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StepChange Connected 2026

Thursday 8 October

The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester

The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester

Our annual conference is back this October, and it’s shaping up to be our most impactful partner event yet.

StepChange Connected brings together leaders and partners from across key sectors to explore issues shaping debt advice, consumer vulnerability, and the experiences of people in problem debt.

This year's event is sponsored by Connect

Connect

Connect has played an instrumental role in our digital transformation journey, helping us evolve the way we support clients and colleagues alike.

Connect has played an instrumental role in our digital transformation journey, helping us evolve the way we support clients and colleagues alike. Their sponsorship reflects one of the central themes of this year's event: how technology, innovation and transformation are reshaping financial support.

Two events in one

The day doesn’t end with StepChange Connected. We're co-locating with Credit Strategy, so the event will be followed by the Collections and Vulnerabilities Awards, celebrating the organisations making a difference.

 

This year's agenda

Morning

Breakfast and registration from 09:00am

The future of financial resilience

Presented by Vikki Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer.

Powered by Experts: Turning Transformation into Impact

Discover how expertise, technology and innovation are transforming support and improving outcomes for people facing financial difficulty.

Changing the Conversation on Debt and Stigma Through Lived Experience

Hear powerful personal stories that challenge misconceptions about debt and explore the impact of stigma on help-seeking and recovery.

 

Afternoon

Financial Vulnerability in the Digital-First Generation

Delve into our latest research to examine the realities facing 18-34 year olds and what organisations can do to support financial resilience in a digital-first world.

Understanding the Decisions Driving Debt Journeys

Explore the motivations, behaviours and barriers that shape people's journeys into and through debt advice.

Stronger Together: Collaborating to Support Clients with Complex Needs

Explore how collaboration across financial services, debt advice and specialist support organisations can improve outcomes for clients with additional needs and those facing complex circumstances.

Economic Outlook: Resilience, Risk and What Comes Next

Understand the economic forces affecting households and what they mean for financial resilience in the years ahead

What happened at the last year’s event

What happened at the latest event?

StepChange Connected 2025 brought together sector leaders, partners, and clients to explore the future of financial support and inclusion. The day opened with Vikki Brownridge bringing to life our refreshed strategy.

A powerful session followed, featuring clients sharing their personal journeys of overcoming stigma and seeking help.

Technology’s role in transforming client and partner experiences was highlighted by Gail Arkle, Chief Growth Officer and Martin Clift Chief Operating Officer, while an expert panel tackled the ethical opportunities and risks of AI in financial services. The afternoon focused on financial inclusion, with policy leaders and sector experts discussing the national strategy and its practical implications.

A standout session on energy debt showcased how strategic partnerships between advice services and energy providers are driving better outcomes. The event concluded with reflections from our Chair of Trustees Lesley Titcomb and sponsor Tony Mott, tying together the day’s themes of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

Attendees were invited to continue conversations during after-event drinks, with a final announcement of Debt Awareness Week 2026, taking place 16–22 March.

The event was a powerful reminder of the real lives behind the work — and the collective drive to create lasting change.