Introducing First Intuition Think Tank (FITT) Forums
Launched during the pandemic to keep clients informed with the ever-changing situation, First Intuition’s Think Tank Forums now continue to update employers on the latest trends and challenges in accountancy and finance. Each session offers expert insights, practical advice, and real-world experiences on the issues shaping today’s businesses.
Below you will find upcoming and previous FITT forums in 2026.
Find other upcoming employer events here
Previous 2026 FITT Forums:
Understanding Funding Changes for Apprenticeships and Skills
Funding reforms are reshaping the apprenticeships and skills system, with significant changes already underway and further developments planned. Understanding what is changing, why it matters, and how to respond is essential for employers, providers and stakeholders navigating an evolving policy environment. Speakers discussed:
- The current funding landscape for apprenticeships and skills, including recent announcements and confirmed changes
- What is planned next, the direction of travel for government policy, and how reforms such as the Growth and Skills Levy may evolve
- The practical implications for employers and training providers, including risks, opportunities and how to respond strategically to ongoing change
Upcoming 2026 FITT Forums:
How to sell yourself to school leavers
Wednesday 25th February – 08:30 – 10amRegister Now via Zoom
Attracting school leavers is becoming increasingly competitive, with young people navigating a crowded landscape of employers, routes and expectations. Changes to Level 7 funding seem likely to mean that employers turn even more towards school leaver recruitment so it is more important than ever to be able to stand out. This session will explore how businesses can clearly articulate their offer, values and progression opportunities in a way that genuinely resonates with school leavers and early-career talent.
In this session, expert speakers will explore:
- What school leavers value most when choosing employers
- How to communicate your employer brand authentically to younger audiences
- Practical ways to engage with schools, parents and influencers to stand out in the early-talent market
- How to ensure the first few months in the workplace are a smooth transition for your school leaver recruits
Accountex Special Forum: First Intuition at Accountex
Wednesday 25th March – 08:30 – 9amRegister Now via Zoom
Accountex brings together the profession’s leading voices on the future of accountancy, skills and talent. This special forum will provide a preview of First Intuition’s programme of talks at Accountex, showcasing the key themes and challenges facing accountancy employers and training leaders today.
With a dedicated FI stage featuring a range of short, high-impact sessions, attendees will hear practical insights on recruitment, retention, skills development and workforce strategy from experts across the profession. This forum will highlight what will be covered on the day, who will be speaking, and how attendees can get the most value from engaging with FI at Accountex.
In this session, speakers will explore:
- The key topics that will be covered on the First Intuition stage at Accountex, including skills strategy, early talent, inclusion, leadership and the future of training
- What employers and firms can expect to learn from the talks and panel sessions running throughout the day
- Who will be speaking on the FI stage and the perspectives they will bring from across practice, industry and training
- How attendees can use the day to gain practical ideas, benchmark their approach and take away actions to implement in their own organisations
Building a skills-based business
Thursday 23rd April – 08:30 – 10am Register Now via Zoom
As skills needs in the workplace evolve faster than traditional job roles, organisations are increasingly rethinking how they attract, develop and retain talent. At the same time, individuals’ expectations of work are changing, with greater emphasis on skills development, wellbeing, flexibility and purpose. This session will explore how a skills-based approach can help businesses better align with what people value and expect from their employer, while building a more adaptable and future-ready workforce.
In this session, expert speakers will explore:
- What a skills-based approach means in practice and how it responds to changing individual expectations of work
- The skills, development opportunities and working practices individuals increasingly value from employers
- How organisations can support skills development and progression in ways that benefit both individuals and the business
Using AI in recruitment: candidates vs employers
Tuesday 16th June – 08:30 – 10am Register Now via Zoom
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming recruitment, from how candidates apply and prepare, to how employers screen, assess and select talent. This session will explore the growing use of AI on both sides of the recruitment process and what this means for fairness, efficiency and hiring outcomes.
In this session, expert speakers will explore:
- How candidates are using AI tools to apply for roles and prepare for interviews
- How employers are integrating AI into attraction, screening and assessment processes
- The risks, opportunities and ethical considerations of AI-driven recruitment
Leading a multigenerational workplace
Date TBC
With up to five generations now working side by side in the workplace, organisations are facing new challenges (and opportunities) in leadership, communication and management. This session will explore how changing workforce demographics and expectations are reshaping organisational management and what leaders can do to create inclusive, high-performing teams.
In this session, expert speakers will explore:
- Key generational trends and how expectations around work, leadership and progression are evolving
- How management styles are changing in response to hybrid working, flexibility and values-led cultures
- Practical strategies for leading multigenerational teams and maximising collaboration across age groups
Promoting inclusive apprenticeships
Date TBC
Creating inclusive apprenticeship programmes is increasingly important, both in response to regulatory expectations and to ensure employers are widening access to talent and innovation within their organisations. It is helpful for employers to understand the support available to make apprenticeships more inclusive and how to remove barriers for learners with additional needs. This session will explore how organisations can build inclusive apprenticeship pathways and workforce.
In this session, expert speakers will explore:
- Awareness of available support, funding and reasonable adjustments for apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds or with extra learning needs
- Common barriers to recruiting and supporting disadvantaged learners/those with additional needs and how to overcome these to make a more equal recruitment process
- The practical support available to employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship journey
- The practical support available to employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship journey
Previous FITT Forum Archive
You can find a full archive of valuable insight from previous First Intuition Think Tank forums below. Many of the discussions are every bit as relevant now.
2025 FITT Forums.
