21/05/2026
The IEP Summit 2026 is made possible by the support of some of the most committed and forward-thinking organisations in the employability and skills sector. From established innovative technology companies to global skills bodies, this year’s sponsors represent the full breadth of a sector united by a common purpose: helping people move into work and build better lives.
Taking place on Thursday 11 June at 116 Pall Mall — the prestigious home of the Institute of Directors in London — the Summit brings together employability professionals, policymakers and frontline practitioners under this year’s theme: Thriving in Tomorrow’s Labour Market. The evening Networking Dinner and Professional Excellence and Fellow of the Year Awards follow from 6:30pm.
Each of this year’s sponsors has their own story to tell. Here, we introduce them — and invite you to read more about what drives their support for the IEP and the sector it serves.
City & Guilds — Headline Sponsor
City & Guilds are this year’s Headline Sponsor of the IEP Summit, a partnership that reflects their commitment to supporting the evolving employability and skills landscape across the UK.
“The IEP community sits at the heart of this evolving and complex ecosystem,” said Patrick Craven, Public Affairs, Partnership & Engagement Director at City & Guilds. “Its members play a vital role in linking employment and skills-based support with meaningful, long-term work opportunity and in helping to build more resilient and adaptable workforces across the UK and globally.”
For almost 150 years, City & Guilds have been at the forefront of global workforce skills development. Now, as part of PeopleCert, they are harnessing the technologies that will define the next generation of skills.
Read the full City & Guilds sponsor story here
Get Set UK — Networking Dinner and Professional Excellence Hall of Fame Sponsor
Get Set UK are the proud sponsors of this year’s IEP Summit Networking Dinner and the Professional Excellence Hall of Fame — the occasion on which the first IEP Professional Excellence Platinum Award winner will be revealed and inducted.
“The IEP plays a critical role in uniting and elevating our profession, and we’re proud to stand firmly behind that mission,” said Thomas Harley, Group CEO at Get Set UK. “This year’s focus on Thriving in Tomorrow’s Labour Market captures exactly where the conversation needs to go. The pace of change is no longer something we react to — it’s something we must get ahead of, together.”
Since 2009, Get Set UK have supported more than 50,000 people to make positive changes in their lives through employment, skills, apprenticeships, justice, careers and health services.
Read the full Get Set UK sponsor story here
Fedcap — IEP Fellow of the Year Award Sponsor
Fedcap return as sponsor of the IEP Fellow of the Year Award — one of the most meaningful honours the sector can bestow — recognising the IEP Fellows who go the extra mile.
“Fellows contribute so much to our sector and this award champions those who go the extra mile,” said Susan Paterson FIEP, Executive Director of Fedcap Employment. “Fedcap is a proud member of the IEP. We’re dedicated to making a positive difference every day for our customers, and our membership supports us to advance our people’s professional development as we strive for excellence within the employability sector.”
Fedcap is a recipient of the Gold IEP Professional Excellence Award and has supported more than 120,000 people in the last six years as one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit organisations integrating employment with health and wellbeing.
Read the full Fedcap sponsor story here
Beam — Drinks Reception Sponsor
Beam are sponsoring the IEP Summit Drinks Reception, bringing a decade of direct experience delivering employability services to a conversation about how technology can genuinely improve outcomes for participants and advisors alike.
“In a system under constant pressure to do more with less, it’s a rare chance to step back, share what’s actually working, and have honest conversations about how we deliver better outcomes,” said Seb Barker, Co-Founder of Beam. “We’ve always believed technology should do more than document what’s happened — it should actively support better conversations and stronger outcomes.”
Read the full Beam sponsor story here
Elevate Employment Services — IEP Summit Networking Dinner Drinks Reception Sponsor
Elevate Employment Services are sponsoring the Networking Dinner Drinks Reception — and their reason is characteristically direct: “We don’t like to see people thirsty, and the drinks reception provides an invaluable setting for new partnerships and friendships to be founded.”
A mission-driven employability organisation, Elevate deliver high-quality support through key national programmes including the DWP Restart Scheme, National Careers Service and Jobs Growth Wales+, specialising in supporting individuals facing significant barriers to employment.
Read the full Elevate Employment Services sponsor story here
The Digital College — Lunch Sponsor
The Digital College are sponsoring the Summit lunch, and their motivation captures something important about the day as a whole: “Some of the most important opportunities start with a simple conversation. If we can help create a space where people connect, share ideas, and maybe spark new ways to support individuals into work — over a good meal — then we’re doing something right.”
Since 2011, The Digital College have been delivering accessible online learning and accredited certifications, working with welfare-to-work providers, councils, colleges and charities to widen access to learning. Their work extends to secure digital learning within prisons through the CFO Evolution programme.
Read the full Digital College sponsor story here
ICONI — Notebooks, Breakfast and Networking Breaks Sponsor
ICONI are sponsoring the notebooks, breakfast and networking breaks — the in-between moments that often spark the most valuable conversations of the day.
“These are the moments where ideas and partnerships are formed — when people have the time and space to share what’s working, compare challenges, and learn from one another,” said Dean Carville FIEP, CEO of ICONI. “Supporting these touchpoints at the Summit is our way of investing in the community and helping create the conditions for meaningful, practical conversations that translate into better outcomes.”
ICONI delivers case management software for organisations delivering support programmes throughout the UK through their platform, Enspirio.
Read the full ICONI sponsor story here
CogniSoft — Lanyard Sponsor
CogniSoft return as the official Lanyard Sponsor of the IEP Annual Summit for the second consecutive year — a commitment that reflects four decades of dedicated service to the Employability and Skills sector.
“The sector has seen significant shifts in policy and funding over the years, yet the heart of our work remains unchanged: a collective desire to improve lives and outcomes,” said CogniSoft. “We achieve this by coming together to share historical insights, expertise, and a unified voice. The IEP Summit is that place, and we are proud to support it.”
CogniSoft provides case and learner management software specifically designed for providers of advice, guidance and skills.
Read the full CogniSoft sponsor story here
Book Your Place at the IEP Summit 2026
This year’s theme is Thriving in Tomorrow’s Labour Market, bringing together Employability Professionals, policymakers and sector leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work.
The evening Networking Dinner will also take place at 116 Pall Mall, from 6:30pm in the prestigious The Carlton Room.
What to expect:
- Expert Speakers — Gain insights from leading voices shaping the future of employability
- Thought-Provoking Sessions — Participate in interactive discussions on the issues that matter most
- Unrivalled Networking — Connect with peers, senior professionals and industry influencers from across the UK and internationally
Tickets are selling fast and places are limited. Last year’s Summit drew delegates from the UK and internationally, including attendees from the USA, Canada, Australia and Sweden.