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VRA Annual Conference 2026: Bringing the Vocational Rehabilitation Community Together

On 25 June 2026, vocational rehabilitation professionals from across the UK came together for the VRA Annual Conference; a day dedicated to sharing knowledge, exploring emerging challenges and celebrating the breadth of vocational rehabilitation practice.

Despite having to move to a hybrid event at very short notice, delegates from a wide range of professions joined us both in person and online for a programme of expert speakers, practical learning and thought-provoking discussion.

The day reinforced what makes vocational rehabilitation unique: bringing together professionals from different backgrounds with a shared goal of helping people remain in, return to and thrive in work.

A Programme Reflecting the Breadth of Vocational Rehabilitation

This year’s conference explored vocational rehabilitation from multiple perspectives, demonstrating just how broad and evolving our profession continues to be.

Topics included:

·        The growing challenge of economic inactivity among young people and the role vocational rehabilitation can play in supporting healthier working lives.

·        Real-world experiences of returning to work following brain injury.

·        Supporting individuals affected by prostate cancer to remain in or return to employment.

·        Helping professionals successfully return to STEM careers after career breaks.

·        Menopause and its impact on work, wellbeing and workplace inclusion.

·        Retirement as an occupational transition and the importance of planning for life beyond employment.

Each presentation offered a different perspective while reinforcing the shared principles that underpin vocational rehabilitation: person-centred practice, multidisciplinary collaboration and a focus on meaningful occupation.

More Than Presentations

One of the strengths of the VRA Annual Conference is the opportunity for professionals from across the work and health sector to learn from one another.

Throughout the day, delegates shared experiences, discussed practical challenges and explored how vocational rehabilitation can continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of individuals, employers and society.

The conversations extended well beyond the presentations themselves, with delegates exchanging ideas, asking thoughtful questions and highlighting resources that will continue to support learning long after the conference.

Thank You

We would like to thank every speaker for sharing their expertise and experience, our sponsors for their continued support, and everyone who attended for making this year’s conference such an engaging and collaborative event.

We are especially grateful to all delegates for their understanding and flexibility following the last-minute changes to the event format. Your support enabled us to continue delivering a successful conference despite the unexpected challenges.

Looking Ahead

Planning is already underway for the VRA Annual Conference 2027, and we’re looking forward to building on the success of this year’s event.

If this year’s conference demonstrated anything, it is that vocational rehabilitation continues to grow in importance, bringing together professionals from across healthcare, insurance, case management, occupational health, employment services and beyond.

We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and first-time delegates next year.

Be the First to Hear About 2027

Pre-sale registration for the VRA Annual Conference 2027 opens soon.

By joining our pre-sale list, you’ll receive heavily discounted tickets before general release, along with updates on speakers, programme announcements and conference news.

We hope to see you there.

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The 2026 Annual Conference was proudly sponsored by:

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