashire

Chair: Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

This session showcases the experiences of participants on the University of Lancashire’s ‘DigiLearn Innovator Pathway’ – a programme designed to support creative experimentation, personal growth and reflective digital practice. Four academic and professional service colleagues will share their journeys through short presentations – highlighting the ideas explored, challenges navigated and changes made within their own professional context. These talks will explore how innovation grows through collaborative experimentation, reflection and hands-on experience. The session will conclude with an open Q&A panel, giving delegates space to delve deeper into lessons learned and practical takeaways.

Speakers:

• Dr Assia Merzougui, clinical facilitator, University of Lancashire
• Gary Elliot, careers and employability technology officer, University of Lancashire
• Nicholas Brierley, head of financial operations, University of Lancashire
• Dr Suzanne Gaskell, deputy lead for primary care, University of Lancashire
• Natalie Valentine, digital innovation facilitator, University of Lancashire

Location: NTMLG17 (breakout 1)

Education and research communities are filled with amazing content, ideas, events, knowledge, and friendships. As community enthusiasts, we must find the common threads and weave them together to create spaces that matter. This is what makes education and research communities so meaningful. In this practical workshop we will explore the key elements that create successful communities. Come ready to discuss how you can apply the ‘recipe’ to either an existing community or new community idea you’re working on.

Speakers:

• Carolina Barnes, community specialist, Jisc
• Rosie Hare, community intelligence and impact lead, Jisc

Location: NTMLG18 (breakout 2)

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, subject-based education conferences are increasingly occurring online. Whilst virtual formats often provide easier access and global attendance, they can limit the ability to form meaningful professional connections and develop a sense of community. To address this challenge, colleagues curated in-person networking event – building on relationships forged within existing online communities. This initiative aimed to facilitate new connections and support a more cohesive community – working together to develop and enhance professional practice. Experiences shared will highlight the value of combining online accessibility with the natural engagement facilitated through face-to-face interactions. Participants in this session will also gain practical strategies for designing effective hybrid networking opportunities within their own context.

Speaker:

• Dr Anna Kirkham – senior lecturer in forensic chemistry, University of Lancashire

Chair: Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice Lead, University of Lancashire and Jisc community champion 2022

Location: NTMLG19 (breakout 3)

Kirsty understands the power of community to generate ideas and change. As a powerhouse for driving innovative practice in education, Kirsty always puts community at the centre of how she works. In this session she will tell you why, using examples of some of the community activities she is involved in. Highlighting how community helps to empower people so that they can be innovators too, and provides the essential scalability for positive digital adoption.

Speaker:

• Kirsty Ingleson, head of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, Leeds College of Building and Jisc community champion 2024

Chair: Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

This session explores the intersection of critical pedagogy, community engagement and digital innovation. Moving beyond traditional asset mapping, this presentation introduces a participatory framework designed to uncover "generative themes", the deep-rooted issues and tensions that act as a catalyst for collective learning and action (Freire, 1996). By leveraging digital tools such as PhotoVoice, CellPhilm, and geospatial mapping, the process empowers communities to codify their lived realities. Participants will discover how these digital methodologies facilitate deep inquiry, transforming community data into a radical pedagogical tool for sustainable change.

Speakers:

• Dr John Lockhart – course director: international social work and community development, University of Lancashire
• Dr Yasmeen Ali – senior lecturer in community leadership, University of Lancashire

Chair: Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice Lead, University of Lancashire and Jisc community champion 2022

Location: NTMLG19 (breakout 3)

Hear from a range of leaders who are driving community-led digital change in their organisations, as they reflect on approaches they have taken to develop digital cultures and capability in colleges and universities. The panel will explore where to start when building a community of practice, keeping communities energised and the behaviours that leaders need to learn and unlearn to drive community-led change.

Speakers:

• Dr Ann Thanaraj, associate professor and head of digital and AI innovations, Teesside University
• Deb Millar OBE, executive director of digital transformation, Hull College
• Rob Wraith, head of learning technologies and digital learning, NCG
• Professor Simon Thomson, director of flexible learning, Cardiff University

Chair: Dan Hughes, programme lead, digital leadership and culture, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

This panel explores how ‘digital leads’ can drive local innovation and skills development, whilst contributing to institution-wide enhancement of teaching practice. Here, colleagues from the University of Lancashire's Business school will discuss the new 'Digital and Future‑ready Learning Lead' role and how working closely with a central service (and other schools) has helped strengthen digital practice in a practical and sustainable way. Panellists will share clear examples of what they’ve tried, what has made a difference, and how the role is supporting colleagues day-to-day. The session will conclude with a Q&A focused on realistic actions delegates can take to develop or enhance similar roles in their own contexts.

Speakers:

• Dr Jiajia Liu – associate dean in the school of business, University of Lancashire
• Mike Summersall – senior lecturer in business, University of Lancashire
• Dr Zemin Chen – senior lecturer in business and management, University of Lancashire

Chair: Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice Lead, University of Lancashire and Jisc community champion 2022

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

This session explores collaborative, community-led approaches to supporting Degree Apprenticeship delivery through two complementary initiatives at the University of Lancashire. It introduces learning lounges; relaxed, informal spaces where colleagues share experiences and explore effective pedagogic practice – shaped by participant-identified themes and supported by colleagues from across the institution. The session will also showcase a degree apprenticeship learning and teaching toolkit – offering practical guidance and case studies from academic staff, including recorded presentations, podcasts and written reflections. Together, these approaches highlight how professional learning communities can drive meaningful and sustainable transformation in degree apprenticeship provision.

Speakers:

• Caroline Carlin, principal learning technologist, University of Lancashire
• Kelly Stewart, teaching and learning enhancement partner, University of Lancashire

Location: NTMLG17 (breakout 1)

Imposter syndrome can keep us in the background, listening, learning, but hesitating to speak up. In this session, I’ll share how being part of communities of practice helped me move beyond that hesitation. Not by becoming an overnight expert, but by learning with others, building on shared ideas, and gradually finding the confidence to contribute.

Together, we’ll reflect on how these communities create the conditions for growth: spaces where it’s safe to explore, to question, and to develop your thinking out loud. Because sometimes, finding your voice isn’t about knowing more - it’s about realising you’re already part of the conversation.

Speaker:

• Stephen Taylor, learning technology lead, Regent's University London and Jisc Community Champion 2025

Location: NTMLG19 (breakout 3)

Lis Parcell tells the story of how a UK-wide community of practice for FE staff in library/learning resource centre roles has grown to become a professional learning space, where members share in the running of the community. Lis will talk about some of the things she's learned from the first five years of managing the community, and how community members have been involved in leading and guiding its development. We will also hear what some of our members have been saying about the community and what they value most, and how they'd like to see it develop further.

Speaker:

• Lis Parcell, subject specialist, Jisc and community manager of the FE Library and LRC community

Location: NTMLG19 (breakout 3)

How do you turn dispersed cohorts into a thriving online community? This session will share a practical model for apprenticeships which blends a knowledge, skills and behaviours mapped ‘Skills for the Future Bootcamp’ at programme start, with a national online hackathon spanning multiple technical pathways. Presenters will showcase the tools, rituals and facilitation moves that build belonging, accelerate skills development and create lasting peer networks. Attendees will leave with templates for induction, community touchpoints and employer collaboration, plus tips on safeguarding engagement between taught days. Expect candid lessons learned, ready to lift and shift into your context at speed and scale.

Speakers:

• Dr Colette Mazzola-Randles, operations manager: digital apprenticeships, Blackpool and The Fylde College
• Ian Bolton, academic director, TechSkills

Location: NTMLG17 (breakout 1)

Sharing stories is the way any community sticks together and shares its learning. People tell stories instinctively but in this session we'll take a proper look at how to tell an effective story of learning, help others to, and how you can use digital technology to capture and share people's experiences. Come prepared to share a story in a safe environment about an important personal moment of learning.

Speaker:

• Chris Thomson, programme lead, digital practice, Jisc

Location: NTMLG18 (breakout 2)

We welcome Jisc community champions from across the sector to share their stories of community-led transformation, and talk about how we keep moving forward with a people-centred approach.

Speakers:

• Nurun Nahar, assistant teaching professor, The University of Bolton and Jisc community champion 2025
• Gary Holden, advanced practitioner (teaching, learning & digital lead), Kirklees College and Jisc community champion 2025
• Lilian Joy, digital accessibility manager, University of York and Jisc community champion 2026
• Alison Fawdrey, lecturer-English, South Staffordshire College and Jisc Community Champion 2026

Chair: Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)

Join colleagues from Manchester Metropolitan University's Centre for Learning Enhancement and Educational Development to hear how cross-institutional collaboration supports and drives innovation in education, including digital transformation. The session will start with providing examples that colleagues have found effective, including the innovation scholars scheme and related communities of practice; project and working groups, for example to embed hyflex and the Adobe Creative Campus; and groupings such as AI leads, and DELTA (Digitally Enhanced Learning, Teaching and Assessment) leads. This will be followed by workshop activities and group discussions around the themes of community and innovation, with all participants invited to contribute and learn from each other.

Speakers:

• Alicia Owen, senior digital education specialist, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Leanne Fitton, senior lecturer in academic development, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Clare Calveley, senior lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Stuart Parkin, digital education specialist, Manchester Metropolitan University

Location: NTMLG17 (breakout 1)

Why do so many digital initiatives struggle to gain traction, despite strong strategy and investment? This interactive workshop explores the often-overlooked quality improvement principles that sit behind successful, sustainable (digital) change. Moving beyond tools and technology, the session focuses on what really drives impact: how change is led, how improvement is structured, and how people are engaged. As a participant, you will explore practical models and approaches that help digital developments take hold, scale effectively, and deliver meaningful outcomes in education.

Speaker:

• Stefanie Tinsley, director - culture of excellence Ltd, and Jisc community champion 2020

Location: NTMLG18 (breakout 2)

Speakers:

• Dr Alison Torn – associate professor (learning and teaching), Leeds Trinity University
• Patrick Turner – IT systems trainer, Leeds Trinity University
• Cathie Evans, subject specialist, digital practice, Jisc
• Kathryn Woodhead, subject specialist, digital practice, Jisc

Location: NTMLG19 (breakout 3)"

Speakers:

• Chris Melia, collaborative and digital practice lead, University of Lancashire, Jisc community champion 2022
• Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement, Jisc

Location: NTMUG06 (lecture theatre)