Last week, we were delighted to kick off the first-ever Fellows Collective in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the journey of our global Fellowship community. Held on 3rd September, the inaugural session was an outstanding success, with 20 Australian Fellows joining forces to discuss the pressing issues and challenges within the employability sector. This meeting was not just a gathering of minds but the beginning of something much bigger—a platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in employability practices.

The Fellows Collective, launched with this initial meeting, is set to become a regular monthly event for Australian Fellows, providing a space for professionals to engage in meaningful discussions and explore ways to advance the sector. These meetings will serve as a critical touchpoint for Fellows, helping them stay connected and aligned with a shared purpose: driving change and improving employability outcomes across Australia. By bringing together some of the brightest minds and most experienced leaders, the Fellows Collective aims to foster a community where ideas flow freely, and collaboration thrives.

On the back of this success in Australia, we are thrilled to announce the rebranding of the IEP Fellows LiveLunches in the UK.

Also, last week, we saw 24 UK Fellows join a similar call, echoing the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by our Australian counterparts. The momentum is building, with 20 Fellows in Australia and 24 in the UK coming together for active discussion in a single week, showcasing the importance of Fellowship as a united body of professionals. These individuals are not just experts in their field but passionate leaders, committed to a shared mission of improving employability outcomes.

What is truly remarkable is the rise in Fellowship applications, particularly in Australia, where we have seen a surge in interest. More professionals are recognising the value of joining this prestigious community, with applications pouring in each week. Australia is the first region to trial the Fellows Collective, and the early success has set the stage for what is shaping up to be a global network of senior professionals—a force to be reckoned with in employability delivery.

The Fellows Collective is more than just a series of meetings; it represents a shift towards building a collaborative and dynamic network of leaders who are dedicated to shaping the future of employability. By bringing together a wealth of expertise, experience, and passion, the Collective is creating opportunities for innovation and progress on a global scale. With the success of the first meeting in Australia and the growing momentum in the UK, we are confident that this initiative will continue to inspire and engage Fellows worldwide.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see the impact that this incredible network of senior professionals will have on employability practice around the world. The Fellows Collective is just the beginning, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, leading the way for future advancements in our sector.

Together, as a global Fellowship, we are stronger, more innovative, and more capable of driving positive change.

We look forward to the continued growth of the Fellows Collective and the many successes that will follow as we work together to advance employability practice on a global scale.