Contribute to AI and the future of Social Work. Expression of interest information for speakers and exhibitors.
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Location: In person | Edgbaston, Birmingham
Why are we hosting this event?
AI is transforming how we work. Social workers, colleagues and those with lived experience need a voice in shaping how it's developed and used.
How are we planning on doing this?
Skills for Care and Social Work England are partnering to host a free one-day summit, as part of the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England.
Meet social work teams and tech companies using AI, try out products, and connect with others from across the country.
Throughout the event we’ll be asking: “How can we harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance - not replace - the human relationships, ethical judgment, and professional standards at the heart of social work?”
What role can I play on the day?
We're looking for a varied range of contributors to the programme of the day, bringing different expertise, insight, experience and perspectives to the day. Whether you would like to be part of any of the following, we would love to hear from you:
- host a workshop session
- share research
- offer demonstrations
- take part on panel discussions
Is there an opportunity to exhibit?
Yes, we are also looking for exhibitors to connect with our audiences, showcase products and connect with a variety of people in roles that contribute to the future of social work. If you are interested in exhibiting email Skills for Care to receive further details.
How do I get involved?
If you would like to contribute to the AI and the future of Social Work summit, please submit an expression of interest to us by 2 March 2026. You can contribute by nominating yourself to be part of panel discussions, do a presentation or keynote address, host a workshop, demo tech or showcase work in some other format. We are open to suggestions.
Building the programme
We will be reviewing expressions of interest as they come in. Please be aware that we reserve the right to close the window for expression of interest early should we receive high levels of interest.
What to consider when expressing your interest
Running central to the event will be the summit proposition:
“How can we harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance - not replace - the human relationships, ethical judgment, and professional standards at the heart of social work?”
We ask that you focus your expression of interest around this, ideally linking into the following themes:
- Responsible AI and regulation: safety, ethics, trust and sustainability
- The role of AI in education and training of social work
- Leadership: putting AI into practice and looking to the future
People with lived experience are at the heart of social care and support - so we are particularly keen on expressions of interest which include people with experience of drawing on care and support as well as people working in social work and social care.
Please read all the information below before submitting your expression of interest form. A panel, including people with lived and learned experience of social work, will review and consider submissions for the programme against the theme criteria in March 2026.
Please note Social Work England may check its fitness to practise records and information in the public domain in relation to any potential contributors to ensure that the participation in the AI summit is appropriate. Once checks have been concluded if required, we may contact individual contributors prior to making a final decision.
Find out more about the Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care and its role in transforming the future workforce through technology, data and AI.