Phil Smith CBE
Chair, Skills England
Your guide to the day · 2026
The 5% Club
Skills Summit 2026
A day of ideas, insights, recognition and connections across the UK's earn and learn community.
▦ Wednesday 18 November 2026◷ 09:30–17:00⌖ IET London: Savoy Place
Fully booked
This event is sold out. For waiting-list enquiries, or if you can no longer attend, please contact Helen Tanner.
Welcome
Looking forward to seeing you
The 5% Club's annual Skills Summit brings together around 350 senior leaders, policymakers and partners to explore the future of earn and learn employment.
The day will share findings from the 2026 Employer Audit, celebrate Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze accredited members, consider the latest skills policy and recognise excellence at the National Earn & Learn Employer Awards.
The Summit is for organisations that participated in the 2026 Employer Audit. Please find everything you need for the day below.
Plan your day
Conference programme
Wednesday 18 November · Registration at 09:30, sessions from 10:00. Programme and speakers may be subject to change.
09:3010:00
Arrival
Registration & coffee
Collect your name badge and enjoy refreshments.
10:0010:15
Conference
Welcome and The 5% Club update
Opening remarks and a review of the year.
10:1511:10
Conference
The future of skills, opportunity and employer leadership
Senior-level policy panel on employers’ role in the skills landscape, followed by delegate Q&A.
11:1011:30
Break
Morning break & networking
Tea, coffee and time to meet fellow delegates.
11:3012:45
Conference
The 5% Club Employer Audit 2026
Audit findings, an employer panel and the 2026 accreditation reveal.
12:4514:15
Break
Lunch & networking
An extended networking lunch; official accreditation photography opportunities.
14:1514:40
Conference
The Skills Gauge 2026: what employers are telling us
Fireside discussion of findings from The Skills Gauge, supported by St Martin’s Group.
14:4015:05
Conference
Creating more opportunities for young people
Youth Futures Foundation on evidence around youth employment and how employers can help.
15:0515:30
Conference
From insight to action
Closing discussion on what the evidence means for employers and policymakers.
15:3015:50
Break
Afternoon break & networking
Tea, coffee and a final opportunity to network.
15:5017:00
Awards
The 5% Club Awards 2026
Hosted by Rt Hon Anne Milton, celebrating 16 outstanding large and SME employers.
On stage
Headline speakers
Leading voices from skills, industry and public policy.
Baroness Nicky Morgan
Chairperson, The Careers & Enterprise Company
Rt Hon Robert Halfon
Executive Director for Policy, Membership and External Affairs, Make UK
Katie Shaw
People Director, Sainsbury’s
Rt Hon Anne Milton
Chair, The 5% Club Business Leadership Council; host of the awards
Mark Cameron OBE
Chief Executive, The 5% Club; Summit host
Martin Birchall
Managing Director, High Fliers Research; Employer Audit findings
Further speakers may be announced. Names and roles reflect the supplied event materials.
Getting here
Venue & arrival
Please note: this year's Summit is at Savoy Place, a change from previous years.
IET London: Savoy Place
Savoy Place
London, WC2R 0BL
Enter via Savoy Place, off Victoria Embankment. Please use the Savoy Place entrance for the event.
What3words: ///actual.almost.fantastic
When you arrive
Doors open for registration and coffee at 09:30. With a large number of guests expected, you may have to queue to register and collect your badge.
Please wear your name badge at all times while in the building.
Finding your way around
Conference activities take place on the ground and third floors. Cloakrooms and toilets are on the lower ground floor. Lifts and stairs serve all floors.
A staffed cloakroom is available for coats, bags and small items of luggage.
Good to know
Useful delegate information
Practical details to help make the most of your day.
☕ Food & refreshments
Tea and coffee will be served during registration and the morning and afternoon breaks. Lunch will consist of sandwiches and finger food.
Please send dietary requirements, including allergies and religious requirements, to Helen Tanner by 5 November.
Allergy notice: The venue kitchen is not a nut-free environment.
📶 Free Wi-Fi
Connect to IET Guest from your device's available Wi-Fi networks.
No password is required.
♿ Accessibility
Stairs and lifts are available to all event floors. Please notify Helen Tanner of any access requirements.
🏅 Reports
Reports for Employer Audit participants will be emailed following the event.
📸 Photography & social media
Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze banner stands and The 5% Club backdrop will be available for photos at lunchtime.
Tag The 5% Club on LinkedIn when posting. Official event photography will be shared on the Club's Flickr account, possibly a few days after the event.
If you do not wish to be photographed, email Helen Tanner in advance.
ℹ️ Other reminders
Dress code: business wear.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside the building.
All Employer Audit participants have automatically been entered into the National Employer Earn and Learn Awards. The 16 winners will be announced at the Summit.
Need help?
Questions before the Summit?
Contact Helen Tanner at The 5% Club.
helen.tanner@5percentclub.org.uk · 07946 152642
With thanks to our supporters
Our sponsors
