A security pass is required at all times to attend events in either of the secure Conference venues, Birmingham ICC or Hyatt Regency Birmingham.

04/10/2026

18.30  The Centre for Social Justice

Hyatt Regency Birmingham : Scherzo 

Tackling the youth jobs gap: How to get Britain’s young people into work

Britain's welfare system is broken. Over a million young people, more than one in eight, are NEET. Alan Milburn's review reveals the scar this leaves: over £300,000 lost in lifetime earnings, and prescriptions for anxiety and depression up more than 50% a decade on. Our panel of Helen Whately, Camilla Tominey, Lord Tony Sewell, and Iain Duncan Smith MP will tackle this generational scandal of young worklessness, its causes and solutions.

05/10/2026

09.45  Youth Futures Foundation & Foundations

Birmingham ICC : Youth Zone & Skills Hub - Theatre

Foundations for Success: What Works for Young People and Families'

Drawing on sector and practical expertise, the panel will discuss implications of the DWP Milburn Review and reforms in the family support system for the futures of young people and families.

09.50  Centre for Policy Studies

Birmingham ICC : Hall 7

In Conversation with Helen Whately MP

Welfare spending is out of control, with the total bill on track to eclipse the entire defence budget while economic inactivity keeps climbing. For many, the system is no longer a safety net but a way of life - yet anyone calling for reform is accused of attacking the vulnerable. Helen Whately, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, joins CPS Director Liam Halligan, to ask whether a rational debate on welfare is possible.

09.50  Centre for Policy Studies

Birmingham ICC : Hall 7

In Conversation with Helen Whately MP

Welfare spending is out of control, with the total bill on track to eclipse the entire defence budget while economic inactivity keeps climbing. For many, the system is no longer a safety net but a way of life - yet anyone calling for reform is accused of attacking the vulnerable. Helen Whately, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, joins CPS Director Liam Halligan, to ask whether a rational debate on welfare is possible.

13.30  Re:State with PwC

Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 8

Reactivating young Britain: a Conservative vision to end youth inactivity

How do we get Britain’s young people back into work? Almost a million young people are now not in education, employment or training. With youth unemployment rising and more young people becoming economically inactive, we need to rethink how we connect them with opportunity. Join us to explore practical reforms across skills, welfare and employment that can help young people enter, stay in and progress through work.

14.00  Bright Blue in partnership with the National Centre for Social Research

Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 9

The future of welfare: what does the public want?

Economic inactivity has risen sharply since the pandemic. The cost of the state pension is set to rise significantly with public debt to reach eye-watering levels. What do the public think about the purpose, sustainability and fairness of the welfare system? Drawing on new analysis from the BSA survey, this panel explores the features of a centre-right approach to welfare reform that could win back voters, reduce expenditure and grow the economy.

15.45  Institute for Government & Trussell

Hyatt Regency Birmingham : Soprano 

Social security, disability and health-related inactivity: What is the Conservative case for reform?

Reforming health and disability benefits has been one of the thorniest issues faced by this and former governments. The Conservatives have set out proposals to save £23bn as part of its "Get Britain Working Again" pledge and has begun a major review of the system. So how should Kemi Badenoch’s party set about reforming employment support and social security for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions?