Events by Mackay Hannah Ltd

The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) South West Branch is pleased to host its upcoming technical evening meeting and networking gathering in Plymouth. Taking place at The Roundabout in the heart of Plymouth's university district, this gathering brings together the vibrant regional community of hydrographic professionals, marine scientists, offshore surveyors, defense partners, and academic researchers. The South West region of the United Kingdom serves as an international benchmark for maritime innovation, subsea exploration, and hydrographic research. This meeting offers a focused forum where members, visiting industry professionals, and students gather to discuss real-world field operations, breakthroughs in bathymetric mapping, and the rapid evolution of autonomous maritime technology. Technical Spotlight and Keynote Focus The centerpiece of the evening is a detailed technical presentation delivered by invited industry experts showcasing recent field deployments and technological advancements in hydrography. The talk highlights the practical applications of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), ultra-short baseline (USBL) positioning, and high-resolution multi-beam acoustic systems used to map complex seabed topography. Presenters will share empirical case studies detailing bathymetric data collection in coastal and offshore environments, addressing environmental challenges such as tidal variance, water column acoustics, and complex seabed geology. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how state-of-the-art acquisition software and machine learning algorithms are streamlining data processing workflows, reducing operational offshore risks, and accelerating turnaround times for critical hydrographic reports. Student Engagement and Career Pathways A core objective of the Hydrographic Society South West Branch is fostering the next generation of survey specialists. Hosted within walking distance of Plymouth University, this event offers a dedicated bridge between academia and industry practice. Undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing degrees in hydrography, ocean science, ocean exploration, and marine technology are encouraged to attend. During the dedicated session, students have the opportunity to present their dissertation research, engage in one-on-one conversations with senior surveyors, and receive practical career mentorship. Corporate members and commercial offshore surveying firms actively participate to identify emerging talent, discuss graduate placement schemes, and offer guidance on professional accreditation through the Hydrographic Professional Accreditation Scheme (HPAS). Interactive Discussion and Collaborative Panel Following the keynote address, the event transitions into an interactive panel discussion and structured audience Q&A session. Panel members representing commercial survey operators, coastal management authorities, and academic research institutions will discuss pressing sector topics. Discussions will cover the transition toward zero-emission hydrographic survey platforms, the integration of satellite-derived bathymetry in coastal management, and new regulatory standards for autonomous vessel deployment in commercial waterways. Audience members are invited to challenge hypotheses, share field observations, and explore practical solutions to common operational bottlenecks faced during hydrographic surveys. Networking Session and Community Building The final part of the evening is dedicated to informal networking and community interaction. Held in a relaxed environment at The Roundabout, this segment provides a space for attendees to reconnect with peers, make new professional contacts, and discuss collaborative research or commercial ventures. Complimentary refreshments are provided to encourage open conversation. Whether you are a seasoned survey veteran, an equipment manufacturer demonstrating subsea instrumentation, or a university student taking your first steps in the maritime industry, the South West Branch evening meeting offers an ideal setting to build lasting professional relationships within the hydrographic community.  

The Engineering Council Registration Pathway seminar, organized by The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), serves as an essential stepping stone for engineering professionals aiming to validate their expertise globally. Professional registration elevates an engineer's status, signaling peer recognition, commitment to ethical standards, and advanced competency. This upcoming session is meticulously designed to demystify the registration process, offering clear pathways for qualified individuals looking to formalize their standing within the broader engineering community. Navigating the Application Journey Understanding how to translate practical industry experience into formal competencies can often feel overwhelming. During this event, attendees will receive a comprehensive breakdown of what assessors look for in an application portfolio. The session covers essential documentation requirements, evidence compilation strategies, and ways to effectively map career milestones against the UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) standards. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap, minimizing common pitfalls and accelerating their journey toward professional review. Expert Guidance and Insights Led by prominent industry expert Dr Michael Smith from BINDT, the seminar draws upon years of institutional experience in mentoring candidates. Attendees will gain first-hand knowledge regarding the subtle nuances of professional registration across different tiers, including Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) statuses. The speaker will share valuable tips on preparing for the professional review interview, ensuring that candidates can articulate their technical leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and dedication to safety and sustainability with confidence. Interactive Engagement and CPD Value Beyond theoretical presentations, the event emphasizes active engagement through a dedicated live Q&A segment. This open forum allows participants to pose individual questions regarding unique career trajectories, academic qualifications matrixes, or specific workplace evidence. Furthermore, attending this structured session contributes directly towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records, making it immensely valuable for current practitioners striving to maintain active certification, uphold industry standards, and secure long-term career advancement.

As of 2026, over a third of Scotland’s population is living with at least one long-term health condition, a statistic that places immense and sustained pressure on the NHS and social care systems. This critical conference addresses the urgent need for a more unified, cross-cutting framework of care that can adapt to the rising tide of multi-morbidity—where patients are managing multiple complex conditions simultaneously. The current model of fragmented, single-disease focused care is no longer sustainable, and this forum seeks to explore the practical shifts required to deliver more equitable and integrated support across all Scottish regions. The program focuses on turning strategic high-level ambition into tangible frontline change. We will examine the role of data-driven preventative care and the integration of digital health tools that allow for better remote monitoring and patient self-management. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to addressing the "postcode lottery" of care, looking at how health boards can harmonize their provision to ensure that a patient in the Highlands receives the same quality of multi-disciplinary support as one in the Central Belt. Delegates will hear from clinical leads, policy architects, and patient advocacy groups who are pioneering new ways of working. We will discuss the impact of the latest Scottish Government health frameworks and how community-based assets can be better utilized to reduce avoidable hospital admissions. With the workforce under continued strain, the conference also highlights the importance of supporting the wellbeing of carers and staff. This event is an essential briefing for health and social care professionals committed to redesigning services that are fit for the demographic realities of 2026 and beyond.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act is entering a pivotal "pressure-test" year in 2026. With legislative reform proposals currently moving through the Scottish Parliament, the very definition of what constitutes a "public authority" is under scrutiny. This conference addresses the urgent questions surrounding transparency in a modern governance landscape where public services are increasingly delivered through complex partnerships, arms-length bodies, and private contractors. The event provides a deep dive into the practicalities of FOI management in a digital-first environment. Practitioners are facing a "perfect storm" of rising request volumes, increasingly sophisticated requests from journalists and activists, and the technical challenge of searching unstructured data within messaging apps and private emails used for official business. We will host a panel of experts to discuss the likely impact of the upcoming legislative changes, specifically focusing on the extension of FOI rights to private entities performing public functions. Delegates will benefit from sessions on "Best Practice by Design"—how to build transparency into the procurement and service delivery phase rather than treating FOI as a reactive administrative burden. We will also hear from the Scottish Information Commissioner’s office regarding recent appeals and the standard of "proactive disclosure" expected in 2026. This is a must-attend event for FOI officers and governance leads who need to ensure their organization remains compliant while protecting the integrity of the decision-making process.

Scotland’s public sector is currently navigating its most difficult fiscal landscape in decades. With the Scottish Government demanding £1.5 billion in efficiencies, leaders are tasked with the near-impossible: maintaining or improving service quality while budgets are effectively shrinking in real terms. This high-level conference addresses the "fiscal gap" by bringing together the architects of public reform and the leaders responsible for delivering it on the ground. The conference moves beyond simple cost-cutting and focuses on systemic transformation. We will explore the "Value-Based" approach to public spending—identifying which programs deliver genuine outcomes and which are legacy expenditures that can no longer be justified. Speakers will discuss the role of multi-year financial planning, the integration of health and social care budgets, and the potential for cross-boundary collaboration between local authorities to achieve economies of scale. Special attention is given to the human element of fiscal reform. How do you lead a workforce through "perpetual change" without succumbing to burnout or service failure? We will examine innovative procurement models and the role of the third sector as a partner in lower-cost, preventative service delivery. This event is a critical gathering for those who must reconcile the harsh reality of the balance sheet with the social necessity of the services they provide. It offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from finance directors and policy influencers about the hard choices that will define the 2026/27 Scottish budget cycle.

As we move into mid-2026, Artificial Intelligence has transitioned from a speculative "buzzword" into a critical operational tool for Scotland’s public and third-sector organizations. With public budgets under unprecedented pressure and service demand reaching record highs, the necessity for "smarter" working has never been more urgent. This comprehensive conference delves into the practicalities of AI implementation, moving beyond theoretical potential to focus on "what actually works" in the Scottish context. The program is designed to provide a realistic roadmap for leaders and practitioners who are tasked with integrating AI into frontline services. We will explore the dual-track approach of efficiency and ethics. On one hand, the event highlights how automation and predictive analytics can streamline administrative burdens in the NHS, local councils, and housing associations. On one hand, we confront the "trust gap"—addressing how to maintain transparency, human oversight, and data security in an era of machine learning. Throughout the day, delegates will hear from pioneers who have already piloted AI solutions in Scotland. These case studies will offer "warts and all" insights into the challenges of legacy system integration, workforce upskilling, and the procurement of AI technologies that are fit for public purpose. We will also examine the latest regulatory guidance from the Scottish Government and the UK’s central AI safety frameworks, ensuring that attendees leave with a defensible strategy for 2026 and beyond. This is a vital forum for anyone responsible for digital transformation, service design, or strategic planning in a resource-constrained environment.

As Scotland navigates a period of significant fiscal pressure, the protection of public funds has never been more critical. Fraud in public services does more than just drain financial resources; it erodes the foundational trust between the citizenry and the state, undermining the delivery of essential health, education, and social outcomes. Despite the implementation of increasingly sophisticated oversight systems, the landscape of risk continues to shift. From the complexities of procurement and grant allocation to the rising tide of cyber-enabled fraud and internal payroll manipulation, the methods used to exploit public systems are in a state of constant evolution. This comprehensive conference, hosted by MacKay Hannah Ltd, serves as a vital platform for Scotland's public and third-sector leaders to move beyond mere compliance. The session is designed to help organizations embed active prevention and detection strategies into the very fabric of their daily operations. Throughout the day, expert speakers will dissect the current "fraud landscape" in Scotland, highlighting the specific vulnerabilities exposed by the transition to digital-first services and the ongoing decentralization of service delivery. Attendees will engage in deep-dive discussions regarding the "Data (Use and Access) Act 2025" and how new regulatory frameworks are reshaping the way public bodies share information to catch fraudulent activity before it occurs. The event will also explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in anomaly detection—balancing the efficiency of automated oversight with the necessity of human accountability. By attending, delegates will gain a clearer understanding of how to foster a culture of integrity that empowers staff at all levels to identify and report red flags. The program concludes with a focus on collaborative action, exploring how local authorities, the NHS, and central government can share intelligence to build a unified defense against financial crime in the 2026 fiscal year and beyond.