Events by ESRC Centre for Population Change

Choosing the right university path and understanding higher education options is a crucial step for prospective students, parents, and guardians. The University of Northampton Open Day on August 15, 2026, offers an immersive, comprehensive experience designed to showcase everything the institution has to offer. Held at the modern Waterside Campus, this upcoming event gives attendees a first-hand look at academic facilities, cutting-edge learning spaces, and vibrant student accommodation. Visitors can engage directly with expert academic faculty members, current student ambassadors, and dedicated support teams who are available to answer questions regarding undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The schedule is packed with informative sessions covering a wide variety of essential topics. Attendees can participate in dedicated talks focusing on student life, finance and guidance, personal statement writing advice, and specific course breakdowns. Additionally, tailored sessions are hosted for parents and carers to help them navigate the transition to university life alongside their dependents. Campus and town tours provide a clearer picture of living and studying in Northampton, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a thorough understanding of the student experience. Whether you are exploring foundation years, full degrees, or master's options, this open day serves as an ideal launchpad for your academic future. Registrations open approximately two months prior, making it essential to book early to secure your spot. Come along to discover unique scholarship opportunities, student perks, and clubs that make the university community thrive.

Running a limited company in the United Kingdom requires more than having a great business idea. Every company director is responsible for ensuring that the business complies with legal obligations, maintains accurate records, files documents on time, and follows good corporate governance practices. To help business owners better understand these responsibilities, Companies House is hosting the informative webinar "Running a Limited Company: What Every Director Needs to Know." This online seminar provides practical guidance for directors, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and anyone planning to incorporate a company in the UK. The webinar has been developed to explain the essential legal responsibilities of directors while helping businesses avoid common compliance mistakes. Participants will gain valuable knowledge about incorporation, statutory filings, governance standards, and changes introduced under UK company law. Whether you are starting your first business or already managing an established company, this event provides reliable information directly from Companies House experts. Understand the Basics of Operating a Limited Company One of the primary objectives of the seminar is to explain how limited companies operate within the UK's legal framework. Participants will learn the differences between sole traders and limited companies, the advantages of incorporation, and the responsibilities that accompany company ownership. The session covers the complete company lifecycle, including registration, maintaining statutory records, submitting confirmation statements, filing annual accounts, and ensuring transparency with Companies House. Learn Director Responsibilities Directors have significant legal duties under the Companies Act. During this webinar, Companies House specialists explain these responsibilities in clear language, helping attendees understand their obligations. Topics include: Acting in the company's best interests Maintaining accurate company information Filing statutory documents on time Managing company records Avoiding penalties for late filing Understanding accountability under UK company law Understanding these responsibilities reduces legal risks and helps companies maintain good standing with Companies House. Annual Filing Requirements Many businesses experience compliance issues because they misunderstand filing deadlines. This webinar explains every major filing requirement that directors should know. Participants will gain guidance on: Confirmation Statements Annual Accounts Registered Office requirements PSC (Persons with Significant Control) Company Officers Filing deadlines Late filing penalties The event explains how timely filing protects a company's reputation while preventing unnecessary financial penalties. Corporate Governance Best Practices Good governance is one of the foundations of successful businesses. Companies House explains practical governance measures that improve transparency, accountability, and decision-making. Attendees will discover: Effective board responsibilities Record keeping practices Internal governance controls Director accountability Company transparency Strong governance supports investor confidence and long-term business growth. Identity Verification Changes Recent legislative changes are introducing new identity verification requirements for company directors and individuals associated with UK companies. The webinar discusses these important updates and explains how businesses should prepare for future compliance requirements. Participants will understand: Why identity verification is being introduced Who must verify identity Future compliance timelines How verification supports business transparency Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act The seminar also introduces the significant reforms resulting from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. Key discussion areas include: Enhanced company verification Stronger corporate transparency Registrar powers Improved public register accuracy Fraud prevention measures These reforms are reshaping how UK companies operate and increasing trust in the corporate register. Benefits for New Entrepreneurs Starting a company can be overwhelming for first-time entrepreneurs. This webinar simplifies the incorporation process by providing practical guidance from official experts. New business owners will learn: Choosing the right company structure Registering a business Understanding legal obligations Preparing annual filings Building a compliant company The session reduces uncertainty and helps entrepreneurs establish businesses with confidence. Practical Examples and Expert Guidance Rather than focusing only on legislation, the webinar uses practical examples to explain common business situations. Participants gain insights into: Common filing mistakes Director responsibilities Business compliance challenges Governance improvements Regulatory expectations These examples make complex legal requirements much easier to understand. Why Attend This Webinar? Attending this Companies House seminar offers several benefits: Official guidance from Companies House Latest compliance information Practical business advice Better understanding of director duties Reduced compliance risks Improved governance knowledge Opportunity to ask questions during the session Networking and Knowledge Sharing Although the event is held online, attendees become part of a wider community of entrepreneurs, directors, accountants, and business advisers who are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Participants can interact during the webinar and learn from common questions raised by other businesses. Who Should Attend? This seminar is particularly valuable for: New Company Directors Existing Directors Entrepreneurs Startup Founders Small Business Owners Company Secretaries Business Consultants Accountants Legal Advisers Corporate Compliance Professionals Key Learning Outcomes By the end of the webinar, attendees will understand: How to establish and manage a limited company Legal duties of company directors Annual filing responsibilities Corporate governance principles Company transparency requirements Identity verification developments Compliance with Companies House regulations Best practices for long-term business success Wrapping Up The Running a Limited Company: What Every Director Needs to Know webinar is an excellent opportunity for anyone involved in running or establishing a UK limited company. Delivered by Companies House professionals, the seminar combines practical advice with official guidance, ensuring attendees leave with a clear understanding of their legal responsibilities and the latest regulatory developments. Whether you are launching a new business, becoming a company director for the first time, or simply refreshing your compliance knowledge, this free online event provides valuable insights that can help you operate your company responsibly, confidently, and successfully. With ongoing changes to company law and identity verification, staying informed has never been more important. Registering for this webinar is an effective way to ensure your business remains compliant while adopting best practices that support sustainable growth and strong corporate governance.

The ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 represents a prestigious annual celebration dedicated to highlighting the vital role of social science research in addressing the most pressing challenges of our era. Hosted by the University of Southampton, this event series serves as a bridge between academic inquiry and public understanding, demonstrating how rigorous data and analysis can inform policy, drive economic competitiveness, and improve societal wellbeing. The theme for the 2026 festival is "Money, Finance and the Cost of Living." This focus is particularly timely, as it delves into the intricate ways that financial systems influence our daily lives—from individual spending habits and saving decisions to the broader macroeconomic forces that dictate the costs of essential goods like housing, food, and energy. Throughout the festival, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers, including experts from the Centre for Population Change, to explore why our financial habits develop, how economic literacy is cultivated across generations, and why economic conditions fluctuate so rapidly in the modern world. By opening these critical conversations to the public, the festival aims to empower citizens to feel more informed, confident, and connected to the economic issues that shape their households and communities. Attendees can expect a diverse program featuring interactive workshops, insightful seminars, and networking sessions that connect academic theory with practical reality. Whether you are a student, a policy professional, or simply a curious member of the public, this festival offers a unique lens through which to view the 21st-century society. It is an opportunity to look beyond the headlines and understand the structural dynamics behind our current cost-of-living challenges, fostering a better-prepared and more resilient community.

The ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC), in collaboration with the Connecting Generations partnership, is proud to host this comprehensive one-day conference at the University of Southampton. As we navigate the complexities of 2026, understanding the shifting landscape of global and regional demography has never been more critical. This event brings together world-leading experts in demography, gerontology, sociology, and economics to explore the multifaceted challenges of an aging society and the evolving nature of intergenerational support. The conference will delve into the latest research findings concerning reproductive freedom, the "generation rent" housing crisis, and the widening gender gaps in unpaid caregiving. Attendees will participate in high-level plenary sessions and interactive workshops designed to translate academic evidence into actionable policy frameworks. Key topics include the impact of rising pension ages on grandparenthood, the socio-economic implications of declining fertility rates, and the role of social infrastructure in supporting families across the life course. With a focus on "Rights, Justice, and Action," the program aims to provide a roadmap for policymakers and practitioners to foster more resilient communities. The event will also feature a special panel on the "Central South" regional demographic trends, providing localized insights for the Southampton and wider Hampshire area. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, or social advocate, this conference offers a unique platform to engage with the evidence-shaping the future of the UK’s demographic system.