Events List

Explore our full list of events below, organised in chronological order. At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find details of past events, including summaries and testimonials. Check back regularly for updates, as we continue to add new opportunities.

Events are exclusive for PASSHE members. If you’d like to join PASSHE to attend our highly rated professional training, check our membership options.

Upcoming events

August 2026

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD tutors in HE and FE

Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026 | Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM) The third repeat in our Summer Advanced AI series offering 3 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD: BOOK 25 AUG NOW

September 2026

PASSHE Picnic: A free, members only discussion and networking event

Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026 | Time: 10:00 am – 11.00 am | Format: OnlineA free, facilitated, online discussion group for PASSHE members to meet, network, discuss current topics, share ideas and seek advice and support from their peers. To request a joining link please email admin@passhe.org.uk and title your email ‘PASSHE Picnic – September’.

An Introduction to ADHD good practice

Date: Thursday 3 September 2026 | Time: 10:00 am – 11.30 am | Format: Online

A repeat of the popular introduction to ADHD led by Jackie Hatfield. This introductory level tutor workshop is designed for SpLD tutors and offers an exploration of ADHD in this context. If offers 1.5 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD and is open to both PASSHE members and non-members. BOOK 3 SEP NOW

An Introduction to Supporting AuDHD Students

Date: Thursday 17th September | Time: 10:00 am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM) A new PASSHE training workshop (a repeat of our August sell-out session) providing an overview of autism, ADHD and AuDHD, with a focus on understanding AuDHD as a distinct neurotype and recognising how overlapping traits can create complex and sometimes conflicting needs. It aims to enhance practitioners’ awareness of common challenges, including sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, perfectionism and overwhelm, and to develop practical strategies to better support students.  The training has been created, developed and will be delivered by Jessica Lang, Specialist Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist, and Jackie Hatfield, Specialist Study Support Tutor working at Loughborough University.

This is an exceptional opportunity to reflect on inclusive, strengths-based approaches to supporting neurodivergent learners; to review key characteristics of autism and ADHD; Understand AuDHD as a distinct neurotype (not simply a combination of autism and ADHD); Identify common challenges, including sensory overload, emotional dysregulation and overwhelm; Explain how competing needs (e.g. structure vs flexibility) affect engagement and functioning and to apply practical strategies to support AuDHD students effectively.  SOLD OUT

Key mechanisms of working memory/long term memory & the PASSHE 7 Principles

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 | Time: 2.00 – 4.00pm | Format: Online A new PASSHE Accredited workshop presented by Dr Ginny Stacey, designed for Specialist Tutors and Assessors. The training will use Baddeley’s model for working memory to discuss 1) the temporary stores for information coming into working memory; and 2) the capacity of working memory, what limits it and how it can be expanded. The training will include several techniques that can be taught to students to improve the capacity of working memory, and some principles about the way these are taught. Participants will gain an understanding of some of the psychology of working memory. Activities and a Q&A session will be included in this workshop. BOOK 22 SEP NOW

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD tutors in HE and FE

Date: Friday 25 September 2026 | Time: 09:00 am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM) The third repeat in our Summer Advanced AI series offering 3 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD: BOOK 25 SEP NOW

October 2026

PASSHE Picnic: A free, members only discussion and networking event

Date: Thursday 22 October 2026 | Time: 10:00am – 11:00am | Format: Online (ZOOM)
A free, facilitated, online discussion group for PASSHE members to meet, network, discuss current topics, share ideas and seek advice and support from their peers. To reserve your free ticket please click on the following link and the ZOOM information you will need will be sent to you prior to the Picnic: BOOK 22 OCT NOW

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD tutors in HE and FE

Date: Thursday 22 October 2026 | Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM) The third repeat in our Summer Advanced AI series offering 3 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD: BOOK 22 OCT NOW

December 2026

PASSHE Picnic: A free, members only discussion and networking event

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026 | Time: 12.00pm – 1:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM)
A free, facilitated, online discussion group for PASSHE members to meet, network, discuss current topics, share ideas and seek advice and support from their peers. To reserve your free ticket, please click on the following link. The ZOOM information you will need will be sent to you prior to the Picnic: BOOK 3 DEC NOW


Past events

August 2026

An Introduction to Supporting AuDHD Students: Date: Thursday 6th August 2026 | Time: 10:00 am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM) This was a new PASSHE training workshop providing an overview of autism, ADHD and AuDHD, with a focus on understanding AuDHD as a distinct neurotype and recognising how overlapping traits can create complex and sometimes conflicting needs.

This training – being offered again in September after the August event sold out in a day! has received fantastic reviews from the attendees: feedback comments include: “The overall content was well thought through, delivered and excellent.” and “Very good mix of activities for us to participate in, very good visual images and slides and lovely clear information.”

The training was created, developed and was delivered by Jessica Lang, Specialist Neurodivergent Occupational Therapist, and Jackie Hatfield, Specialist Study Support Tutor working at Loughborough University.

PASSHE Members Online PPS. A free, monthly, members only event: Date: Tuesday 4th August 2026 | Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM)
Organising groups for PPS can sometimes be difficult. PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions are designed to make this easier for our members.

July 2026

Blurry Borders: Navigating our SpLD students complex requirementsDate: Wednesday 1 July 2026 |Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom) A 2- hour PASSHE This was an Accredited CPD training session led by Dr Karisa Krcmar which offered PASSHE members an opportunity to reflect on, and discuss, with their professional colleagues about the ‘blurry borders’ experienced as specialist tutors with our students. NOTE: This was a development from the one-hour workshop that had previously been available online. 

PASSHE Members, free to attend: in person London training event Date: Saturday 18 July 2026 | Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm | Format: in person at UCL, London; This was a free in-person event offering 2 training sessions, optional PPS and networking with professional colleagues; Workshop 1: Chair and Stationary Yoga for the Wellbeing of Specialist Study Skills Tutors and their Students” – presented by Monica Pellegrini, (1.5 hours of Work-based CP) Workshop 2: Presentation and Workshop 2: “Holistic Planning – plans to acknowledge our humanity” – presented by Lucy Smith (1.5 hours of PASSHE Accredited CPD – PACPD)

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD tutors in HE and FE Date: Monday 27 July 2026 | Time: 09:00am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (ZOOM)
The second repeat in our Summer Advanced AI series offering 3 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD – open to PASSHE members at a discounted price.

June 2026
PASSHE Picnic: A free, members only discussion and networking event
Date: Tuesday 2 June 2026 | Time: 12:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
A free, facilitated, online discussion group for PASSHE members to meet, network, discuss current topics, share ideas and seek advice and support from their peers.

PASSHE National Conference 2026 (In-Person and Online)
Neurodiversity and Wellbeing: Creating caring systems for students and staff
Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026 | Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm (In-Person) / 9:30am – 12:30pm (online) Format: Hybrid – Conference Aston, Birmingham (full day) and Online (morning only)
In response to member feedback, the 2026 Conference was delivered in hybrid format to maximise accessibility and provide choice.

PASSHE Portfolio Bootcamp. A free, members only event.
Date: Friday 12 June 2026 | Time: 11:00am | Format: Online (Google Meet)
Is your QA portfolio up-to-date? Online ’bootcamp’ sessions can help you complete your reflections on your professional development over the past year and prepare for the next. If you need a nudge, feel you’d benefit from some online company while you do so, and would like a chance to raise questions / exchange support with other QA members, join a PASSHE online ‘bootcamp’ session. All QA members are welcome to join these sessions. Each session will be hosted by Stella Klein, a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee. This is a virtual session hosted using Google Meet.

April 2026

Teaching Metacognition using AI and the PASSHE 7 Principles for Ethical Practice: 2 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD: Date: Thursday 30 April | Time: 2.00 – 4.00 pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This session was led by Catherine Black, and explored how metacognition can be taught using the PASSHE 7-Principles® for Ethical Practice as a framework. It focussed on the mindful and ethical use of AI tools across areas such as planning, literature searching and proofreading, supporting students to make informed, reflective choices that build learning, digital literacy and independence. (originally given as a workshop at the PASSHE National Conference, June 2025).

March 2026

Engaging with AI in Assessments: challenges and opportunities: Date: Wednesday 23rd March 2026 | Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm | Format: Online (Zoom). The training offers 1.5 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD.

We had great feedback from this training, including the following comment from one attendee:’The speaker was extremely knowledgeable and provided additional insights into how universities are incorporating AI into assessment processes along with uses of AI tools.’

While there have been significant academic integrity concerns about student use of AI in higher education, there are opportunities for innovative assessment approaches and personalised support. This training discussed the current climate of AI in higher education and beyond, and evaluated the challenges of incorporating AI into how we assess. During the session, Dr Gemma Gray broke down the components of assessment and explored where AI can be used by students with different learning needs to augment their approach to assessment.

February 2026

Working with Anxiety in dyslexic learners in Higher Education: Date: Saturday 28 February 2026 | Time: 10:00am – 14.15pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This very popular training offered 2 workshop sessions on supporting Dyslexic learners/students who are anxious and was followed by an optional PPS (for PASSHE members).  2.5 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD. One attendee wrote: “I found everything was very very helpful – increasing and enhancing my knowledge as well as learning something new and relevant to my work. The latter part of the webinar became my new treasure trove and I will need to check all information in speaking and in the chatbox one by one.”

An Introduction to ADHD good practice Date: Friday 20 February 2026 | Time: 10:00 – 11.30am | Format: Online (Teams) This ‘sold out’ introductory level tutor workshop enabled those attending to deepen their expertise & gain a richer understanding of the complexities involved in teaching and supporting HE and FE students with ADHD. Feedback comments were extremely positive. One respondent commented that the training was “Very well structured and organised with excellent graphics to illustrate points” while another attendee said: “It was very useful to share practice after information delivery. I felt I could contribute and it was useful to hear other attendees contribute, speaker usefully indicated keeness for peer feedback and contribution.”

This workshop is due to be repeated in September 2026.

January 2026

PASSHE Members Online PPS. A free, monthly, members only event. 

Date: Monday 12 January 2026 | Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
Organising groups for PPS can sometimes be difficult. PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions are designed to make this easier for our members. All QA members are welcome to join these PPS sessions. Each session will be hosted by a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee.  This is a virtual session hosted using Zoom. We’ll send you a link to join the session when you register. Members will be randomly assigned to breakout rooms to form PPS groups, depending on numbers. 
To request the Zoom link please email admin@passhe.org.uk and title your message Monthly PPS (January).

PASSHE Picnic: A free, bi-monthly members only event

Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 | Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
Every two months we host an online members discussion where you can meet your colleagues to discuss current topics, share good practice, ask for advice and support and raise concerns. The meeting agenda is led by your questions, ideas and reflections – any issues which you want to discuss with your colleagues. All members are welcome to join the discussion and suggest topics to set the agenda. Please send your agenda suggestions to Kate Connery, PASSHE Deputy Chair, kateconnery@passhe.org.uk. Tickets are limited for this event. BOOK NOW

Supporting Developmental Language Disorder in Higher Education – 2 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD Date: Thursday 22 January 2026 | Time: 1:00pm – 3.00pm| Format: Online (Zoom) Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental brain difference affecting an individual’s understanding and/or use of language to the extent that it has a life-long functional impact. This training was delivered by Dr Victoria Cartledge-Mann who is the Academic Director of the SpLD Service at the University of Sheffield and has worked as a Specialist tutor since 2009. During her session Victoria gave a brief overview of DLD, the impact of DLD, the experiences of young people (ages 18 – 25+) with DLD, and how DLD can be supported. Members gave extremely positive feedback about this training including “I enjoyed the pace and the collaborative approach in the session” and “There was a good balance of input and activity and then questions at the end and comment in the chat facility.”

PASSHE Members Online PPS. A free, monthly, members only event. Date: Tuesday 9 December 2025 | Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
Organising groups for PPS can sometimes be difficult. PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions are designed to make this easier for our members. All QA members are welcome to join these PPS sessions. This session was hosted by Dr Karisa Krcmar, a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee. 

Dyscalculia Support in Higher Education and Having Difficult Conversations With Our Students – 2.5 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD, plus optional PPS Date: Saturday 6th December 2025 | Time: 10.00am – 3.30 pm | Format: Online This regional group meeting was open to all PASSHE members and looked at the Dyscalculia Support provided to students in Higher Education. This specialist session was presented by Dr Kinga Morsanyi of Loughborough University. The second part of the training was a group workshop: ‘Handling difficult conversations with our students regarding their expectations of sessions, including autistic students’ and tutors’ experiences’ which was presented by regional coordinators, Monica Pellegrini and Annie Morris.

What does an inclusive AI policy actually look like?: (1 hour PASSHE Accredited CPD for members)
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025 | Time: 12.00 noon – 1.00 pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
An interactive training session for SpLD and Disability specialists in Higher and Further Education led by Richard Fletcher and Christine Chadwick from Nottingham Trent University. Participants were introduced to recent developments in AI policy and practice, and invited to share examples from their own institutions, exploring how these policies are taking shape on the ground. Together, the group considered the variety of approaches being used, and reflect on our professional experiences and student perspectives.

PASSHE Members Online PPS – with an opportunity to observe Exec members modelling a PPS session. A free, monthly, members only event
Date: Friday 21 November 2025 | Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions are designed to make this element of reflective practice easier for our members. All QA members are welcome to join these PPS sessions. Each session, hosted by a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee, included Exec members modelling a PPS session.  A virtual session hosted using Zoom.

Neurodivergence: How to tailor study skills to our neurodivergent students’ needs. 2.5 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD, plus optional PPS – members only
Date: Saturday 15th November | Time: 9.30 – 2.15 pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This PASSHE regional meeting included two training sessions centering on neurodivergence: The first, led by Lucy Smith, considered what are the common grounds of support and how study skills sessions can vary in content, depending on the presence of dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, etc. (This is a repeat of the training given at the London & South East meeting in March 2025.) The presentation was followed by a group discussion on sharing best strategies and practices, facilitated by Kassandra Clemens and Anna Oliver. There was also be the opportunity for an (optional) PPS session.

PASSHE Portfolio Bootcamp. A free, members only event
Date: Friday 14 November 2025 | Time: 1:00pm | Format: Online (Google Meet)
Is your QA portfolio up-to-date? Online ‘bootcamp’ sessions can help you complete your reflections on your professional development over the past year and prepare for the next. Members who needed a nudge, felt they would benefit from some online company while doing so, and who wanted a chance to raise questions / exchange support with other QA members, joined a PASSHE online ‘bootcamp’ session. All QA members were welcome to join these sessions. Each session is hosted by Stella Klein, a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee. This was a virtual session hosted using Google Meet.

Teaching Metacognition using AI and the PASSHE 7 Principles for Ethical Practice: 2 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD –members only
Date: Thursday 13th November 2025 | Time: 2.00 – 4.00 pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This session, led by Catherine Black, explored how metacognition can be taught using the PASSHE 7-Principles® for Ethical Practice as a framework. It focused on the mindful and ethical use of AI tools across areas such as planning, literature searching and proofreading, supporting students to make informed, reflective choices that build learning, digital literacy and independence. (originally given as a workshop at the PASSHE National Conference, June 2025).

PASSHE Picnic – Members Only
Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025 | Time: 9:00am – 10:00am | Format: Online (Zoom)
Every two months PASSHE hosts a free online members discussion where you can meet your colleagues to discuss current topics, share good practice, ask for advice and support and raise concerns. The meeting agenda is led by your questions, ideas and reflections – any issues which you want to discuss with your colleagues. All members are welcome to join the discussion and suggest topics to set the agenda.

PASSHE Accredited Coaching Course
Date: Autumn 2025 Cohorts start Monday 20 October 2025 (Cohort A) & Tuesday 21 October 2025 (Cohort B) | Time: Various | Format: Online
Created specifically for specialist tutors, disability advisers, specialist mentors and other professionals working one-to-one with neurodivergent students in higher education. Developed and delivered by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos and Kassandra Clemens, the course is designed to equip participants with core coaching skills, whether to enrich their current role or to begin practising as an ADHD coach.

Teaching Proofreading Skills: 2 hours PASSHE Accredited CPD – members only. Date: Thursday 16 October 2025 | Time: 2.00pm – 4.00 pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
A practical online training session for SpLD tutors on how to teach effective proofreading strategies in one-to-one contexts. This interactive session explored common challenges, useful techniques, and ways to build students’ confidence and independence. Facilitated by Clare Winstanley, author of ‘Punctuation Matters’.

PASSHE Members Online PPS (October). A free, monthly, members only event. 
Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025 | Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
Organising groups for PPS can sometimes be difficult. PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions are designed to make this easier for our members.   This was a virtual session hosted using Zoom.

PASSHE Members Online PPS. A free, monthly, members only event. 
Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025 | Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
The first of PASSHE’s free, monthly, online PPS sessions this academic year was well attended. These sessions are designed to make undertaking PPS easier for our members and all QA members were welcome. Attendees were randomly assigned to small breakout groups and volunteered to take on the roles of Presenter, Facilitator and Group Member. The event was hosted on Zoom by Bob Burwell, a member of the PASSHE Executive Committee.

Supporting Learners with Dyspraxia: A Pilot Training Collaboration
Date: Friday, 19 September 2025 | Time: 2:00pm–4:30pm | Format: Online
This 2.5 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session, led by dyspraxia specialist Kerry Pace, explored practical strategies for supporting dyspraxic learners in study skills and mentoring. The workshop focused on tailoring approaches to individual needs and applying the PASSHE 7 Principles® in practice. Offering 2.5 hours of CPD, this session was part of a pilot series of collaborative events between PASSHE and Diverse Learners.

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD Tutors in HE and FE
Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025 | Time: 1:00pm–3:00pm | Format: Online
This 2 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session, led by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos, took a deep dive into Generative AI’s most effective applications for neurodivergent learners, exploring advanced prompt engineering, AI-augmented learning, critical evaluation of AI-generated content and meta-prompting. Through real-world case studies, participants took away structured prompt templates and practical strategies they could immediately start using in their own practice. This training was open to PASSHE members only .

PASSHE Picnic: A free, bi-monthly members only event
Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025 | Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
Every two months we host an online members discussion where you can meet your colleagues to discuss current topics, share good practice, ask for advice and support and raise concerns. The meeting agenda was led by member questions, ideas and reflections. All members were welcome to join the discussion and suggest topics to set the agenda.

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD Tutors in HE and FE Date: Thursday 21 August 2025 | Time: 10:00am–12.00 noon | Format: Online
This 2 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session was led by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos.
This workshop took a deep dive into Generative AI’s most effective applications for neurodivergent learners, exploring advanced prompt engineering, AI-augmented learning, critical evaluation of AI-generated content and meta-prompting. Through real-world case studies, participants took away structured prompt templates and practical strategies they could immediately start using in their own practice. This workshop was previously delivered at the PASSHE National Conference 2025.

feedback included the following comments: “Very relevant for SpLD Tutors“; “The structure was very clear making the material easy to follow. I came away with a much better understanding of how I can help my students use AI effectively and ethically.”; The case studies were really helpful, if only to show the various ways that I could use AI professionally and personally.”

PASSHE Picnic – MEMBERS ONLY
Date: Tuesday 29 July 2025 | Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
The second PASSHE Picnic was a free online discussion space for PASSHE members offering members an opportunity for professional dialogue, sharing and skill development. The theme of this picnic was looking back over the past year – trends, issues, successes. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past year with and share any emerging issues or concerns as well as successes. Facilitated by an experienced specialist teacher it offered a safe, supportive environment where members could explore issues around their practice and connect with colleagues. Members were able to have their voices heard and earn one hour of general CPD.

Advanced AI Strategies for SpLD Tutors in HE and FE
Date: Wednesday 16 July 2025 | Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm | Format: Online
This 2 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session was led by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos. This workshop took a deep dive into Generative AI’s most effective applications for neurodivergent learners, exploring advanced prompt engineering, AI-augmented learning, critical evaluation of AI-generated content and meta-prompting. Through real-world case studies, participants took away structured prompt templates and practical strategies they could immediately start using in their own practice.

Feedback from delegates included: “Absolutely spot on training. If we are to stay current and employed we are going to have to learn how to help our students use AI. So really more of this type of training and more often. I really like Dionysios’ honesty too. The training I have had this year has been really great – sort of training I want/need to have rather than just hitting the CPD requirements. So a really big thank you.”

PASSHE National Conference 2025 (online) – MEMBERS ONLY
The Collaborative Practitioner: AI, Assignments, Autonomy
Date: Friday 13 June 2025 | Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This year’s National Conference combined fascinating AI-focused sector specific talks, student voice, an AI developments briefing from a selection of AT providers, nine brand new CPD workshops, and an optional Networking Lounge. Both full day and morning only tickets were available to our members. FULL 2025 CONFERENCE DETAILS.
Feedback from delegates included: “There was a lot to think about in today’s session and I am very pleased I was able to attend. I learnt a lot and have a better understanding about how I and my students can use AI” and “This was the best and most useful session I’ve been to on AI as a whole.”

PASSHE Picnic – MEMBERS ONLY
Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025 | Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm | Format: Online (Zoom)
This free online event for PASSHE members was a new online discussion space offering members an opportunity for professional dialogue, sharing and skill development. Facilitated by an experienced specialist teacher it offered a safe, supportive environment where members could explore issues around their practice and connect with peers. Members were able to have their voices heard and earn one hour of general CPD.

Revision and Exams:  revision in sync with how the brain learns most easily and effectively. MEMBERS ONLY
Date: Wednesday, 7 May 2025 | Time: 11:00 am 12:30pm | Format: Online This 1.5 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session was led by experienced SpLD tutor, Kassandra Clemens, and was particularly relevant to SpLD tutors supporting students facing exams and re-takes. Feedback to this session was extremely positive. One attendee commented:”Very well structured and clearly explained” while another said “The content was excellent and topic areas very well judged. It was very helpful to have a focus on the physical-psychological elements of memory and learning.”

Supporting Learners with Dyspraxia: A Pilot Training Collaboration
Date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025 | Time: 7:00pm–9:30pm | Format: Online
This 2.5 hours PASSHE-accredited CPD session, led by dyspraxia specialist Kerry Pace, explored practical strategies for supporting dyspraxic learners in study skills and mentoring. The workshop focused on tailoring approaches to individual needs and applying the PASSHE 7 Principles® in practice.

One attendee at the session commented: “Your training was amazing, thank you! It was so interesting you included executive functions, as it’s pivotal in all that we do, and impacts study skills so much.”

‘Neurodivergence: how to tailor study skills to our neurodivergent students’ needs & ‘Working with anxiety in dyslexic learners in Higher Education’: an in-person event for PASSHE members Date: Saturday 15th March 2025| Time: 10:00am–16:00pm | Format: This was an in person event held at the Institute of Education, UCL and organised by the London/South East and Anglia coordinators. Two presentations and workshops were led by Lucy Smith and Dr Amanda Abbott-Jones and offered 3 hours of PASSHE Accredited CPD, followed by an optional PPS session. This event was Free to attend, PASSHE MEMBERS ONLY. Members commented that “they met some interesting colleagues, that it was really helpful and useful to be able to network with other tutors who have had similar experiences” and that it was “very motivational”.

From Procrastination to Action: Coaching techniques for students’ success (Online Workshop)
Date: Wednesday 5th March 2025 | Time: 12.30pm–14:30pm | Format: Online
A 2-hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session, was led by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos, a professional coach and trainer specialising in ADHD and co-chair of PASSHE. The workshop focussed on how using a non-directive approach, based on the principles of coaching, could be beneficial in helping students avoid procrastination. This event received very positive feedback from attendees, including the following comment: “I found this training perhaps to be the most useful training received so far as, although specific, it also brought in many other areas. For example, the trainer had an excellent knowledge of how ADHD commonly affects students in HE such as perfectionism.”

How best we can support and enhance the learning experience for autistic learners in HE (Online Workshop)
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2025| Time: 10:00am–14:15pm | Format: Online
This extremely popular 2.5 hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session looked at strategies to support autistic students in Higher Education. The event included a presentation by Dr Nicola Martin and a group workshop led by PASSHE regional coordinators, to share best strategies and practice. An optional PPS session was also available. The workshop provided attendees with 2.5 hours of CPD. This well received training included the following feedback comment: “Thank you for a very interesting presentation from an excellent speaker. Shared working practice is also always very valuable.”

From Procrastination to Action: Coaching techniques for students’ success (Online Workshop)
Date: Thursday, 13 February 2025 | Time: 12.30pm–2:30pm | Format: Online
This sell-out, 2-hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session, was led by Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos, a professional coach and trainer specialising in ADHD and co-chair of PASSHE. The workshop focused on how using a non-directive approach, based on the principles of coaching, could be beneficial in helping students avoid procrastination.

Supporting Learners with Dyspraxia: A Pilot Training Collaboration (Online Workshop)
Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2025 | Time: 10:00am–12:00pm | Format: Online
This 2-hour PASSHE-accredited CPD session, was led by dyspraxia specialist Kerry Pace, explored practical strategies for supporting dyspraxic learners in study skills and mentoring. The workshop focused on tailoring approaches to individual needs and applied the PASSHE 7 Principles® in practice. Qualified for 2 hours of CPD. This session is part of a pilot collaboration between PASSHE and Diverse Learners.

See Me As One: A Holistic Approach to Student Support (Online Workshop)
Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024 | Time: 10:00am–12:00pm | Format: Online
Led by Emily Adams and Nicola Mawer, this 2-hour workshop explored how SpLD Tutors can link theory to practice, providing a holistic and flexible approach to meeting students’ needs. It focused on using the PASSHE 7 Principles® alongside metacognition to better understand and support learners.

Feedback included praise for the delivery of the information which was considered to be well structured and informative:

    • “Lovely style of delivery – very easy to listen to and follow; the presenters were very good at making attendees feel at ease and inviting open comment and communication”

    • “I was made aware of new insights and approaches to use with student sessions which would further embrace the PASSHE 7 Principles”

    • “Excellent content. Particularly liked the inclusion of learning theories and examples of activities used in tutorials”

Dyspraxia: The Overlooked Condition (Online Workshop)
Date: Friday, 25 October 2024 | Time: 10:00am–11:30am | Format: Online
Led by Diana de Villiers, this 90-minute workshop explored the often-overlooked challenges of dyspraxia. Attendees revisited the definition of dyspraxia, examined its specific impacts, and developed practical strategies tailored to support students with this condition. The session also investigated why dyspraxia is frequently overshadowed by other SpLDs and ADHD, offering valuable insights into similarities, differences, and co-occurrences. Participants were encouraged to build a flexible toolbox of approaches to better meet the needs of dyspraxic student. Attendees appreciated the opportunity for small group discussions and praised Diana’s well-organised delivery and deep expertise. Feedback included:

    • “Really pleased this was an offering. Please thank Diana for an informative workshop”

    • “Very well organised. Excellent input from the speaker who knew what she was talking about!”

    • “A really useful update on DCD/Dyspraxia and co-occurrence with other conditions”

Mindfulness, Mental Health,

and Successful Learning


The mental health of students in higher education is increasingly of concern to
specialist tutors. This online CPD course offers a brief outline of some of the ways
that poor mental health affects learning and suggests how developing mindfulness
practice with your students can build their resilience.  Mindfulness helps students
with strategies to overcome adversity and develop perseverance; it builds self-
knowledge and self-esteem to help towards a proactive attitude that learns.  You will
be invited to take part in mindfulness exercises and consider a range of mindfulness
and specialist study support strategies that will help you help your students.
This course is presented by Karisa Krcmar. Karisa is QA Officer for PASSHE and
headed up a team of specialist tutors at Loughborough University. She developed
mindfulness for study workshops with Tina Horsman and they later produced a book
Mindfulness for Study based on their programme. Karisa has since edited two more
books: The Inclusivity Gap about inclusive learning and teaching in higher education
and Helping Penguins to Swim which highlights a range of innovative practice
already happening in HE to help build resilience and good mental health among
students.
This course counts as 1-hour of PASSHE Accredited CPD.

Metacognition


Arguably, the driving force behind all learning. It is one of the most important of the
PASSHE 7-Principles®. This course will cover the basics of metacognition, the
theory as well as how it applied to Specialist one-to-one Study Skills and support
sessions. The course includes a step by step explanation and history of Flavell’s
theory. It goes on to discuss the guiding principles of the theory in practice. This
course is a starting point for your learning and contains material for you to follow up.
This course is presented by Elaine Doffman. Elaine is a Training and Development
Officer on the PASSHE Exec, and is a joint Regional Coordinator. She has been a
Study Skills Tutor for 16 years, working all over the country via distance support and
locally in the North West. Previously to tutoring, she was a teacher for many years
and qualified to teach people with dyslexia 30 years ago. She loves teaching and
tutoring, as well as producing resources and teaching materials.
This course counts as 1-hour of PASSHE Accredited CPD.

Cognitive Load Theory


This is one of the most important theories for us to consider in our one-to-one tuition.
It comes into almost everything we do and a great many of the strategies that we use
are based on it. This course will examine Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory and
propose a Cognitive Load for Tutors model. Sweller proposed that working memory
is small and finite; he said that the way material is presented to students puts
considerable unnecessary load on the working memory. This course looks at the
theoretic factors he has proposed over the last 30 years, and goes on to examine the
biological and environmental factors that unnecessarily impinge on working memory.
As most students we work with have a smaller working memory, it is vital that we
remove these extraneous factors to allow the student to work at their best.
This course is presented by Elaine Doffman. Elaine is a Training and Development
Officer on the PASSHE Exec, and is a joint Regional Coordinator. She has been a
Study Skills Tutor for 16 years, working all over the country via distance support and
locally in the North West. Previously to tutoring, she was a teacher for many years
and qualified to teach people with dyslexia 30 years ago. She loves teaching and
tutoring, as well as producing resources and teaching materials.
This course counts as 1-hour of PASSHE Accredited CPD.

Building Students’ Confidence


This course is designed to build students’ academic confidence. Having self-
confidence is vital for academic success, and all too often students lack this. Building
a student’s confidence is a large part of our work. This course will give you ideas on
how to redress the problem of lack of confidence. As well as some practical ideas, it
is designed to act as a starting point for you to look into other theories to improve
your practice.
This course is presented by Elaine Doffman. Elaine is a Training and Development
Officer on the PASSHE Exec, and is a joint Regional Coordinator. She has been a
Study Skills Tutor for 16 years, working all over the country via distance support and
locally in the North West. Previously to tutoring, she was a teacher for many years
and qualified to teach people with dyslexia 30 years ago. She loves teaching and
tutoring, as well as producing resources and teaching materials.
This course counts as 1-hour of PASSHE Accredited CPD.

Blurry Borders: Mentoring Tips

for Specialist Tutors


This online course introduces a range of skills which support and give confidence to
specialist tutors as they work with the, often complex, needs of their students.  It
does not propose to offer training that would equip someone to become a mentor; it
aims, instead, to examine the role of a study skills tutor which encompasses some of
the basic tenets of mentoring which would fit within the boundaries of a study skills
session.

The course is written by Anne Betteridge, who has been an PASSHE member for
many years, and is presented by Karisa Krcmar. Karisa is QA Officer for PASSHE
and headed up a team of specialist tutors at Loughborough University.

This course counts as 1-hour of PASSHE Accredited CPD.

Kate Connery

Kate has an MSc from Queens University, Belfast, a PGDip in SpLD FE/HE from Edgehill University and qualifications in Adult Literacy and TESOL. After working for many years as a Careers Adviser she moved into Higher Education, working as an Education Adviser at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Liverpool where she was responsible for inclusivity and internationalisation of the curriculum. Working with individual students she became increasingly interested in overcoming barriers to learning and became a qualified dyslexia teacher and assessor. Kate retired from her role as Specialist Support Tutor at the University of Sheffield in 2023 but continues to support students in a freelance basis. She has also worked as a TESOL teacher in HE and once owned a campsite in France. 

Tanya Zybutz

Tanya was there at the beginning when ADSHE was founded and has been part of the Executive for many years, designing and implementing the QA process with Janet Skinner and has been involved with all the working parties that devised and updated the PASSHE 7 Principles and our Profession’s Handbook. She has recently just finished working with Karisa Krcmar and Stella Klein on updating the PASSHE Handbook for 2025. Tanya has worked in the sector at a variety of HEIs most recently with The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama for over 20 years. Tanya currently works with ND academic staff and PhD students at Central.

Emily Adams

Emily Adams has been supporting students at the University of Hull for over 17 years, focussing on improving student success, experience, engagement, and support. She is employed as an SpLD Tutor, following study on ADSHE’s Level 5 qualification to become an ADSHE Quality Assured Specialist SpLD Tutor and she gained Accredited Tutor Status (ATS FE/HE) of the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) in 2022. She previously achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) through her work around student experience and engagement. Prior to joining PASSHE in 2020, she held the position of Communications Coordinator and Executive Committee member of the UK Advising and Tutoring group (UKAT), 2014-16. Emily also represented the UK on the Global Initiatives Committee (GIC) for the Global Community of Academic Advising (NACADA), 2015-17. She has contributed to the Journal of Neurodivergent Learning and Teaching (2022), and has recently served as a Governor for a local primary school. Emily has an active interest in supporting and advocating for neurodivergence, and developing peer communities within higher education. She co-ordinates a Neurodivergent Staff Network providing peer support and advice, as well as facilitating an SpLD Community and other group opportunities for students. As Institutional Membership and Accreditation Officer, Emily is exploring a package to enable PASSHE to offer Institutional Memberships, promoting the role of Tutors and expanding the reach of PASSHE. Alongside this, she is developing a self assessment framework for HEI’s to evaluate, promote, and increase their provision for Neurodivergent Students across the full Student Experience, and possibility to gain PASSHE accreditation or high standards of provision.

Dr Dionysios Kyropoulos FHEA

Dionysios is a professional coach and trainer specialising in ADHD. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and holds the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) Global Individual Accreditation (EIA) at Practitioner level. Before training as a coach, he developed a diverse portfolio career spanning performance, stage direction, teaching and research, with graduate studies at Cambridge and Oxford and a research fellowship at Harvard. Dionysios is an experienced educator with over 15 years of experience training individuals from aspiring professionals to established experts across diverse academic and professional contexts. For seven years he was Professor of Historical Performance and Academic Studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and has taught courses and workshops at institutions including Newcastle University, Shenandoah University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Burgos, City University London and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Alongside his coaching and teaching practice, he serves as Co-Chair and Director of PASSHE and leads the organisation’s coaching training programme. For more information visit: www.kyropoulos.com

Kassandra Clemens

Kassandra Clemens is a transformational coach, trainer and educator with deep experience in working with neurodivergent professionals. She is autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic and attention-different, and brings a rich, lived understanding to her teaching. A Level 7-qualified Specific Learning Differences Specialist and trained transformational coach, her work focuses on supporting neurodivergent adults to overcome psychological blocks and build confidence in their own judgement. With 19 years of experience supporting neurodivergent adults, Kassandra works at the intersection of trauma-aware practice and coaching. She is the founder and executive director of Heal Your Confidence Community Interest Company, where she integrates her knowledge of the nervous system and adult neurodevelopment into her coaching framework. She hosts monthly events exploring the lived experience of neurodivergence, and her approach is strengths-based, reflective and highly attuned to the needs of clients who struggle with self-doubt, inner criticism and fear of failure.

Jill Harris

Jill is an experienced Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She worked in audit for a Big Four firm and in finance within the oil and gas industry prior to following her passion and moving to work in higher and professional education.

Cheri Shone

Cheri has been a PASSHE member since she first qualified as a Specialist Support Tutor. She deeply committed to developing her own understanding of neurodivergence and raising the awareness of neurodivergence based on that understanding. Cheri herself is Dyslexic. Her particular interest is how to navigate the intersections of the neurodivergent profile by centring and supporting the neurodivergent person themselves to develop this insight. Cheri has engaged with this work herself in both a personal and professional capacity. Her professional interest is focused on how to create a tutorial space that will facilitate this exploration. To that end Cheri has developed the VLR® Model that creates an effective scaffolding for that exploration and is the basis for the work she loves.

Stella Klein

Stella joined the Executive in 2020 with an interest in promoting and sharing innovative professional practice across its membership.
A PASSHE member and SpLD Tutor in Higher Education since 2007, Stella has provided individual and group support to students with SpLDs and other neuro-differences at several London universities including UCL, SOAS, Kings, Birkbeck, Central School of Speech and Drama. In addition to her freelance SpLD tutoring, she also continues to work in this role at Central St Martins, University of the Arts, London. With a background in Linguistics (BA), Education (PGCE, PGDip in Specialist Education) and Creative Writing (MA), Stella loves learning and developing her practice with her students, creating individualised tools for language development, critical reflection and writing from Foundation to PhD level. She is an Advance HE fellow, and has contributed to the Journal of Neurodiversity in Higher Education as well as to the Resources for Professional Practice section of the PASSHE website.

Bob Burwell

Bob is Specific Learning Differences Tutor who has been working at the University of Hull for the last 12 years. Bob has 25 years’ experience in Further and Higher Education. He has been an active member of ADSHE since 2008 and was PASSHE NE Regional Coordinator for 4 Years.  He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Dyslexia and Literacy, and a MA in Education, specialising in inclusion and assessment.  He also has been a teacher for many years with a PGCE. Bob’s particular interests are working with academic departments to develop inclusive curriculum practice. Bob is also keen on developing and protecting professional standards.

Diane de Villiers

Diana joined PASSHE when she started working in HE in 2008. As she has worked as a freelancer for a number of years, Diana feels passionately about endorsing the role of the freelancer and took up the PASSHE role of Freelance Officer in 2018. The role of the freelancer in this sector has become more demanding, providing opportunities as well as challenges. Diana came from teaching into SpLD support. She is a Specialist Teacher Assessor and Director of a company providing NMH support to students. In addition, Diana works as a Dyslexia Advisor at the University for the Creative Arts.

Kris Grainger

Kris Grainger is a Specialist Study Skills Tutor based in Staffordshire. Holding a BA (Hons) in Film and an MA in New Media Technologies, he has engaged in research within the audio and film industries, collaborating with renowned companies such as Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Dolby. A lifelong enthusiast of audio, Kris runs his own small studio, where he produces his personal podcast, as well as offering podcast production and professional audio services to various health and educational organisations. With a PGCE (FE/HE) and over 25 years of teaching experience across the FE, HE, and Adult Learning sectors, Kris is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and support for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). In 2024, he completed the PASSHE Level 5 Course in Teaching Students with SpLDs in Further and Higher Education. Outside of his professional work, Kris is a passionate bass player and musician, with a particular interest in vintage synthesizers, many of which he uses to create jingles for his podcasts.

Jackie Hatfield

Jackie has been supporting neurodivergent students, in a one-to-one setting, at Loughborough University for 14 years. In this role, she engages with students ranging from those beginning their learning journey in Higher Education through to those pursuing the challenges of researching and writing their PhDs. Jackie supports neurodivergent students from across the range of disciplines at Loughborough. This experience has made her aware of the frustrations they encounter with academic writing. As a predominately visual learner she has become increasingly interested in investigating visual and creative strategies. This journey has led Jackie to discover Lego Serious Play, and prompted her to become a trained facilitator of Lego Serious Play methodology, to support her neurodivergent students (and potentially the wider student population) to reach their potential in a text heavy environment. In 2015, Jackie became one of the Regional Coordinators for the Midlands Regional Group, along with her Loughborough colleague, Tina Horsman. In September 2019, she became the Regional Officer of PASSHE.

Dr Dylan Griffiths

Dylan offers almost 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals in education and the workplace, with expertise in dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and physical or sensory impairments.

He provides two core services: neurodiversity screenings and needs assessments. Screenings explore indicators of specific learning differences and neurodivergent profiles, offering a cost-effective way to better understand individual needs without the commitment of a full diagnostic assessment. Needs assessments provide tailored, practical recommendations - ranging from assistive technology and one-to-one support to team awareness training and low- or no-cost adjustments. All strategies are person-centred, sustainable, and aligned with organisational goals.

Dylan's approach is grounded in both academic and professional expertise, drawing on his mathematics PhD, specialist qualifications in Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, and role as a certified Mental Health First Aid Champion. He also contributes to national policy and practice as co-chair of PASSHE and a board member of SASC, shaping standards in assessment and support.

Dr Dylan Griffiths

Dylan has been supporting neurodiverse students and staff since 2006, offering one-to-one support sessions, neurodiversity screenings, and needs assessments. Over the years, his roles have spanned across higher education, the full DSA system, and the workplace, giving him a broad understanding of how best to provide effective support in different settings.

His specialist area is numeracy, but he also brings a strong focus on integrating Study Skills with Assistive Technology. As a keen advocate of technology, Dylan believes that the right tools can make studying and working not only more effective, but also more empowering. His sessions are designed to build confidence, encourage independent learning, and help people work smarter and more efficiently.

Irina Staneva

Irina brings extensive experience of leading multidisciplinary services across disability, wellbeing, counselling and DSA-funded provision, with a strong focus on inclusive practice and strategic service development. She has held senior leadership roles in both higher and further education, leading complex safeguarding and Student of Concern processes, strengthening reasonable adjustments systems to improve access, and embedding preventative mental health within institutional strategy. Irina previously managed a regional DSA Assessment Centre and has contributed to sector policy and practice through representation at the Disabled Students’ Stakeholder Group. Her work is underpinned by a commitment to equity, professional standards and evidence-informed improvement.

James Bramley

James leads digital development across PASSHE’s services, streamlining processes, managing complex information, and helping shape systems that support the organisation’s future growth. With a background in music, languages, and politics, he brings a broad interdisciplinary perspective. Alongside his role at PASSHE, he maintains a portfolio career as a freelance musician and inclusive music educator with the leading participation organisation Live Music Now.

Tony Smith

Tony started as a Senior IT Support Assistant at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2009 before becoming their first Assistive Technology Trainer in 2010. In March 2011, Tony attended a five-day course Understanding SpLD and Strategies for Support. He met Sandra Hargreaves, who supported Tony’s application to attend London Metropolitan University and undertake the Post Graduate Certificate: Teaching Adult Dyslexic Learners in Higher and Further Education. In September 2011, Tony became the Specialist Study Skills Co-Ordinator and the only Tutor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, so he had no problem finding students for his teaching practice as he had over 100 students requiring support. In November 2011, Tony established a small team of Tutors who remained with him until his departure in 2020. He ensured meetings occurred once a term to share best practices and participate in CPD and Professional Peer Supervision (PPS)®. During the same period, Tony was a tutor on the PASSHE Level 5 course. However, he has decided to retire from supporting students. Still, being the eternal opportunist, he is not fading into the background but continues to support the profession now as Treasurer.

Fran Stanton

Fran has worked in Marketing and Recruitment roles at the University of North London and in the Business and Law Faculty at De Montfort University, Leicester.  In 2006 she became International Student Support Coordinator within the Student Support Office at University of York and subsequently, College Administrator at Halifax College, University of York.  On leaving York in 2015, she took up administrative roles within the Anglican Diocese of York and then the Catholic Diocese of Leeds.

Suzanne James

Suzanne is an experienced Administrator with a wide experience within the educational sector. Prior to joining PASSHE in 2018, she worked for the University of Reading Study Advice and Counselling services.  She has a background in corporate public relations and marketing.

Tina Horsman

Tina Horsman is a specialist tutor at Loughborough University, renowned for her expertise in supporting neurodiverse students. With over twenty years of experience in assessing and aiding students with specific learning differences (SpLDs), Tina has co-authored the book Mindfulness for Study: From Procrastination to Action, which provides valuable insights into applying mindfulness techniques to academic contexts. At Loughborough, Tina co-developed the "Mindfulness for Study Programme", designed to help students with SpLDs such as dyslexia and dyspraxia to manage stress and improve their study skills. This programme has received significant recognition for its positive impact on student performance and well-being. Tina's recent work includes the publication of the article "Navigating the Essay: Making Writing Multi-Sensory", which explores innovative methods to enhance students' writing processes by incorporating multisensory approaches. A long-time member of PASSHE, Tina became a Director in March 2024.

Dr Karisa Krčmář

Karisa has an MBA from Glasgow, an MEd and PhD from Birmingham.  After working in a variety of commercial sectors ranging from shipping to ballet, she changed direction, went into teaching adults and became fascinated with why learners don’t learn.  She undertook dyslexia teaching and assessor training, followed by CPD focussing on ADHD and Mental Health and became a Specialist Tutor at Loughborough University. Karisa is a Mindfulness practitioner, and with one of her colleagues, developed and ran mindfulness workshops culminating in the publishing of Mindfulness for Study: from procrastination to action.  She was the first editor of the Journal of Neurodiversity in Higher Education (ADSHE) and has edited books about inclusive learning and teaching (The Inclusivity Gap) and successful projects for building students’ mental health resilience (Helping Penguins to Swim).  Karisa is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has a black belt in Shotokan Karate.