The Chartered ABS Annual Conference is the nexus between UK business schools, industry and government. Moreover, it is the occasion for deans, directors and senior leaders of UK business schools to reflect on common challenges, share best practice and explore new opportunities.

This year's gathering explores how business schools are contributing to the ‘public good’ and are helping to create a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for our society in the UK and internationally.

Confirmed speakers include:

Professor Caryn Beck-Dudley
Dean
Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE
former Chief Executive
MITIE Group

Tim Gardam
Chief Executive
Nuffield Foundation

Dr David Halpern
Chief Executive
Behavioural Insights Team

Angela Knight CBE
Former Chair
Office of Tax Simplification

Anna Laycock
Chief Executive
Finance Innovation Lab

Amanda Mackenzie OBE
Chief Executive
Business in the Community

Chris Millward
Director for Fair Access and Participation
Office for Students

Jennie Younger
Executive Director of Development
King’s College London

Asif Sadiq
Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
The Telegraph

Professor Peter Tufano
Dean
Saïd Business School

Join us and explore:

  • How business schools are helping to support the educational growth, economic life and cultural well-being of their local communities.
  • How technology, changing student demographics and new pedagogy is disrupting education at undergraduate, postgraduate and post-experience level
  • How government policy and the changing political environment is impacting business schools and what institutions can do to manage risk and take advantage of new opportunities
  • How business and management education is contributing to social mobility and widening participation
  • How the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion are being embedded in teaching, research and the management of business school faculty
  • What business and management scholars are doing to engage with the innovation agenda, contribute to interdisciplinary research and ensure their research has a positive societal impact
  • How UK business schools are operating in the international landscape and helping to forge economic links, international trade opportunities and inward international investment

Click here to download the programme

Day One, 4 November - view programme

Day Two, 5 November - view programme

DAY ONE, Monday 4 November

Registration for the pre-conference working groups is from 8:30

The Deans Meeting - (09:30-12:30)
The fourth annual meeting of the Deans of UK business schools.

Chair: Professor Julia Clarke, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Dean, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School; Chair, Chartered Association of Business Schools

Leaders in Learning & Teaching Network meeting (09:30-12:30)
A roundtable meeting for Directors of Learning & Teaching and senior educators.

Chair: Dr Adam Shore, Director Academic, Liverpool Business School

The Research Directors Colloquium (09:30-12:30)
A closed-door meeting for Directors of Research from UK business schools.

Chair: Professor Graeme Currie, Professor of Public Management & Pro-Dean Research Engagement & Impact, Warwick Business School

Accelerating growth: The SBC clinic for small businesses and entrepreneurs (09:00-12:30)
Hosted by the Small Business Charter this business clinic offers practical support and guidance for small businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators

Saleem Arif, Chief Executive, ReviewSolicitors
Raj Burman, Head of SME, Growth Accelerator and Partnerships, GS1 UK
Matthew Clarke, Director and Founder, Privalgo
Henning von Spreckelsen, Managing Director, Shere Investment and Sainsbury Management Fellow
Chair: Sian Rees, Associate Dean and Director of Innovation & Enterprise, Cardiff School of Management

The transnational education landscape (09:50-12:30)
A roundtable about the opportunities for UK business schools to grow their global footprint.

Aisling Conboy, Higher Education Specialist, Education Team, Department for International Trade
Kevin Van Cauter, Senior Adviser, Higher Education Partnerships and Transnational Education, British Council
Timothy Mescon, Executive  Vice President and Chief Officer, EMEA, AACSB International
Celia Partridge, Assistant Director, Partnerships and Mobility, Universities UK International
Co-chairs: Dr Yvonne Carlisle, Head of International, Nottingham Business School
Chris Marshall, Associate Dean Recruitment, International and Partnerships, University of Bedfordshire, Business School

12:30 Conference registration and lunch

13:40 Welcome

Anne Kiem, Chief Executive, Chartered Association of Business Schools
Professor Julia Clarke, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Dean, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School; Chair, Chartered Association of Business Schools

14:00 Keynote session: Business schools in a changing world
Guest Keynote Speakers discuss the forces that are disrupting business & management education and the ways in which business schools can deliver value to students, stakeholders, business and society.

Angela Knight CBE, former Chair, Office of Tax Simplification
Professor Caryn Beck-Dudley, Dean, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University
Professor Peter Tufano, Dean, Saïd Business School
Chair: Professor Zoe Radnor, Vice President (Strategy and Planning; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), City, University of London

15:20 Break

16:00 Breakout sessions

Breakout i.
The societal impact of business & management scholarship
How business school research can contribute to interdisciplinary endeavours that tackle today’s key societal issues such as urban regeneration, the green agenda, health and
wellbeing and enterprise.

Professor Frances Bowen, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Social Sciences, University of East Anglia
Professor Mark Freeman, Dean, The York Management School
Tim Gardam, Chief Executive, Nuffield Foundation
Jennifer Wallace, Interim Joint CEO and Head of Policy, Carnegie UK Trust
Chair: Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Head, Queen’s University Management School

Breakout ii.
Business & management education as an engine of social mobility
How business schools can support disadvantaged young people and mature learners through: developing new entry points to HE; utilising new modes of learning; and creating new
routes into employment.

Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation, Office for Students
Professor Jonathan Michie, Professor of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, University of Oxford; President, Kellogg College
James Turner, Chief Executive, Sutton Trust
Chair: Professor Heather McLaughlin, Academic Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, Coventry University

Breakout iii.
Future proofing the business school: generating transformative investment
How additional investment can help business schools tackle the big challenges facing business and society and have an impact across the globe.

Professor Stephen Bach, Dean, King’s Business School
Jennie Younger, Executive Director of Development, King’s College London
Chair: Professor Baback Yazdani, Dean, Nottingham Business School

Breakout iv.
Embedding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in a business school’s DNA
The more diverse the business school the better the mix of skills, experiences and ideas. We explore how an inclusive working environment, in which diversity and equality flourishes, benefits business school staff and how an inclusive working culture can be built.

Osama Khan, Associate Dean, Education, University of Surrey
Asif Sadiq, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, The Telegraph
Professor Helen Woodruffe-Burton, Director, Edge Hill University Business School
Chair: Professor Gloria Agyemang, Head of School of Management, Royal Holloway University of London

Breakout v.
Creating learning environments that boost progression and attainment
Exploring how business schools are blending physical and digital resources, using cutting-edge scholarship and applying other tools and techniques to create stimulating learning environments at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Angela Dalrymple, Director of Education and Student Experience, School of Business, London South Bank University
Jonathan Sandling, Head of Academic Studies, CU London
Dr Esther C. Jubb, Head of Academic Services, Pearson

Chair: Professor Jerry Forrester, Hertfordshire Business School and Fellow, Chartered Association of Business Schools

Breakout vi.
Engaging with government
Assessing the implications of recent, and impending, HE policy and exploring how business schools can more effectively inform and influence government policymaking.

Dr Diana Beech, Head of Government Affairs, University of Warwick
Professor Simon Collinson, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Regional Economic Engagement, University of Birmingham
Paul Nightingale, Director of Strategy and Operations, ESRC
Chair: Professor Steven McGuire, Dean and Head of School, University of Sussex Business School

17:00 End of Day One

17:20 Annual General Meeting

19:00 Drinks Reception & Gala Dinner

Commencing with a pre-dinner drinks reception the Gala Dinner is an opportunity to network and build relationships.

Day Two, Tuesday 5 November

08:30 Registration and refreshments

09:15 Welcome

Professor Julia Clarke, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Dean, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School; Chair, Chartered Association of Business Schools

09:30 Keynote session: Making our world a better place
Four Keynote Speakers share their unique insights into some of today’s grand challenges, and how business schools can be part of the solution to create a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for our society in the UK and internationally.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, former Chief Executive, MITIE Group
Dr David Halpern, Chief Executive, Behavioural Insights Team
Anna Laycock, Chief Executive Officer, Finance Innovation Lab
Professor Michael Posner, Director, Center for Business and Human Rights, NYU Stern School of Business
Chair: Professor Angus Laing, Dean, Lancaster University Management School

11:00 Break

11:30 Breakout sessions

Breakout i.
Putting sustainability and responsibility at the heart of the business school
Exploring how business schools are embedding the principles of ethics, responsible business and sustainability into business & management teaching, research and school administration.

Professor Brigid Daniel, Dean, School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, Queen Margaret University
Amanda Mackenzie, Chief Executive, Business in the Community
Dr Rosina Watson, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability Strategy, Cranfield School of Management
Chair: Professor Toni Hilton, Head, Brighton Business School

Breakout ii.
International education: what is in the offing?
Investigating the impact of Brexit, the implications of the new International Education Strategy and the changing treatment of international students.

Maddalaine Ansell, Director Education, British Council
Anne Marie Graham, Chief Executive, UK Council for International Student Affairs
Professor Simon Mercado, Dean, ESCP Europe Business School London
Chair: Professor Martin Broad, Head, Southampton Business School; Vice Chair, Chartered ABS

Breakout iii.
Building wellbeing and promoting resilience
How business school leaders can support the health, wellbeing and resilience of their teams; and the positive impact that this can have on staff performance and the success of the business school.

Dr Ruth Caleb MBE, University Wellbeing Consultant
Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing, Mind
Zoe Swan, Course Leader Law Programmes, Senior Lecturer in Law, Brighton Business School
Chair: Janine Ellis, Head of School Operations, Alliance Manchester Business School

Breakout iv.
Collaborating with the FE sector to deliver a joined-up approach to tertiary education
How the HE and FE sectors can work together on degree apprenticeships and in other ways to deliver a more effective system of post-18 education.

Alun Francis, Principal and Chief Executive, Oldham College
Mark Smith, Executive Director of Business Engagement, Aston University
Dr Yvonne Moogan, Associate Professor of Online Business Education, Leeds University Business School
Chair: Professor Caroline Elliott, Deputy Dean, Aston Business School

Breakout v.
Empowering students for today’s knowledge economy
What are the skills and behaviours demanded by business and being prioritised by government? We explore how business & management education is evolving to meet changing labour
market demand.

Professor Ben Brabon, Director of Learning and Teaching, University of Surrey Business School
Angela Short, Lecturer, School of Business and Humanities, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Dr Wilson Wong, Head of Insight & Futures, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Chair: Professor Julia Clarke, Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Dean, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School

Breakout vi.
Nurturing social enterprise
The growing social enterprise sector presents important opportunities for business schools and exciting careers for students. We explore the ways in which supporting social
enterprise can help business schools increase their civic impact and improve graduate employability.

Stephanie Burras, Chief Executive, Ahead Partnership
Gail Boag, Dean, The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University
Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive Officer, Social Enterprise UK
Chair: Dr Mairi Watson, Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Northampton

12:30 Lunch

Lunchtime drop-in session: Introducing the Chartered ABS’s new Taskforce on ‘Business Schools and the Public Good’

The Chartered ABS’s new Taskforce will explore how business schools contribute to the public good and suggest ways in which these contributions can be built upon. Join us for this drop-in session to find out about the Taskforce’s aims and
workplan, and have the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions.

The session will be led by the co-chairs of the Taskforce: Professor Martin Kitchener, former Dean, Cardiff Business School and Tom Levitt, Founder, Sector 4 Focus.

13:30 Deep-Dive Sessions

Deep Dive 1: Communicating knowledge, insights, discoveries and ideas to business, government and the public

This session explores the routes by which business & management researchers can communicate their research to the outside world, and the obstacles that need to be overcome if these channels are to be used effectively.

Annabel Bligh, Business and Economy Editor, The Conversation UK
Professor Caroline Elliott, Deputy Dean, Aston Business School
Professor Robert MacIntosh, Head of School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University
Chair: Professor Natasha Mauthner, Director of Research, Newcastle University Business School

Deep Dive 2: Delivering small business growth programmes in an uncertain funding environment

This session explores how the reduction/withdrawal of EU funding (principally ERDF) will impact business school’s ability to deliver growth programmes for small businesses, and what action can be taken to identify alternative sources of funding.

Lynn Oxborrow. Principal Lecturer, Nottingham Business School
Linda Roberts, Director of Business & Innovation, London College of Fashion
Chair: Dr Tom Williamson, Associate Head of School (Student Experience), Coventry Business School

Deep Dive 3: Improving the progression and attainment of BAME students in business schools

This session explores how business schools can more effectively support BAME students during their studies and improve their employment outcomes

Amatey Doku, Consultant, Nous Group; formerly Vice President (Higher Education), NUS
Nathan Ghann, Student Success Lead, University of Hertfordshire Business School
Dr Billy Wong, Associate Professor in Widening Participation, Deputy Director of Postgraduate Studies & Diversity and Inclusion champion, University of Reading
Chair: Professor Mike Noon, Dean, School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University of London

Deep Dive 4: The Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE) surgery: what's in it for business schools and their faculty?

This session will provide the opportunity to understand the detail of the CMBE and discuss how business schools are using it to develop faculty and raise teaching excellence.

Barney Roe, Director of Communications, Chartered Association of Business Schools

15:00 Close of conference

The Chartered ABS Conference App

Our new app allows participants to create a personalised programme, view speakers, access the sponsor directory and network with fellow participants. If you are registered for the conference you will have been sent a username and temporary password.

1.For optimal functionality please download the app to your phone/tablet

  • Search ‘Chartered ABS’ on the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
  • Open the app, choose the ‘EVENTS’ tab and select ‘Chartered ABS Annual Conference’
  • Login with the details that were emailed to you on 31 October

2. Alternatively, you can access the app from your browser.

If you are registered for the conference and you do not have your login details please contact Pritika Pau - pritika.pau@charteredabs.org

Group Booking Discounts available - bring a colleague and save 25%

Chartered ABS Members

Not sure whether your institution is a member? Full list available here.

Full conference with Gala Dinner  £795
Single day without Gala Dinner  £459
Single day with Gala Dinner  £519
Full conference without Gala Dinner  £735
Two participants for full conference and Gala Dinner - save 25% on second place  £1,389
Two participants for full conference without Gala Dinner - save 25% on second place  £1,286
Group booking: For groups of 3 or more participants. Save 25% on each additional place  Please contact us for a bespoke package

Non Members (higher education, public sector and third sector)

Full conference with Gala Dinner  £875
Single day with Gala Dinner  £569
Single day without Gala Dinner  £509
Full conference without Gala Dinner  £815
Two participants for full conference and Gala Dinner  £1,529

Commercial organisations

Full conference with Gala Dinner  £955
Single day with Gala Dinner  £619
Single day without Gala Dinner  £559
Full conference without Gala Dinner  £895
Two participants for full conference and Gala Dinner  £1,699

Speakers 

Full conference with Gala Dinner  £469
Single day without Gala Dinner  £249
Full conference without Gala Dinner  £409

View the Chartered ABS policy on cancellations, transfers and substitutions.

Venue

This year's conference takes place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge in the City of London.

45 Prescot Street
London
E1 8GP

Accommodation 

Please note participants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements. Please find below nearby hotels for consideration:

Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge (the conference venue)
45 Prescot Street
London
E1 8GP

Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill) Hotel
22-24 Prescot Street
London
E1 8BB

This hotel is approx. 3 minutes' walk from the venue

Novotel London Tower Bridge Hotel
10 Pepys Street
London
EC3N 2NR

This hotel is approx. 8 minutes' walk from the venue

Hub by Premier Inn London Tower Bridge
28 Great Tower Street
London
EC3R 5AT

This hotel is approx. 13 minutes' walk from the venue

Supporters

Supporting the Chartered ABS Annual Conference is an excellent way of engaging with deans and directors of UK business schools. If you are interested in supporting this year's event please email our Head of Conferences and International Oliver Lowe at oliver.lowe@charteredabs.org

With thanks to our supporters…

Breakout Session Supporter: Studiosity

We connect students to the best and brightest minds, so they can get help exactly when it's needed most. This is all done through our own awesome technology, accreditation, and academic integrity standards. Together with our education partners across Asia-Pacific and the UK - Universities, Schools, Private Providers, and Government - we ensure that in an age of online education, internationalisation, and mobilisation, every student can get the personal study support they need, anytime, anywhere.

Breakout Session Supporter: MCGRAW HILL

McGraw Hill are a leading learning science company with a vision to unlock the full potential of every student, providing digital technologies grounded in research, worldwide. Complete with a team of innovative pedagogical experts, learning engineers and content developers their solutions facilitate the teaching process and enhance the learning experience, improving pass rates, elevating grades and increasing engagement. Their range of innovative technologies are available in nearly 60 languages, and includes ebooks and a digital course management solution, Connect2.

Breakout Session Supporter: PEARSON

Pearson Higher Education UK works with educators and institutions to support learner needs and deliver measurable results, enabling students everywhere to fulfill their potential. We are transforming our content to be flexible and digital so that you can deliver learning in more impactful, accessible and personal ways.From digital learning tools and personalised resources to online and blended course development, we help you help your students be the best they can possibly be. pearson.com

Conference Supporter: AACSB

AACSB International (AACSB), a global nonprofit association, connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to over 1,700 member organizations and more than 800 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. The global organization has offices located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Singapore.

Conference Supporter: Cengage

Cengage is the global education and technology company built for learners whose products create learning experiences, building confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Cengage has a single belief, that every student has the potential to be unstoppable, so Cengage designs tools that keep them moving toward their goals. Visit us at https://www.cengage.co.uk/education/ or follow us on Twitter @CengageEMEA https://twitter.com/CengageEMEA

Conference Supporter: The Case Centre

The Case Centre is the independent home of the case method. A not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, we advance the case method worldwide to inspire and transform business education across the globe. Access to the best management cases, articles, book chapters and instructor materials available worldwide is provided at www.thecasecentre.org, and includes facilities to search, preview and purchase for instant download. The Case Centre also offers many services to support the writing and teaching of cases including training, scholarships, awards and materials on the case method. The Case Centre’s distribution service allows authors to make their cases available to a global audience.

Conference Supporter: Kortext

Kortext is a world-leading digital textbook and personal study platform providing access to over 500,000 etextbooks from over 1,000 publishers, as well  as the ability to download OER content, course packs, lecture notes, presentation slides and other materials. Students can also annotate, view interactive content and collaborate with peers, meaning they can connect with content in a more engaging manner. Kortext also provides analytics dashboards, which can give deeper insights into learning habits, inform decision making and help create personalised learning paths. The platform is being adopted by institutions and governments worldwide to help learners study anytime, anywhere.

Annual Conference 2019 - register your interest