Event: UHR 2026 virtual conference and Birmingham summit
Virtual conference: 12 to 14 May 2026
In-person summit: 23 to 24 June 2026
Location: Online and Birmingham
INTOO was pleased to take part in UHR 2026 across both the virtual conference in May and the in-person Senior HR Summit in Birmingham in June.
These two events brought together HR professionals from across higher education to explore key challenges facing the sector. They also created valuable space for discussion, learning and practical insight.
Supporting higher education through uncertainty
At UHR 2026, INTOO’s focus was on helping universities support their people during times of uncertainty and reorganisation.
Our session, Navigating Uncertainty and Reorganisation in Higher Education: Best Practice Support for Universities and their People, explored the impact of organisational change across higher education. It also looked at how universities can support leaders, managers and employees through transition.
This remains an important topic for the sector. Financial pressure, restructuring and shifting priorities continue to affect institutions, teams and individuals. As a result, HR leaders are often managing both strategic change and the human impact that comes with it.
Key themes from the discussion
The session explored several themes that are especially relevant for HR professionals in higher education.
These included:
- the organisational and emotional impact of change
- the effect of uncertainty on morale, trust and engagement
- the pressure placed on leaders and managers during reorganisation
- the need for resilience, adaptability and clear communication
- practical ways to support both departing and remaining employees
We also discussed how the way change is handled can shape trust, reputation and long-term employee loyalty.
Practical support for universities and their people
INTOO shared insight into the different ways universities can support people through change.
This included change management workshops, coaching, career development support and outplacement. It also included practical support for leaders, managers and teams who are navigating difficult transitions.
For universities, supporting people well during change is not only about managing immediate disruption. It is also about protecting values, maintaining confidence and helping people move forward positively.
UHR 2026 virtual conference
The virtual conference took place from 12 to 14 May 2026. It continued UHR’s annual online conference format and brought together HR professionals from across the higher education sector.
According to the event materials, more than 2,650 delegates from 112 institutions attended the 2025 conference, showing the scale and value of the UHR community. The digital format also creates wider access to content, networking and post-event learning.
UHR 2026 Senior HR Summit in Birmingham
The in-person Senior HR Summit took place on 23 and 24 June 2026 at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Birmingham.
This event brought together senior HR leaders from across higher education. It offered further opportunities for networking, discussion and shared insight in a face-to-face setting.
For INTOO, it was a valuable opportunity to continue conversations with higher education HR professionals and explore how organisations can support people through change, transition and career development.
Looking ahead
Change continues to shape the higher education sector. Therefore, supporting people through uncertainty remains a key priority for HR teams and institutional leaders.
We were delighted to be part of UHR 2026 and to contribute to the conversation around change, resilience and career transition.
To learn more about how INTOO supports organisations with outplacement, coaching and career transition, please get in touch with our team.