AISA Conference 2026

This year’s theme focuses on change, with a programme that will look at some of the key issues facing colleagues across the sector. We’ll have an interactive session with Ash Charlton (ACE Training) on ‘Coping with Change’, exploring practical ways of managing uncertainty at a time of changing government policy, pressures on international recruitment, institutional financial pressures and potential redundancy and restructures. Ash is a qualified psychologist and counsellor who has delivered very successful personal development courses for over 20 years.

The programme will also include a UKCISA policy work update, a Q&A with UKVI where you can submit questions in advance on this Padlet , and an extended networking session with ‘Marketplace stalls’, where colleagues will host conversations - providing a great opportunity to share ideas, experience and good practice with peers on their chosen topic.

Full programme:

10.00: Arrival and refreshments

10.30 - 11.15: UKCISA update on policy work

11.15 - 11.30: Refreshment break

11.30 - 13.00: Operational update from UKVI. A member of UKVI’s Operations Team will provide an update, followed by a Q and A. Those registered to attend can submit their questions in advance on this Padlet which we will ask UKVI to prioritise on the day. Please ensure your questions are relevant to international student advice work.  Include your full name and institution name.

13.00 - 14.30: Marketplace peer learning, extended networking and lunch. Find out about good practice, and chat to peers from other institutions in an informal setting. 

14.30 - 16.00: Coping with change. Ash Charlton (ACE Training), will deliver an  interactive workshop about coping with change; survival strategies for keeping up your morale and motivation as well as dealing with the stress and uncertainty of change. 

16.00: Optional networking the Thirsty Scholar at ISH (drinks not included)