The Universal Credit Conference 2026
Previous Supporters Include:
Overview
The benefit and welfare system in the UK is entering a period of substantial reform. Major legislative changes in 2025–26 will reshape Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with significant implications for claimants and practitioners alike. Notably, the proposed removal of the two-child benefit cap from April 2026, will enable families with larger households to access full child benefits.
Agenda
Registration
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Keynote: 2026 Universal Credit Policy Updates
- Developing an understanding of how the proposed removal of the two-child limit in 2026 will financially boost household incomes and reduce child poverty
- Outlining the latest Westminster welfare reforms that uprate the Universal Credit standard allowance above inflation and introduce new protections for severely disabled claimants
- Discussing how Universal Credit conditions apply across claimant cohorts, particularly single parents and disabled people
- Examining how changes to Universal Credit rates and eligibility interact with local authority delivery pressures
Sian Berry MP, Chair, Poverty and Inequality APPG (invited)
Keynote: Employment Support and Economic Inactivity
- Examining how reforms integrate Pathways to Work advisers and encourage targeted job support for inactive claimants
- Discussing employer engagement strategies that align English and devolved service provision to reduce inactivity
- Outlining supported employment models that protect income while encouraging participation in work
- Developing frameworks that match claimant aspirations with realistic employment opportunities and pathways to training
Barbara Bennett, Chief Executive and Director General, Jobs and Careers Service Operations, Department for Work and Pensions (invited)
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Disability Support and Health Elements in Universal Credit
- Examining recent research showing how cuts to PIP and Universal Credit will affect disabled households
- Discussing the implications of halving the new Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity for new claimants
- Outlining how the forthcoming review of PIP assessment and eligibility criteria will shape access to support for claimants with complex needs
- Identifying best practice for local advisers supporting claimants through reassessment and benefit planning
Evan John, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, Sense (CONFIRMED)
Keynote: Post-Migration Universal Credit Support
- Outlining how transitional protection works in practice
- Discussing common barriers faced by claimants who missed their initial migration deadline and how these can lead to lost transitional protection or gaps in benefit support
- Identifying best practice for advisers supporting clients through complex migration outcomes
- Demonstrating how improved local support can reduce misunderstanding and loss of benefits
Clare Moritarty, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice (invited)
Questions & Answers
Lunch Break
Keynote: Tackling Child Poverty through Updated Universal Credit Policy
- Outlining how the removal of the two-child limit will alter child poverty trends
- Discussing the practical implications for local service delivery in housing support as family incomes shift
- Demonstrating ways to maximise awareness and take-up of expanded entitlement among families
- Developing approaches that link Universal Credit changes with complementary childcare and education support systems
Sophie Howes, Head of Policy, Child Poverty Action Group UK (invited)
Case Study: Universal Credit, Housing and Rent
- Developing strategies to prevent eviction by ensuring Universal Credit payments are aligned with rent cycles and efficient use of Discretionary Housing Payments
- Examining how Universal Credit changes affect arrears levels among tenants, linking evidence to payment delays and rent instability
- Outlining partnership models between councils and housing associations that support claimants at risk of homelessness
- Integrating financial advice, tenancy sustainment and welfare rights services to reduce debt and ensure housing security
Jamie Carswell, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Housing and Safer Communities, Royal Borough of Greenwich (invited)
Questions & Answers
Breakout Networking:
An interactive networking session enabling delegates to connect with peers, speakers and leaders to discuss shared challenges and emerging trends in Universal Credit delivery. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange insights and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Comfort Break
Keynote: Universal Credit Decisions, Errors and Challenging Outcomes
- Outlining key Universal Credit decision-making errors emerging from managed migration
- Using mandatory reconsiderations and appeals effectively to challenge incorrect decisions and prevent avoidable hardship
- Considering how administrative practice and digital design can disadvantage claimants with complex needs or limited access
- Delivering practical casework approaches advisers and housing officers can use to identify errors early and secure correct awards
Alan Markey, Chair, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisors (invited)
Case Study: The Future of UK Welfare and Benefits
- Reflecting on the evidence from 2025–26 reforms and the wider policy debate about administrative simplicity versus claimant wellbeing
- Examining emerging critiques of eligibility tightening and spending pressures from different perspectives
- Discussing alternative models for delivering effective benefits and welfare, focusing on how they improve outcomes for the public
- Outlining policy priorities for benefit reform that addresses cost of living, health-related poverty and poverty in family households
Iain Porter, Senior Policy Advisor, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (invited)
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Conference Close
Get in Touch
Previous Speakers
Carly Harling
Senior Implementation Specialist
Voicescape
Dr Rajiv Prabhakar
Senior Lecturer In Personal Finance
The Open University
Gareth Morgan
Chair
Welfare Rights Advisors Cymru
Chloe Schendel-Wilson
Co-Founder and Director
The Disability Policy Centre
Testimonials
I really found this Conference very helpful and enlightening, with good speakers who have experienced and grown their agencies and obviously have a passion to help people. Most encouraging and inspiring. Very well done
A very well-planned conference with a good amount of information on each subject covered.
Varied content that linked back to supporting people to improve their financial situations, extremely valuable.
Great event! So much information shared that will be genuinely helpful in our work.
Why You Should Attend?
✓ Gain insights from high-level keynotes by leading organisations on the latest Universal Credit guidance and policy updates
✓ Explore case studies highlighting best practice in supporting low-income and vulnerable families
✓ Engage with a wide range of topics, including improving financial guidance, navigating employment pathways, and improving support for financially vulnerable households
✓ Network with speakers and senior professionals, building connections and sharing experiences across the sectors
✓ 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota
Who Should Attend?
| Job Title Example | Organisation Examples |
| Policy Officer | Local Governments |
| Income Officer | National Housing Organisations |
| Money Advisors | Citizens Advice |
| Financial Inclusion Managers | Disability Rights Groups |
| Tenancy Sustainment Managers | Financial Security Organisations |
| Universal Credit Specialists | Employment Support Groups |
Pricing Options
PUBLIC SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
PRIVATE SECTOR
Your delegate place at this leading conference gives you: Full access to the conference; E-guide; Networking opportunities during the day; Access to presentations post conference; 8 CPD Points.
Sponsorship
Raise Your Profile, Showcase Your Solutions, Generate New Business
If your products, services, and solutions can support our audiences in their roles, and you want to make connections and generate new business with key stakeholders, decision makers, and influencers, then please contact us using the enquiry form below.
IMPORTANT: There are only a small number of sponsorship opportunities available to ensure maximum exposure and ROI – contact us today to secure your place.
Virtual vs F2F
Whilst F2F provide better options for networking, there are many distinct advantages of sponsoring our online conferences including:
- Wider geographical reach of delegates and a different audience who prefer online to f2f
- Lower sponsorship package costs
- No travel/accommodation
- Less time out of the office
- No stand materials required (lower costs)
- 1 of only 2 sponsors involved – less competition on the day
- Prime speaking slot in the morning of the conference including Q&A – less distractions and easier for delegates to hear/absorb information
- Receive all delegate data after the conference to follow-up directly with those who attend and don’t attend (small % but still key stakeholders)
- Ongoing exposure via OnDemand access (coming soon)
To find out more and discuss your specific objectives, please contact us below:
