30/04/2026
We’re really excited to present something a little different for you at this year’s IEP Summit.
For the first time, we’re bringing not one, but two hosts to the stage — a double act who will help shape the energy, conversation, and flow of the day.
We’re inviting two personalities of the employability, education, and skills sectors — who, in many ways, need no introduction… although we’re going to give them one anyway.
Joining forces (and yes, both proudly from the North East), we’re delighted to welcome Lou Doyle FIEP and Brian Bell FIEP as your hosts for IEP Summit 2026.
Meet Lou Doyle FIEP
Lou will already be a familiar face to many across the IEP community.
As co-founder of SDN Mesma Group, she works at the forefront of quality improvement across further education, skills, and employability – supporting organisations through consultancy, professional development, and innovative, AI-powered diagnostic tools.
Lou has played a key role in some of the sector’s most significant quality improvement initiatives, including helping to shape the, award winning, IEP Quality Improvement Framework in partnership with IEP Members. She is also the founder and host of the Quality Professionals Awards for Further Education & Employability, bringing the education, employability and skills sectors together to celebrate best practice and share learning, where IEP is a Founder Partner.
With over 20 years’ experience, Lou is a passionate advocate for collaboration – working with providers, employers, and government to turn policy into practice and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
Those who’ve witnessed her at IEP Basecamp or at events across the sector will know she brings not just insight, but energy, clarity, and a genuine ability to engage a room.
And Brian Bell FIEP…
Brian is someone who truly needs no introduction – but his impact on the sector makes it worth pausing to reflect.
With decades of experience, Brian has been at the heart of the employability sector’s evolution – playing a key role in building and leading two of its most recognised organisations, Working Links and Fedcap UK.
Throughout his career, he has worked alongside some of the sector’s most influential leaders, helping to design, deliver, and continuously improve services that have supported countless individuals, families, and communities into work.
Brian has been a long-standing part of the IEP Summit, contributing as a speaker and panellist over many years. He is also the host of the IEP Fellows Lectures, a role he has held for the past three years, creating space for insight, reflection, and leadership across the profession.
What sets Brian apart is not just his experience, but his enduring commitment to the sector and his ability to connect big-picture challenges with real-world impact.
What to Expect
Together, Lou and Brian will bring a new dynamic to the Summit.
They won’t just be introducing sessions – they’ll be:
- Drawing out ideas from speakers and panellists
- Engaging directly with the audience to bring in new voices
- Connecting conversations across the day
- Keeping the pace, energy, and focus throughout
Expect thoughtful questions, real insight, and a Summit that feels like a shared conversation.