The 2026 Workforce Digital Skills Summit took place at the Guildhall, London on Wednesday 22 April.
We were joined by more than 150 cross-sector leaders and, across a busy and dynamic agenda, we saw a clear and shared determination to turn ambition into action in closing the gap in workforce essential digital and AI skills.
Business leaders, policy-makers, delivery partners and sector experts confronted an urgent truth: the UK will not unlock the benefits of AI, automation or digital transformation unless it first fixes its essential digital skills foundations.
We’re now pleased to share our event summary from a day that was full of energy, engagement and a drive to create real change.
And for a brilliant snapshot of what we covered, don’t miss the amazing live event illustration by Jenny Leonard, which perfectly captures the spirit and ideas of the summit.
Speakers at the 2026 Workfroce Digital Skills Summit
Baroness Lloyd CBE
Minister for the Digital Economy
Danilo McGarry
Top 20 in the world for AI
Phil Smith CBE
Chair
Judith Jackson-Merrick
Managing Director
Adam Markson
Senior Managing Director
Andy Richards
Chief Digital Information Officer
Anthony Impey MBE
Chief Executive
Julie Hawker MBE
Chief Executive
Kerry Harrison
Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership Lead
Edyta Prazuch
Digital HR & AI Transformation Lead
James Freed
Deputy Director, NHS Digital Academy
Claire Levens
Head of Media Literacy Policy
Holly Chate
Chief Operating Officer
Liz Williams MBE
Chief Executive
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