Join the BIA Skills Community for an in-person event in London to discuss the forthcoming Life Sciences Jobs Plan and what it means for the sector. Bringing together SMEs, industry leaders and policy representatives, the session will explore current challenges in the skills and talent pipeline and provide an opportunity for members to share insights on how the UK life sciences workforce can be strengthened.
The Life Sciences Jobs Plan will set out how government, industry, and other stakeholders can work together over the next three years to address skills and workforce challenges that risk holding back growth in life sciences. The Plan will outline the challenges faced by the sector and then focus on identifying practical actions that partners can take to improve access to skills, support talent attraction, and strengthen institutions that support development of the sector workforce. The Plan will be underpinned by engagement with the sector, and we hope this event will be a chance for SMEs to share their experiences and priorities and help shape the actions and commitments within the Plan.
Through an introduction from the Office for Life Sciences, an industry panel chaired by Skills England, and interactive roundtable discussions, attendees will provide feedback on proposed actions around upskilling and short courses, funding and GSL, and attraction and workforce readiness, while connecting with peers from across the BIA Skills Community.
This event is strictly invite only for our Skills community members, spaces are limited. Find out more on how to join a community here.
Agenda
10:30 – 11:00 Arrival & registration
11:00 – 11:20 Introduction to the Life Sciences Jobs Plan framework
11:20 – 12:15 Industry panel session: How companies are addressing current challenges in the skills and talent pipeline
12:15 – 13:00 Networking Lunch
13:00 – 14:15 Roundtable discussions to identify concrete ways the jobs plan can support the life sciences sector, in particular:
- How can the Life Sciences Jobs Plan support attracting new talent to the sector and ensuring workforce readiness?
- What are the current workforce challenges facing SEMs with regards to upskilling & staff retention – what actions can be taken?
- Sharing examples of what has worked well, how this was funded and how can it be scaled?
14:15 – 14:30 Conclusions, feedback & next steps
14:30 – 15:30 Networking and refreshments
Speakers
Emma Aplin
Emma Aplin is the Associate Director, People & Business Partnership at Bicycle Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of medicines for cancer and other diseases. A CIPD-chartered leader with over 15 years of HR experience, she specializes in building the leadership capability and culture required to scale high-growth life sciences organizations. Since joining Bicycle, Emma has been the architect of its leadership development, succession, and culture-shaping strategies. She has co-created and launched a new Leadership Development Programme, mentoring and internal coaching initiatives, implemented a new Learning Management System, and established a new Employee Resource Group to champion ED&I, Wellbeing, and Culture.
Kamila Bailey
With over 15 years of experience in the biotech and life science industry, I am a dedicated HR professional passionate about driving organisational excellence, fostering leadership and cultivating a positive workplace culture. Currently, I contribute to Biologic Technologies and Laverock, where I focus on aligning HR strategies with business goals to enhance team performance and engagement. My previous roles at Horizon and Tropic have equipped me with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the unique challenges within the biotech sector.
Kate Barclay
What does your role at BIA involve?
As an experienced Biochemical Engineer, Kate leads skills and talent programme development across STEM industries using over 30 years of experience within large pharma and small company networks. Working with BIA, she represents the sector ensuring access to the incredible talent and addressing skills gaps to start, grow and scale innovative life sciences and biotech organisations.
Previous experience & achievements
In addition to her role at BIA, Kate works as an independent consultant supporting organisations to develop their skills and talent strategies. She has oversight for quality governance of technical and professional education as IfATE Non-Executive Director and is a Board member of North Hertfordshire College. Kate holds MBA from Open University and a PhD in Bio-Chemical Engineering from UCL. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng FIChemE), she held previous senior leadership roles across diverse pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D portfolios including Solid Dose, Parenteral & Inhaled Devices.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
Rosalind Franklin, as she made contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA and RNA. She studied science at a time when few women attended university and led pioneering work on multiple viruses. Kate would love to know what she thinks about what we know now!
Lauren Beasley
I am Lauren Beasley, an Apprentice Associate Scientist at Pharmaron Biologics, where I’ve worked in the downstream team for nearly five years. I’m currently in the final year of my Level 5 Technician Scientist course with the University of Kent, combining my studies with hands-on industry experience. I am passionate about advancing my scientific career and supporting the next generation of apprentices entering the industry.
Adam Harwood
Adam Harwood works within the People function at Genomics, a science-led transatlantic TechBio spun out of the University of Oxford that combines large-scale genetic data with AI-enabled analytics to accelerate drug discovery and advance preventative healthcare. He focuses on talent development, culture, and building the skills pipeline needed to scale a fast-growing life sciences business. Since joining in 2021, Adam has helped build the people infrastructure and culture that earned Genomics recognition as a Newsweek Most Loved Workplace (2024) and Sunday Times Best Place to Work (2025). He brings 15 years of experience in People and Learning & Development roles across high-growth organisations.
Mustafa Munye
Mustafa has significant industry experience in the discovery and development of cell and gene therapies gained at GSK and CGTC. He has previously led process and analytical development for AAV, CAR-T and PSC derived cell therapy products to support FIH and late-stage clinical studies. Mustafa serves as a board member of the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy working in pan-industry/academia working groups to overcome common barriers to translation and commercialisation of Advanced Therapies.
Louise Scott
Louise Scott leads work on manufacturing innovation, resilience and skills in the Office for Life Sciences. This work includes development of the Life Sciences Sector Jobs Plan. She has been a civil servant for eight years, including roles in the Vaccine Taskforce and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Before that she worked for a consultancy specialising in evaluation and working across a range of policy areas
Event host
BIA Annual Supporters
