31 March 2026 - UCISA26 Jodie Wetherall Reflections
UCISA26 Leadership Summit – Bursary Feedback Summary
What I was looking forward to
Ahead of UCISA26, I was particularly looking forward to the opportunity to spend meaningful time away from the day‑to‑day pressures of the office. The Summit offered a valuable chance to reconnect with sector peers, meet with our partners in a more relaxed and focused setting, and spend time with colleagues outside of the usual operational context. Having dedicated space to reflect, without a diary dominated by meetings, was an important and welcome prospect.First impressions
Having attended a number of UCISA conferences previously, I arrived with high expectations, which were fully met. The Summit was exceptionally well organised, with a clear programme and strong logistical support throughout. The venue was excellent — both comfortable and perfectly situated — contributing positively to the overall experience. One particular highlight was the formal dinner and awards held at the Cathedral, which provided a memorable setting and a fitting opportunity to celebrate sector achievements. The choice of venue reinforced the sense that this was a special and thoughtfully curated event.Key takeaways
My three key takeaways from the Summit were:
- Shared challenges and priorities — It was striking to see just how aligned institutions are, with many of us working on the same programmes and initiatives at the same time and facing very similar challenges.
- Strength of collaboration in the sector — The higher education IT community continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to openness, collaboration, and sharing. There is a genuine willingness to exchange lessons learned, approaches, and practical solutions.
- Value of space for reflection — Stepping away from daily operational demands created the space to think more strategically, test assumptions with peers, and reflect on how current initiatives align with longer‑term objectives.
Recommendation for first‑time attendees
My top recommendation for anyone attending the UCISA Leadership Summit for the first time would be to spend some time in advance planning what they want to get out of the event. Identifying priority sessions and the vendors or partners you would like to engage with helps ensure your time is used effectively and allows for more purposeful conversations. Balancing planned activity with space for informal discussions maximises the value of the Summit experience.Overall, UCISA26 provided significant professional value and reinforced the importance of community, shared learning, and reflection within the sector.
