Events
26th Annual University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) International Conference
Wednesday 17 June to Friday 19 June 2026
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The York Business School on behalf of York St John University are pleased to host the 26th Annual University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) International Conference.
Conference theme
Moral duties of HRD in achieving social justice
Social Justice has become increasingly significant for researchers and practitioners involved in human resource development and organisational development. The global pandemic, the climate crisis, economic challenges and uncertainties, the availability and quality of employment, including hybrid approaches to work, and the health and well-being of our communities, have intensified social, environmental, political and economic inequalities.
The theme of the conference provides opportunities for researchers and practitioners to examine a range of social justice issues within changing and challenging times from various practical, empirical and theoretical perspectives, and asks the question ‘what is the moral duty of HRD in achieving social justice?’
This International Conference is supported by the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) and the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD).
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Conference streams
For this year’s conference, we invite submissions however broadly, within the following conference streams:
- Leadership management and talent development.
- Coaching and Mentoring.
- Global, comparative and cross-cultural dimensions of HRD.
- Employee engagement.
- Critical, Social and Diversity Perspectives in HRD.
- Workplace learning, training and development.
- Strategic capabilities and HRD.
- Learning in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
- Practitioner and Learning and Teaching Research.
Conference timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 30 September 2025 | Call for Abstracts |
| 17 January 2026 | Abstract submission |
| 28 February 2026 | Decision notification to authors |
| 31 March 2026 | Early bird registration closes |
| 2 May 2026 | Draft programme released |
| 23 May 2026 | Final paper submission |
| 31 May 2026 | Conference registration closes |
| 6 June 2026 | Final programme released |
| 10 June 2026 | Final presentation submission |
| 17 to 19 June 2026 | UFHRD York 2026 |
Doctoral Symposium
The Doctoral Symposium is scheduled to take place on 17 June 2026 at York St John University, York. We strongly encourage all interested Doctoral students and Masters level researchers to attend what is set to be a memorable and valuable symposium.
Reasons to attend the Doctoral Symposium
- Develop dynamic connections: Being a PhD or Professional Doctoral student can be an incredibly lonely place. Our Doctoral Symposium will offer you both structured and informal networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with like-minded people who share your passion and interests.
- Engage with experts: Our Doctoral Symposium provides a developmental space where you can interact with, learn from, and gain valuable feedback from established senior professionals and scholars.
- Innovative ideas: This annual gathering is the perfect platform for you to ‘test’ your ideas while gaining constructive and developmental feedback. You will also have the opportunity to engage with ground-breaking ideas, discoveries and current theories relevant to our field, sparking inspiration for your own work.
- Clarify your contribution: One of the key challenges in research is clarifying and articulating your unique contribution to knowledge. Our doctoral symposium will help you overcome this challenge and allow you to fully justify your work and its value in the field.
- Cultivate your confidence: The symposium will provide you with a safe space where you can ask questions, present ideas, and talk to fellow colleagues about your research, building your confidence as both a researcher and scholar. It doesn’t matter where you are in your research journey. We would love for you to join us and to share your ideas, building your confidence in the welcoming environment that is UFHRD 2026 York.
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Conference venue
York St John University is a primarily single site campus (with our sports campus approximately 1 mile away) based in York, and London. Our 11-acre main campus is close to the city walls and the historic centre of York. In recent years, York St John University has committed £100 million in transforming our facilities to provide staff and students with the best environment and facilities for their studies.
A virtual tour of the campus can be found on our Campus and facilities page.
The UFHRD 2026 conference will be held on our main campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk, in the heart of York.
Conference venue gallery
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Visiting York
York is a major historic city and administrative centre in the North of England. York is famous for a rich historic legacy, encapsulated for many in famous landmarks such as the Minster, City Walls and railway and transport hubs.
This historic setting provides a landmark location to host the UFHRD 2026 conference. York is a major tourist destination, with a wide range of hotel, restaurant and catering options. Transport connections and networks are well established, with major road and rail links to many other cities across the country, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield. York also functions as a mainline connection from London to Edinburgh.
York is within travelling distance of 4 international airports, including Leeds/Bradford and Manchester, and is also accessible from London and Birmingham airports. As a widely renowned tourism, events and conference destination, the City of York provides a wide range of options and attractions for conference delegates.
Plan your visit to York and discover more about our campus and facilities.
Get in touch
Dr Alan Johnston, Dr Steven Cock or Mrs Susie Walsh
York Business School, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, YO31 7EX
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