Entry Deadline: 20 February 2026 23:59
ISE Student Recruitment Conference 22 and 23 June 2026
We are keen on a creative range of sessions, including panels, masterclass-type sessions, interactive workshops, research sharing, and much more. We also welcome collaborative submissions with other ISE members and non-member organisations who have delivered or are working on early talent recruitment partnership programmes and projects.
Please note that all solution provider submissions need to include employer collaboration.
Our overarching theme for the conference is: Emerging Talent in Transition: Building ethical, scalable and student-centred hiring in times of change
The themes we have identified for content are:
The evolving workforce and talent landscape
Skills and policy changes. What’s happening around us, and how should emerging talent teams respond?- The evolution from graduate recruitment to early careers to emerging/ total talent: what does this mean for our teams? e.g. Modular qualifications & LLE – are recruitment and selection processes prepared for non-linear, stackable learner journeys?
- Globalisation in emerging talent: moving from UK-only teams to global hiring – how is the function changing?
- What is the impact on employers of immigration reform and the changes to graduate visas?
AI, Technology & the Human Experience
- Balancing efficiency, fairness and humanity in an AI-enabled recruitment world. How do we stay human, ethical and transparent when AI is everywhere?
- The benefits, risks and dangers of using AI in recruitment and selection: what should and should not be automated?
- Rejections are through the roof – how do we maintain humanity? Communicating rejection at scale: systems, scripts, and dignity.
Attraction, Engagement & the Student Perspective
- Understanding what the next generation really wants, beyond assumptions. Do our processes match what students value?
- How do universities and educators navigate this emerging talent landscape?
- Is the ‘social contract’ with students broken? If so, what does keeping our promise look like?
- How do employers and universities jointly support candidates to reduce reneges?
Recruitment Operations & Good Practice
- Practical challenges facing emerging talent teams today. What does great operational delivery look like in complex, high-pressure markets?
- Demand planning & forecasting: how teams are adjusting for unpredictable pipelines and what impact is SWP (strategic workforce planning) having?
- Volume management: end-to-end process redesign in the face of mass applications.
- What does “excellence” look like in today’s early talent function?
Wildcard
- An opportunity to submit something relevant but completely different!
To submit an entry, you will be asked to outline the key content (500 words max) and the key benefits and takeaways (500 words max). This should include the practical applications that can be expected from your session.
Scoring Criteria
The Planning and Review Group will evaluate your submission using the following criteria.
- Content topic coverage - Show how your session connects to the conference theme and chosen topic area. Make it clear why this subject matters now and how it responds to current challenges or opportunities in the apprenticeship landscape.
- Content inspiration - Explain how your session will introduce fresh thinking. Highlight the ideas, insights or perspectives you plan to share and how they will help delegates reflect on or rethink their current approaches.
- Content originality and relevant delivery - Highlight what makes your session unique by showing a fresh perspective, innovative approach, or new insight. Use a delivery style that emphasises this originality and clearly communicates your key points, utilising the delivery style guidance:
- Panel – Use a mix of contrasting voices to offer a rounded and thought-provoking discussion
- Masterclass – Share focused expertise that gives delegates clear, practical guidance they can apply
- Interactive workshop – Use participation and hands-on exercises to help delegates practise ideas directly
- Research presentation – Present evidence and insights in a clear way that sparks new thinking and practical reflection
- Other format – Propose a delivery style that enhances your idea and creates a distinctive experience for delegates.
- Content evidence provided - Support your submission with examples, data, case studies or outcomes that strengthen your session. Show the impact of your work and why your experience positions you to deliver this topic with authority.
- Content appeals to delegates - Be clear about what delegates will learn and take away. Outline the practical tools, actions or insights they will be able to apply in their own organisations so the value of attending your session is easy to see.
Successful submissions do not guarantee a free of charge ticket for speakers to the Conference
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