The National Care Forum (NCF), association for not-for-profit social care, is once again partnering with Skills for Care to deliver The Managers Conference 2026, which returns to Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March 2026.
This crucial event is the only conference dedicated to care managers, deputies and those aspiring to these roles. The programme is filled with practical sessions and important learning for delegates whether working in older people’s services or supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. In a world where the demands on managers continue to grow, this annual event acts as a vital opportunity to connect, update and develop. Feedback from those attending consistently rates it ‘essential’ as a way to keep on top of the ever-changing landscape.
In the plenary session, delegates will have an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand from Chris Badger, the Care Quality Commission’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care who is really keen to talk to managers about the CQC’s improvement journey and how changes will impact them. There are also two fascinating panels, the first of which will provide managers with a complete understanding of how national policy, particularly the new Employment Rights Act will affect them and how they can best be prepared. In another panel discussion managers will learn about the new role of the Care Technologist that is designed to enhance the support care workers provide through the use of technology, giving people better choice and independence so they can live full lives.
A full workshop schedule delivered by sector experts will cover key topics for managers including: AI and its role in creating efficiencies for managers, practical recruitment and retention strategies and innovative ways that Individual Service Funds make people’s support money work better for them amongst other topics.
Tickets for the full conference and exhibition, which includes overnight accommodation, dinner and drinks reception on 9 March plus breakfast, lunch and refreshments the following day, are priced at £355+VAT. Day tickets for the conference and exhibition on 10 March are also available for £199+VAT which includes lunch and refreshments. Wyboston Lakes is easily accessible by road via the A1, and by rail with St Neots railway station approximately 10 minutes’ drive away.
Vic Rayner, CEO of NCF, said: “The Managers Conference has established itself as a crucial event for care managers from all types of care and support settings with a plethora of networking and practice-based learning opportunities. The event is the perfect environment for managers, deputies and aspiring managers to connect with colleagues, collaborate, share experiences, learn from one another and hear from a wide variety of expert speakers.
"By encouraging managers to register, employers are helping them feel valued and empowering them to provide the highest quality care and support while building a community of peers, connecting with colleagues, sharing learning and working on solutions together.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to The Managers Conference and thank our speakers, sponsors and exhibitors for helping us continue to make this one-of-a-kind event available to our wonderful care managers.”
Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care said: "We’re proud to once again join the National Care Forum in delivering The Managers Conference 2026. Managers are at the heart of delivering high-quality care and support, in a role that is both incredibly rewarding and demanding. This event provides a unique opportunity for managers across care to come together to share experiences and build those all-important peer relationships.
“This year’s event includes the chance to hear about innovations and changes impacting social care right now, providing insights that will support managers to continue to lead their services into the future with passion, knowledge and confidence.”
Tickets can be purchased on the Skills for Care website here.
