Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026
Join us in Birmingham as we unite leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the mental health and learning disability sectors.
Speakers
Our Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition will bring together over 200 senior leaders from NHS, VCSE and independent organisations for lively discussions on the future of services, to share good practice, horizon scan, network with peers and influence the national policy direction.
In an evolving health and care landscape, with increased demand and pressure across all systems, meeting rising mental health need is crucial not only to the sustainability of healthcare services but to economic growth. Organisations are innovating at every level – from defining models of care, exploring the potential of digital technology, committing to new partnerships and working across boundaries. The conference gives senior leaders the opportunity to come together to focus on these areas, discover ideas and to re-energise themselves as leaders delivering high quality organisations and services.
Programme and agenda
The day will run from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Please note that details of speakers are provisional and may change in the event of circumstances outside of our control. In the event that a speaker is no longer available to attend we will ensure alternative arrangements are made.
Our new chief executive Ciarán Devane will attend the conference and be available to meet members, but will not have a formal speaking role.
8:30–9:30am - Breakfast session – From insight to implementation: tackling racial inequalities in mental health services, supported by Maudsley Charity
Racial inequalities continue to drive unequal access to mental health care, negatively impacting people’s experiences and outcomes, and perpetuating disparities across services. This is widely acknowledged within the sector, but how do we move from “admiring the problem” to taking action to solve it?
This session will highlight the practical, evidence-based approaches being taken to reduce racial inequalities. We will explore how Advance Choice Documents (ACDs) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust are empowering individuals and building trust, explore the impact of PCREF on disparities affecting staff and patients in Birmingham, and discuss the distinct challenges faced in less diverse areas of the country.
Speakers to include:
- Dr Lade Smith – President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Sarah Holloway – Chief Executive, Maudsley Charity
9:00–9:45am - Registration, networking and exhibition
9:45–9:50am - Chair's and Vice Chair's welcome
- Dr Buki Adeyemo – Chair, Mental Health Network and Chief Executive, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
- Marsha McAdam – Peer Ambassador and Vice-Chair, Mental Health Network
9:50–10:50am - Panel discussion: Unlocking potential: supporting people with mental health conditions to achieve sustainable employment
Government’s mission-led approach is to reduce unemployment and economic inactivity and build an inclusive and thriving labour market and achieve strong economic growth. The biggest driver behind the increase in economic inactivity is poor mental health, with about 40% of working age adults with a common mental condition being unemployed and about 1.3 million people with mental health or behavioural conditions claiming disability benefits. This is particularly the case for young people with mental health conditions who are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive. To achieve this change and enable people with mental health issues into the workplace, we need to give them the right support while they are ill and prevent them becoming ill in the first place.
Session aims:
- The session will discuss the role of providers and ICBs in responding to this growing challenge. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the busy landscape of work and health and the different trailblazers, pilots, and available funding.
- This session will provide an overview of the trends in relation to mental health and work, and evidence base for effective interventions. There will be a specific focus on young people who are not in employment, education or training and how to support them to become economically active.
Speakers to include:
- Salma Yasmeen – Chief Executive, Sheffield Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Adam Memon – Director of Strategy, NHS England
- Lorraine Jackson, Director, Joint Work and Health Unit at DHSC
- Craig Cleeton – Expert by Experience, Sheffield Partnership University Foundation Trust
10:50–11:15am - Keynote address: Dr Nick Broughton
- Dr Nick Broughton – National Priority Programme Director for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodevelopmental Conditions, NHS England.
11:15–11:40am - Networking and exhibition
11:40am–12:35pm - Breakout sessions (choice of three)
1. Demystifying AI in mental health services: exploring leadership and practical implementation of AI for impact (supported by Limbic)
Speakers to include:
- Marie Burnham – Chair, South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust
2. Improving cultures of care to transform patient outcomes and experiences (supported by The PSC)
3. Session title to be confirmed, but with a focus on ADHD pathways (supported by Takeda)
Speakers to include:
- Richard Keble – Programme Director for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire
- Dr Kemi Mateola – Clinical Director, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- Lucy Clement – GP in Leeds (session chair)
12:35–1:35pm - Lunch, networking and exhibition
1:35–2:30pm - Breakout sessions (choice of three)
1. Foundations of neighbourhood health – improving the interface between primary and secondary mental health services
Speakers to include:
- Emma Tiffin – Associate Clinical Director Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICS
- Zoe Mitchell – Lived Experience Board Representative, Mental Health Network
2. Beyond labels: transforming support for young people with complex emotional needs
Speakers to include:
- Prof Pratibha Chitsabesan – National Clinical Director for Children and Young People's Mental Health, NHS England (session chair)
- Simon Beeton – Chief Executive, Navigo
- Dr Katie Nichol – Research Fellow, Orygen and University of Glasgow
3. Truly understanding the needs of your community: data-informed commissioning for population health
- Ian Callaghan – Lived Experience Programme Manager, Rethink Mental Illness
2:30–2:55pm - Networking and exhibition
2:55–3:00pm - Network director's address and update
- Rebecca Gray – Director, Mental Health Network
3:00–4:00pm - Panel discussion: Future-ready leadership – what skills do leaders need to implement the 10 Year Health Plan?
With the move towards more joined-up neighbourhood provision and Advanced Foundation Trusts, Integrated Health Organisations on the horizon, the operating model for the NHS is evolving at pace. This session will explore what leadership skills are needed to deliver on the promise of more integrated care for patients and communities on this journey, to break down existing barriers and ensure the new models work for patients.
Session aims:
- A wider understanding of the expected changes to the provider model over the next five years.
- To hear from leaders who are at the forefront of the evolution of providers, and how they are approaching, embracing and driving new models of provision.
- Learnings that leaders can take away to help them facilitate change in their systems.
Speakers to include:
- Angela Hillary – Chief Executive, Northamptonshire Health Foundation NHS Trust and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
- Ify Okocha – Chief Executive, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- Marsha McAdam – Vice Chair, Mental Health Network
- Sarah Hughes – Chief Executive, Mind and NED, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB
4:00–4:25pm - Keynote address: Dr Penny Dash
- Dr Penny Dash – Chair, NHS England
- Lord Victor Adebowale – Chair, NHS Confederation (session chair)
4:25–4:30pm - Closing reflections
Ticket information
Our conference was fully booked the past three years and while we have expanded the number of places available this year, spots are still limited, so we recommend reserving early to secure your place.
To make the most of networking opportunities, we recommend attending with up to 2-3 colleagues from your organisation.
In response to the challenging financial landscape, we have refreshed and reduced our ticket pricing to provide continued value for money to members and partners.
- Mental Health Network Member - £149 + VAT
- NHS Confederation Member - £149 + VAT
- NHS Organisation, Not for Profit, Charity - £295 + VAT
- Associate Member - £450 + VAT
- Commercial Organisation - £650 + VAT
Please click here to book your place using a payment card, or email our events team for an invoice.
In addition to the conference itself, we are hosting a complimentary dinner the night before the conference which is exclusively for Mental Health Network members - please select 'MHN member' when registering to access this option. Up to two places are available per member organisation for the dinner.
Finally, we have a discounted rate available for a hotel close to the venue which you can access through this link.
Partnership opportunities
Thank you to our event sponsors Limbic, The PSC and Takeda.
To enquire about whether there are any remaining partnership or exhibition opportunities, please email ross.edwards@nhsconfed.org.
