Key takeaways from the 2026 SQE Symposium

The Joint SRA and Kaplan Assessments 2026 Symposium brought together leading legal and assessment professionals to explore key issues surrounding assessments.

Here are the key highlights and insights from the sessions, providing insights into the future of professional assessment and development.

Navigating the shift in professional skills

To kick off the symposium, a panel of leading experts explored the evolving demands facing today’s professionals . Speakers shared their perspectives on the key drivers behind shifting professional skills and discussed how organisations can respond effectively. Their conversation highlighted the importance of adapting to change while ensuring that teams remain equipped with the foundational skills required to succeed in a rapidly moving environment.

The panel brought together Dan Kayne (Founder and CEO, O Shaped), Ola Olajide (Solicitor, Winckworth Sherwood), Stuart Pedley-Smith (Qualified Accountant and Professional Education Advisor), and Henry Fingerhut (Technology & Innovation Policy Manager, Bar Standards Board). Speakers emphasised that, while digital innovation is accelerating change, the need for both strong foundational knowledge and skills remains as important as ever. Their insights highlighted how organisations can balance upskilling in skills relating to new technologies with the enduring value of core competencies in today’s landscape.

For organisations prioritising productivity and return on investment, the core message was clear: identifying which foundational skills will remain vital, and which emerging competencies require attention, is essential. And also proactively anticipating challenges to change, and integrating targeted training solutions that align with and support your longer-term strategic ambitions.

Minimising variance and error in assessments

Robust assessment practices are fundamental in the world of high stakes professional assessment. When assessments lack reliability, the resulting data undermines confident decision-making.

Dr. Matt Homer, University of Leeds, delivered an insightful overview on managing variance and error in assessments. His session unpacked key principles of validity and reliability, offering clear guidance on how assessment organisations can both measure and mitigate assessment error more effectively. By implementing these best practices, organisations can minimise variance and error in their assessments.

Fostering racial inclusivity in high-stakes testing

Dr Paul Campbell, Associate Professor of Sociology and founding Director of the University of Leicester Institute for Inclusivity, delivered a thought-provoking session dedicated to addressing racial inequality within high-stakes assessment environments.

Dr Campbell explored the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, psychological, and institutional factors impacting candidate performance across different racial and ethnic groups. Drawing on his extensive research, he highlighted the critical importance of early, well-informed support to address disparities and promote equity at all stages leading up to and at the time of the assessment process.

Drawing on his Racially Inclusive Practice in Assessment Guidance, Dr. Campbell outlined actionable steps for organisations to eliminate barriers. By embedding inclusivity into every stage of the assessment process, organisations can take meaningful strides toward reducing differential outcomes.

Empower your organisation for the road ahead

The 2026 Symposium’s key insights set a practical course for advancing areas of professional assessment.

To effectively prepare for future challenges, now is the time to review and refine your required competencies and assessment practices. Get in touch with us to discover how our tailored, scalable solutions can help your organisation.