SUSE Annual Conference

Join us for the SUSE Annual Conference 2026: Making It Work – Excellence in Supported Employment Practice.

This year’s theme focuses on how we transform knowledge into real-world results, driving meaningful change for individuals and employers alike. Expect inspiring speakers, practical workshops and networking opportunities that will help you elevate your Supported Employment practice.

Key topics to be explored include:

Evidence-Based Practice in Supported Employment

• How data and research can shape better outcomes.

Employer Engagement & Inclusive Recruitment

• Practical strategies for building strong employer partnerships.

Technology & Innovation in Supported Employment

• Leveraging digital tools and AI to enhance job matching and coaching.

• Accessibility in the workplace: Tech solutions that make a difference.

Skills Development & Training

• Preparing job seekers for future work trends.

• Upskilling key workers and employment specialists for excellence.

Turning Insight into Impact

• How to translate research and feedback into actionable strategies.

This year’s Conference is your opportunity to turn insight into impact.

Join practitioners, policy makers and leaders in employability to explore cutting-edge research, practical strategies and innovative solutions that drive real change in Supported Employment. Network with peers, influence policy and gain tools to future-proof your practice – all while celebrating excellence and sharing success stories that inspire action.

Register to Attend

Early Bird Tickets £105
SUSE Member Tickets £115
General Delegate Tickets £145

SUSE Members are welcome to register directly with us and can request an invoice. Simply email Mandy Reid at mandy@susescotland.scot

Tickets are also available on Eventbrite.

Early Bird tickets are now sold out.

Here’s more about the Conference Day…

Agenda:

Keynote Speakers

Chirsty McFadyen, Knowledge Exchange Associate, Fraser of Allander Institute

Chirsty will present an update on The Fraser of Allander Institute’s latest programme of research related to people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and developmental disorders titled Leading Good Lives – Achieving Fulfilment, Independence and Inclusion. This third programme of work funded by Acorns to Trees covers employability, social security, and evaluation of a new inclusive employment programme.’

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director, Close the Gap
Excluded by Design: Research on disabled women’s employment in Scotland.

Disabled women’s experiences of the labour market represent one of the most pressing yet overlooked inequalities in Scotland today. While the challenges faced by women and disabled people in work are increasingly recognised in policymaking, the unique experiences of disabled women at the intersection of gender and disability remain largely invisible. Excluded by Design marks a significant milestone; it is the first research of its kind to provide a Scotland-specific evidence base on disabled women’s employment experiences.

Dr Joanna Butler and Kathryn Andrew, University of Strathclyde
Organisational Justice in Practice: Implications for Disabled Employees

Organisational justice – how fairness is experienced in workplace decisions, processes, and interactions – is vital for disabled employees. The session highlights how transparent policies, equitable opportunities, and respectful communication shape engagement, performance, and retention, while embedding justice supports inclusion, reduces discrimination risk, and strengthens organisational credibility. Attendees will gain practical insight into treating justice as a strategic capability rather than a compliance exercise.

Plus more to be announced.

Panel Discussion

Tomorrow’s Jobs: What will the labour market look like by 2030, what do we need to prepare for?

Our panellists will be sharing their views and ideas on how the labour market will change in the years ahead with greater automation and AI, and we’ll reflect on what this means for the services we deliver.

• What type of employment opportunities will increase or decrease.
• How can we prepare our clients to achieve sustained employment as the labour market changes?
• Are our staff teams ready to face the challenge?

Panel Members:

• Grant Thoms, Head of Engagement for ASH Scotland (Panel Chair)
• Brian O’Reilly, founder of EGG Lighting
• Derek McCamley, Head of Business Support Services at Scottish Enterprise
• Iain Duff, one of the Bank of England’s Agents for Scotland

Workshops

We’re delighted to confirm workshops from:

• Springfield Group and Balfour Beatty
• GCVS
• Policy Connect
• Outshine Telephone Training & Resources
• MyEmploy
• Into Work and Values Into Action
• Alliance for Inclusion and Changing the Chemistry
• Cole AD
• North Lanarkshire Council’s Supported Enterprise Service

Topics will range from effective employer engagement, the latest on employment law and what practitioners need to know, to practical tools to support your service. Plus more to be announced.

New for 2026! 
Our workshop panel conversation will focus on Navigating Careers in Construction. This panel discussion brings together employers and industry representatives who will provide front line insights to help you better guide jobseekers into sustainable, meaningful careers in construction.

Our range of workshops are designed to inspire, challenge and equip you with new skills and perspectives. Once they are announced you can register for workshops here.

Workshop Sponsors

Partners & Sponsors

As a charity we rely on funding and sponsorship to deliver high quality learning and networking that drive change, to make our events as accessible as possible and provide complimentary tickets to our Experience Network, ensuring that lived experience voices are part of the Conference. Your support helps us continue this vital work and demonstrates your commitment to workplace inclusion.

If you’re interested in joining us to shape a more equitable future, find out how to become a Partner and Sponsor.