National Research Conference for Careers Practitioners

Wednesday 18 February 2026, 10 am - 3 pm, online 
This event will be delivered in partnership by the CDI, iCeGS, AGCAS and NICEC

Book now

Overview

The National Research Conference for Careers Practitioners is an annual event, brought to you in partnership by the CDI, iCeGS, AGCAS and NICEC. 

Theme for 2026: Sharing and showcasing practitioner research

The upcoming National Research Conference for Careers Practitioners will focus on supporting careers practitioners in all settings to share their research, showcasing a range of excellent work across the whole careers sector. We’ll also be considering how practitioners can engage effectively with research and the importance of evidence-informed careers practice. As ever, we will have a range of expert keynotes, panel speakers and diverse parallel sessions for attendees, and a research poster fair open to all careers practitioners. 

For the first time, the conference is completely free for all those working in careers and employability, or with an interest in this area. 

Many people see research as something undertaken by academics however, we want to inspire all career development practitioners to develop their confidence, undertake research and develop the evidence base. We want you to celebrate your research and to talk about how this has informed your own and others’ practice. 

We encourage all members to attend this conference. You do not have to currently be a researcher to enjoy and learn from this event, and we welcome a range of perspectives and experiences. We look forward to seeing you there! Book now

Call for seminar workshops

We are inviting proposals for seminar sessions. There will be three 30-minute seminar sessions at the conference, each with a Q&A. 

This is your chance to share your expertise, insights and innovative ideas with a passionate community of professionals shaping the future of career education. We encourage both fresh perspectives and seasoned voices to contribute, making this event a dynamic and diverse learning experience for all attendees (you don’t need to be an academic to get involved). 

We are looking for seminar proposals that feature:

  • Research by careers practitioners in any setting
  • Projects that demonstrate evidence-informed careers practice 
  • Innovative approaches to engaging with research 
  • Case studies and reflections
  • Perspectives that inspire others to engage with research

Please submit your seminar proposal by Friday 31 October.  

2026 keynote speaker

We are pleased to have Dr Emma Bolger as our keynote speaker at the Conference. 

 




Dr Emma Bolger is a Scotland-based freelance careers expert with 20+ years' experience working in education and careers as a lecturer, researcher and careers practitioner.

Emma has spent nearly ten years training career professionals, supporting them to return to study to complete work-based masters dissertation projects, and supervises doctoral researchers. Alongside this, Emma’s dedication to building the research skills and status of career practitioners is evidenced through her recent book, The Career Professional’s Guide to Research (Bath, UK: Trotman Indigo)

2026 programme

Our programme is intended to be largely presented by practitioners and aim to encourage those who have an interest in and enthusiasm to undertake research but perhaps lack the confidence. The Conference is going to be held online and we invite international colleagues to join us.

The online programme includes:
•    A keynote presentations on research relevant to career development
•    Two panels of practitioner researchers
•    A range of seminars aligned to the conference theme
•    An online poster session*

Schedule

09:30 – 10.00 Helpdesk, networking and poster viewing

10.00 – 10:10 Welcome

10:10 – 10:40 Keynote: Emma Bolger

10:40 – 11:20 Panel 1: Routes to Publication

  • Chair: Dr Joanne Caldwell (University of Salford; Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education)
  • Rish Baruah (University of Stirling; Phoenix/AGCAS)
  • Dr Olly Jenkins (CDI/Career Matters)
  • Dr Fiona Christie (NICEC)  

11:20 – 11:40 Poster viewing & short break

11:40 – 12:10 Parallel seminars (session 1)

12:10 – 12:15 Transition between parallels

12:15 – 12:45 Parallel seminars (session 2)

12:45 – 13:30 Lunch

13:30 – 14:00 Parallel seminars (session 3)

14:00 – 14:40 Panel 2: Achieving impact with your research

  • Chair: Chris Webb (University of Huddersfield)
  • Michele Palmer (London College of Communication)
  • Antony Adams
  • Prof. Kobus Maree (University of Pretoria)  

14:40 – 15:00 Poster winner announcement & closing remarks

2025 Poster Competition - closed

Career practitioners and students engaged in research of any type were invited to present a poster at this conference; the posters should, where possible, aim to link to the conference sub-themes. There are many benefits for a researcher in doing this:

  • Tell people about your research
  • Gain interest and feedback
  • Engage in useful discussion and maybe collaboration
  • Share your findings and prepare for wider dissemination

You can be at any stage of the research process, so your poster might cover anything from early plans for the methodology or literature review, right through to findings and analysis of a near-complete research project. The aim is to inform and inspire other potential practitioner researchers.

How to produce a research poster

If you would like a conversation with someone to help you to develop your poster, please contact Claire Toogood at [email protected]. 

Prize

The award winner will be announced during the closing session of the Conference and will receive all of the following: 2 complimentary tickets to the UK Career Development awards,  AGCAS training session, 1 year NICEC membership and a copy of set of three CDI handbooks.

*The poster session at the conference is a space for dialogue: for practitioner researchers to present a summary of their work, and for conference delegates to gain an overview of the variety of current or recent research projects.

Why attend?

Many people see research as something undertaken by academics, however, we want to inspire all career development practitioners to develop their confidence, undertake research, develop the evidence base and contribute to the professionalisation of the sector. We want you to celebrate your research and to talk about how this has informed your own and others' practice.

Audience

Career development practitioners working with young people and adults, including careers advisers, career consultants and coaches, careers leaders, and researchers.

Cost

CDI, AGCAS and NICEC members or Fellows                            FREE

Non - members                                                                         FREE

Student Members of iCeGS, CDI, AGCAS and NICEC                FREE

If your employer is paying for your place and you need to use your employer's credit card or you need an invoice, please contact our events team.

Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464