Join us in Sheffield for the second National Codes Student Experience Conference on Thursday 27th February 2025
Event Description
The National Codes Student Experience Conference is back for a second year! Following the success of our inaugural event in 2024, the programme returns with inspiring and diverse speakers at the heart of the conference - aiming to evolve and improve the living experience for students during their time in Higher Education.
Join Unipol and colleagues across the sector this year in Sheffield for a day of insights, networking and opportunity.
How Do I Book?
Click here to book your place at the conference.
See the Agenda
Speakers now confirmed include:
- Scott Blakeway, Operations Director, MYS Living
- Jane Crouch, Chief Operating Officer, Fresh Student Living
- Dido Graham, Senior Architect & Passivhaus Designer, Willmore Iles Architects
- Ian Jones, Deputy Director of Accommodation and Commercial Services, University of Sheffield
- Joe Lay, Director of Accommodation, University College London
- Michael Lees, Director of Student Services, Nottingham Trent University
- Clare Ody, Kinetics
- Aaron Porter, Higher Education Advisor and Trustee
- Lee Rawlinson, University Partnerships Director, Homes for Students
- Alexandra Slater, Interim Director of Student Experience and Education, University of Reading
- Tuely Robins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, StudentCrowd
- Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed, Deputy Chief Executive (Interim), Unipol Student Homes
StudentCrowd sponsor the National Codes Student Experience Conference 2025
"StudentCrowd is a proud sponsor of Unipol’s Student Experience Conference, bringing together unique insights and industry expertise to shape the future of student accommodation. Together, we’re focused on supporting organisations to enhance student satisfaction, optimise performance, and navigate the evolving market with confidence. It's set to be an engaging and insightful event!"
Tuely Robins
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Conference Agenda
Thursday 27th February 2025
| 10.00 – 10.05 |
Welcome & Introduction - Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed, Unipol Setting the Scene The importance of the Student Experience in Higher Education; adding value to student choice. |
|
10.05 – 10.25 |
Nick Hillman, Chief Executive, HEPI The importance of the Student Experience in Higher Education; adding value to student choice. |
|
10.25 – 10.55 |
Student Crowd - Tuely Robins Unlocking student decisions in 2025: What drives intentions, choice, and experience? |
|
10.55 – 11.30 |
Panel Session A student's perspective - 'what's hot & what's not' - a guide to designing and operating the best spaces to enhance the residential experience. Andrew Howarth, Student First Group – Moderator Olivia Brooks, VP Community & Welfare Nottingham Trent University Students’ Union Scott Blakeway, Operations Director, MYS Living Dido Graham, Senior Architect & Passivhaus Designer, Willmore Iles Architects Joe Lay, Director of Accommodation, University College London Alexandra Slater, Interim Director of Student Experience and Education, University of Reading |
|
11.30 – 12.00 |
Break |
|
12.00 - 13.00 |
2 Presentations followed by Panel Discussion Presentation 1 - Aaron Porter, Higher Education Advisor & Trustee: What a changing & challenging higher education environment means for students, institutions and accommodation providers. Presentation 2 - Ian Jones, Deputy Director of Accommodation & Commercial Services, University of Sheffield: What universities expect from accommodation providers & vice versa - good & bad trends and practices. Panel discussion - Ian Jones, Aaron Porter, Jane Crouch (Chief Operating Officer, Fresh Student Living), Lee Rawlinson (Director, Homes for Students): Partnership essentials to develop the best student experience. |
|
13.00 – 13.10 |
The importance of universities to the UK economy and society. |
|
13.10 – 13.50 |
Lunch |
|
Session 1: 13.50 - 14.20 Session 2: 14.25 - 14.55 |
3 recurring Unipol Thought Leadership snapshots
|
|
14.55 - 15.25 |
Break |
|
Session 3: 15.30 - 15.55 |
|
|
16.00 - 16.30 |
Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed, Unipol The Unipol/ANUK National Codes of Standards and closing remarks. |
Who Should Attend?
This event is suitable for all colleagues working in the student accommodation and University sector. Unipol is a firm believer in empowering colleagues at all levels to attend and share best practice.
We encourage providers alike to send a broad cohort of attendees - from on-site managers to senior level staff. The day presents an opportunity for both cross-sector networking, whilst also enhancing collaboration across your own team.
Why Should I Attend?
By attending this event, you are adding value to conversations that are tackling real-time issues facing students in 2025. Building on feedback from last year's event, we have developed an agenda that allows delegates to:
- Listen to industry experts and develop your understanding of students and the unique UK Higher Education experience
- Take part in interactive debates and sessions to have a voice within the sector
- Share best practice and learning in student living
- Develop collaborative networks across both private providers and institutions through networking opportunities
Feedback from the 2024 conference told us that 98% of attendees would attend the conference again and recommend it to a colleague. Attendees also fed back:
"The event was wonderful, thank you so much for the efforts to put this together. The Unipol team are always so welcoming and I appreciated knowledge from the speakers."
"It was a real privilege to attend, and I'm really grateful to the organisers for the opportunity!"
"It was a fantastic experience - thank you for organising!"
Friends of Unipol Training
Friends of Unipol Training receive a £65 discount on tickets. To check if your organisation is a Friend of Unipol Training click here.
Networking Event - 26th February
There will be the opportunity when booking to also book on to the networking drinks the evening before the Conference. Please choose this option when booking if you would like to attend. This will be 6pm - 8pm in Sheffield City Centre.
Venue
Cutlers' Hall, 7-15 Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HG
Exhibitors
We have a number of opportunities for Exhibitors, if you would like to talk about exhibiting at the event please drop us an email.