LISA Conference 2026 (previously the SLA Conference) – Change through the lens of self-kindness [TG4/SLA26]

Annual LISA Conference 2026 (previously called the SLA Conference) – Change through the lens of self-kindness

cpd25 is pleased to bring you our annual LISA Conference (Library and Information Supervisors and Assistants) on 23rd June 2026, designed for those who supervise staff, services or both. This is a popular and well-loved event, giving attendees the invaluable opportunity to meet and network in-person. This year will focus on managing change from the perspective of developing your own self compassion and resilience in trying times.

If you would like to contribute to the day by sharing a 5-minute presentation on your own experiences of managing change at a strategic level or at a team level please contact us at cpd25@london.ac.uk with details by Wednesday 3 June.

The event will be held in Central London at Mary Ward House

The conference will be in-person and will be a highly participative day with plenty of opportunities for networking – enabling attendees to share their experience and best practice. This event is open to all, but would benefit in particular Senior Library Assistants, Information Services Supervisors, Library Assistants, Information Assistants or their equivalent.

We are offering 2 free places at the Conference, funded by the M25 Staff Development Awards. To apply, please complete the application form found on our website page.

Programme:

9.30am            Arrival and registration with tea/coffee

10am              Welcome and intro

10.10-11.30am      Keynote address and workshop – ‘Kindness in Times of Change’, Helen Rimmer (The Kind Brave Leader):

This session will focus on the human side of change – particularly how people experience uncertainty, why behavioural and cultural shifts often lag behind structural changes, and the practical role kindness (including self-kindness) plays in maintaining stability, trust, and resilience at work.

11.45am-12.45pm   Library visits (LSHTM/Senate House)

1pm               Lunch and networking

2pm                          ‘How do we respond to change?’ – Neil Johnstone, (UAL).

This is a practical and participative session exploring typical responses to change, sharing our experiences, recognising what is happening and, what can be done to encourage people to embrace change.

3pm                   Tea break

3.30pm              Lightning talks: attendees sharing experiences of how they have dealt with change at a strategic level or at a smaller level

4pm                                End

Speaker biographies:

Helen Rimmer is a leadership development specialist, facilitator, and coach specialising in workplace wellbeing, resilience, and the human dynamics of organisational life.

With over 20 years of senior leadership experience in libraries and higher education, Helen brings a practical, experience-grounded perspective to professional development. Her work focuses on the psychological and behavioural realities of modern work, helping individuals and teams navigate pressure, uncertainty, and change in sustainable ways.

Helen is the founder of The Kind Brave Leader and Empower: The Library Skills Collective, and is particularly known for her work on kindness-centred leadership, burnout prevention, and emotionally intelligent workplace cultures.

Her sessions combine psychology, realism, and warmth, offering participants practical tools that feel immediately relevant to everyday professional life.

Neil Johnstone has a successful 25-year track record within learning and development, as well as 15 years in operational management roles (6 as a senior manager).

Neil has worked with 10 HE clients and has been working with UAL for over 8 years delivering a range of interventions for a variety of departments.

As a manager Neil worked in the private and not for profit sector. With this background he can relate to and understand the needs of organisations, the challenge of leadership, and the realities of operational management. This enables Neil to draw on his own experience to design and deliver training that makes a difference by being relevant, practical, and focused on achieving learning outcomes.

As a Learning and Development specialist, Neil has worked as a consultant, coach facilitator, and trainer in all sectors. He has worked with over 40 organisations to design and deliver learning interventions to meet their specific needs.

Cost:

£200 members
£400 non member institutions

Cost includes lunch and refreshments

Information for joining:

• Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place please use our online booking forms. Please remember to include a PO number if required to make payment.

If you would also like to contribute to the day by sharing a 5 minute presentation on your own experiences of managing change at a strategic level or at a team level please contact us at cpd25@london.ac.uk with details by Wednesday 3 June.