ISE Chair Joan Moore reflects on our flagship Student Recruitment Conference and shares her highlights.
Tech thought leader Bill Boorman opened our annual conference this year with a powerful reality check: Talent Acquisition teams have shrunk by 40%, and looking ahead, up to 80% of recruitment processes may be automated, delivering a potential 60% time saving.
But rather than a threat, he highlighted that this shift presents an exciting opportunity for role transformation for those ready to embrace new ways of working.
Interestingly, some of that ‘new’ might involve going back to what we once did really well: a return to milkrounds and face-to-face assessments - hurrah!
Bill also made a critical distinction between IA (Intelligent Automation) and AI. Getting the language right is a vital first step, especially for those just joining the conversation. He emphasised the importance of establishing clear ‘acceptable use’ policies for AI, spanning education through to employment.
AI opportunity
AI featured in almost every session this year, but what stood out to me was the tone. No longer dominated by fear, the conversation was full of curiosity, innovation, and optimism.
The sector is clearly ready to embrace change and not just for ourselves, for our clients, candidates, and the wider communities we serve.
Best-selling author Daniel Susskind captivated us with his vision of the future of work. His warning to avoid building barriers to protect outdated practices really struck a chord.
Instead, he urged us to start with a blank page, to focus on outcomes, not just processes. His phrase “take us by surprise” really resonated with me. How can we create more of those ‘wow’ moments for candidates and colleagues? Innovation doesn’t have to be expensive.
Wider context
Sam Freedman, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government, added essential geopolitical context. He touched on economic conditions, the new government, and the potential for policy reform.
His remarks on the urgent need for better support for children with SEN were particularly powerful. It left me thinking: how can we support students across schools, FE and HE to realise their potential and build confidence?
I was encouraged by how many organisations are already ramping up efforts in pre-skilling, work readiness, and thoughtful onboarding.
Leadership and personal development
I. Stephanie Boyce closed the conference with an inspiring personal story about her rise to become the 177th President of the Law Society, the first person of colour and the 6th woman to hold the role.
Her session prompted real reflection for me on leadership - on staying values-led, asking bold (sometimes awkward) questions, and always asking: What is the right thing to do? In a world of accelerating tech, leadership today requires curiosity, courage and emotional intelligence.
A special shoutout to Sean Tolram, whose session on mindfulness reminded us to slow down, reflect, and prioritise our own development. In an earlier piece for ISE he shared how mindfulness can also support the student to professional transition.
I was amazed to hear that HSBC now runs over 150 mindfulness sessions each month. Sean’s career journey is also a perfect example of the ‘squiggly career’ and turning passion into purpose.
One thing I particularly loved this year was the emphasis on interactive sessions and storytelling. Even our solution providers joined the fun by running an energising challenge session, which was such a hit we’re planning to do it again next year!
As I write this I am reminded of the phrase: ‘All that glitters is not gold’ - no organisation, programme or process is perfect or has all the answers - and that’s okay.
What matters is that we continue learning from each other, and the more we lean into these ISE community events, the stronger and more resilient our industry becomes.