CareerChatUK: Christmas Special Webinar – Unwrapping AI and Humans In the Loop with 2025 Insights & 2026 Foresights
Co-Hosts: Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE, Dr Chris Percy (CCUK Co-Founders) and Chris Webb, Career Development Professional (RCDP) / Careers Writer / Presenter
Date and time: Monday 8th December 2025 from 16.00 -17.00 GMT
To register please click here
Overview
2025 has witnessed extraordinary developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Large language models, workplace tools and hybrid approches have transformed how we work – often faster than we could anticipate. For policymakers, practitioners, researchers, students and the clients they support, this acceleration raises critical questions: What have we learned? What works? What doesn’t? And crucially, where do humans fit in the loop?
This Christmas special webinar brings together expert panellists and audience voices to reflect on the year’s most significant AI developments in career guidance and explore what lies ahead. We’ll examine real-world lessons from practitioners who’ve integrated AI into their practice, discuss what managers and leaders need to know, and share practical insights for navigating the evolving landscape.
Co-Hosts Deirdre Hughes, Chris Percy and Chris Webb
Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, Co-Founding Director, CareerChat UK – a national and international careers specialist. She leads a technology start-up company pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models, including CiCi the careers chatbot – https://cicichat.co.uk/book-a-demo/ Deirdre is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, Institute for Employment Research (IER), a legacy fellow of the Career Development Institute and a Vice-President of the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG).
Chris Percy PhD is a consulting researcher working primarily on emerging technologies, career trajectories, and economic development. He has some 20 years of cross-sector experience and over 50 academic & sector publications. His current R&D work includes exploring quantum technologies for learning, the metaphysical nature of artificial intelligence, and the potential for large language model AI to improve careers support,
Chris Webb is a Registered Career Development Professional, currently working in the Higher Education sector, with experience supporting the career development of students and graduates in school, college and university settings. A member of the Career Development Institute (CDI), AGCAS and the Careers Writers’ Association, Chris co-hosts the CDI’s fortnightly We Are Careers livestream, as well as publishing a popular weekly newsletter on LinkedIn, entitled #TheWeekInCareers.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will:
Distinguish AI hype in unwrapping AI advancements. Understand what worked and what failed in 2025, and why keeping humans in the loop remains essential.
Recognise the importance of evidence-based assessment for AI tools. Learn about forthcoming research on a trial assessment protocol for LLM-powered careers advice and why rigorous evaluation and quality-assurance matters for professional practice and client safety.
Anticipate key trends and prepare strategically for 2026. Identify emerging hot topics and develop practical approaches to navigate rapid AI developments while maintaining professional and ethical standards.
Looking forward, we’ll briefly introduce groundbreaking new research, sponsored by the Nuffield Foundation (2026-2027), led by the University of Warwick’s Institute for Employment Research in partnership with CareerChat UK. This study will trial an assessment protocol for LLM-powered careers advice – essential work as we move from experimentation to evidence-based implementation.
Expect honest conversation, festive cheer, audience participation, and a panel of experts who’ll help us identify the hot topics likely to shape career guidance practice in 2026. Whether you’re an early AI adopter or still finding your feet, this session offers space to reflect, learn and look ahead together.
Panelists
Panelists are : Dr Emily Tanner; Alex Zarifeh; Sareena Hopkins, David Curran and Peter Dickenson
Dr Emily Tanner is the Programme Head for Post-14 Education and Skills at the Nuffield Foundation. She leads the portfolio of grant-funded research on young people’s pathways from school to work, skills and higher education across the UK. One of the Foundation’s five priorities in the new strategy is ensuring that developments in science and technology work for people and society. She also leads the youth engagement strand of the ‘Grown Up? Journeys to Adulthood’ programme which is exploring how today’s young people are experiencing the interaction between education to work transitions, mental health and digital technology.
Alex Zarifeh is a passionate advocate for progressive and sustainable careers education for young people. At the core of Alex’s mission as a Careers Leader is “encouraging informed decision making and developing work-ready skills”, a motto that’s inspired every stage of the school’s careers journey. Using research, refined during his time completing Warwick University’s Level 7 careers leadership training, Alex has built a sustainable Careers Strategy at Arthur Terry Learning Partnership that has the potential to be upscaled across the region and further afield. He is a lively and engaging and inspiring teacher, and programme manager.
Sareena Hopkins is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), working in Canada and internationally to strengthen the reach and impact of career development. . Sareena has deeply rooted frontline experience, a strong background in mental health, and over 30 years of leadership in the career development sector. Sareena chairs the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy, is an International NICEC Fellow and was awarded the International Gold Medal for Leadership in Career Development.
Associate Professor at Warwick University Institute for Employment Research (IER) Peter Dickinson currently specialises in labour market analysis of jobs and skills, and their intersection with productivity and inclusive growth. Peter is currently working on a number of projects focusing on the employment and skills implications of the digital and green transitions for individuals, employers and the wider economy and society.
David Curran is Head of Careers and Assistive Technology Lead at Moon Hall School, a UK specialist setting for dyslexia. With over 20 years in education in both the state and independent sectors, he currently supports parents/carers, educators and careers professionals through webinars, workshops and international CPD. His work focuses on embedding inclusive technologies and promoting the safe and ethical use of AI to improve access and outcomes for neurodiverse learners, always with the human in the loop!.
