Learning and Development: Are we shaping the right leaders?

About this event

An exploration of how academics and professionals can work together to strengthen talent development through innovation and collaboration.

Led by Brij Naysmith, University of Bedfordshire Business School, this session will examine how the university’s undergraduate programme develops key professional competencies, and consider whether a skills gap exists between academic outcomes and workplace expectations.

The event will offer a valuable forum for HR and Learning & Development professionals to share insights into how organisations design effective development interventions, and to explore how these approaches align with the skills cultivated in higher education. The session will also highlight the growing role of AI and digital tools in supporting both academic learning and workplace capability building.

By bringing together university educators and L&D practitioners, this session aims to strengthen collaboration, promote mutual learning, and spark innovation in the development of future talent.

Participants will:

• Gain a clearer picture of how students develop relevant professional skills
• Reflect on areas of alignment and difference between educational and organizational skill development
• Share practical ideas for developing key capabilities through workplace learning
• Increase awareness of how AI and digital tools are shaping modern Learning and Development practice
• Identify opportunities for continued dialogue and collaboration with the university

About the speaker

Brij Naysmith

Brij Naysmith is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead specialising in high-quality professional education, curriculum design, and academic excellence at the University of Bedfordshire. Brij develops and delivers impactful programmes that strengthen learner capability and support progression into industry.

Her background includes leading apprenticeship and professional education delivery, with strong expertise in levy management, quality assurance, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Brij works closely with universities, awarding bodies, industry organisations, and government agencies to ensure programmes remain relevant, evidence-informed, and aligned to sector needs.

Known for driving academic improvement, supporting teaching quality, and leading complex change across educational settings, Brij is committed to creating innovative, flexible learning experiences that enhance learner outcomes. She brings a collaborative, student-focused approach to building high-performing teams, supporting institutional goals, and developing future-ready talent.

Please note:

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4. For security reasons, it is requested that participants join the live session 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and with the same name as registered on Eventbrite as not doing so may cause a delay or non-admittance to the event.
5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.