IEP Talks Live - Sunderland

About this event:

The IEP are delighted to be in Sunderland for our fifth Talks Live event of 2026, kindly sponsored by Waythrough.

Are you looking to connect with like-minded professionals and explore the future of the employability profession? Then don't miss this amazing opportunity to join our next Talks Live event which takes place in Sunderland.

This is a fantastic opportunity to network and listen to expert speakers as they share their knowledge and expertise, not to mention the chance to enjoy some light refreshments on us and connect with your employability colleagues and peers.

This event is free for all IEP Members to attend. If you are bringing along a guest, they must also be registered.

Here's what's in store:

13:00 Registration & Networking - 

13:30 Welcome from IEP | Scott Parkin FIEP | Group Chief Executive Officer | IEP

13:35 Welcome from Sponsors | Paul Townsley | Chief Executive Officer | Waythrough 

Paul Townsley brings extensive experience across the health and social care sector, having served in a wide range of roles from volunteer and frontline practitioner to senior leadership positions. He has been Chief Executive Officer of Waythrough since 2015.
Paul is committed to driving continuous improvement across the organisation, with a strong focus on innovation, service development and removing barriers to access. He is passionate about ensuring that more people can benefit from the support and services they need, when they need them.

13:50 Seminar 1 | Ashley Gilby | Employability Manager | & Mike Law | Quality, Performance & Achievement Manager | Sunderland City Council Learning, Skills & Employability Service 

Mike Law is Quality Performance and Achievement Manager within Sunderland City Council's Learning, Skills and Employability Service. With over 15 years' experience in Further Education, predominantly within adult learning, Mike has taught Access to Higher Education programmes, A Levels and GCSEs and has developed extensive expertise in quality improvement, performance management and provider oversight. He currently leads on quality assurance and contract compliance across the Council's Adult Skills provision, supporting high-quality delivery and positive learner outcomes.

Ashley Gilby is Employability Manager at Sunderland City Council, leading the delivery of programmes that support residents into work. She oversees key initiatives including Connect to Work, the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), and the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme. Having spent more than 15 years in prison education, Ashley has extensive experience in quality improvement, contract management, and supporting Ofsted inspections. Quality and continuous improvement are at the heart of her work and approach to service delivery. Ashley is passionate about supporting people facing barriers to employment and works with partners across Sunderland to create opportunities that help residents build confidence, develop skills, achieve their goals, and progress into sustainable employment.

14:20 Speed Networking

14:35 Seminar 2 | Jamie Wright | Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer | Foundation of Light

Jamie Wright is the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC's official charity. A member of the Executive Leadership Team, he leads operational delivery, strategic development, governance, and organisational improvement across one of the UK's largest sport-for-development charities. Passionate about creating opportunities through education, employability, health, and sport, Jamie has played a key role in expanding the Foundation's community impact and strengthening partnerships across the North East. He is also an active football coach and a strong advocate for the power of sport to change lives.

15:05 Speed Networking

15:20 Seminar 3 | TBC

15:50 Refreshments & Networking

17:00 Event Close

About Waythough :

Waythrough are specialists in mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas, providing high quality, evidence-based services designed around the needs of the people we serve.

We know that people and their problems don’t fit into neatly labelled boxes and that finding help can be hard when life gets messy. Too many people hit dead ends when they need open doors and answers.

Waythrough has a vision to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value.
It’s a big ask, but one we aren’t shy of.