

CIPD
CIPD
We’re the CIPD — the professional body for HR and people development. We are the voice of a worldwide community of more than 150,000 members committed to championing better work and working lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 16, 2025 • 31min
HR People Pod – Ep 28: Hilary Scarlett special – Neuroscience for organisational change
When is the right time to communicate organisational change, and how can we strengthen people’s resilience to change? Can a better understanding of neuroscience help manage and implement the change process more effectively?
CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza, is joined by author, international speaker, and consultant in the field of neuroscience and change management, Hilary Scarlett.

23 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 30min
Podcast 220: Do leaders establish culture, or are they a product of it?
Andy Ayim is a leadership counsellor and entrepreneur who has advised major companies, while Beth Samson serves as People Director at Investors in People, known for her insights into organizational culture. They dive into the chicken-or-egg debate on whether leadership shapes culture or vice versa. Key discussions revolve around open communication, the need for leaders to align actions with words, and the role of soft skills in navigating modern challenges. They also highlight the importance of mentoring and self-awareness in fostering a thriving work environment.

19 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 33min
HR People Pod – Ep 27: Management span | People profession: perceptions, challenges, career prospects
In this engaging discussion, guests Janet Campbell, an HR director with diverse sector experience, and David Blackburn, a seasoned consultant in change management, tackle the ideal span of control for managers. They explore how outdated HR perceptions hinder career growth and emphasize the importance of mentorship for navigating non-linear career paths. The duo also highlights the evolving challenges faced by HR professionals in a hybrid work environment and the critical need for clear metrics to ensure organizational success.

11 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 25min
HR People Pod – Ep 26: Getting Britain working - UK Employment Minister Alison McGovern
Alison McGovern, the UK Employment Minister, discusses her role in shaping the Get Britain Working plan, a bold strategy aimed at reducing economic inactivity and raising the employment rate to 80%. She delves into the transformation of Jobcentres, supporting long-term sick individuals back into work, and introduces a youth guarantee to provide apprenticeships for young adults. Additionally, she emphasizes the significant role of HR in fostering a better work environment and the importance of effective dialogue to address workforce challenges.

34 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 37min
Podcast 219: Dealing with AI use in recruitment and job applications
Join Natalie Sheils, CEO of Talenaut; Katie Obi, Chief People Officer at One Advanced; and Katie Noble, Talent Strategy Director at Omni RMS, as they dive into the transformative role of AI in recruitment. They discuss the increasing use of AI to streamline hiring processes, while also addressing the ethical concerns and biases that can arise. The conversation tackles whether job seekers should be allowed to use AI technologies themselves, and emphasizes the need for governance to balance human intuition with advanced tools in hiring practices.

9 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 32min
HR People Pod – Ep 25: 'Tinkering with a system that doesn’t work' – Apprenticeships overhaul
Francisca Beloso, Inclusive Diversity Director at Alvarez & Marsal, Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer at Smollan, and Kevin Green, Chief People Officer at First Bus, dive into the urgent need for reforming England's apprenticeship system. They discuss how shifting focus from youth to lifelong learning can bridge skill gaps and enhance resilience. The panel also tackles the complexities of workplace incentives, urging a balance between compliance and true performance. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of adaptability in workforce management amidst evolving employee needs.

May 20, 2025 • 33min
HR People Pod – Ep 24: International HR Day special
What’s the state of AI adoption across different regions around the world, and how are people professionals reacting to it? Where does the onus lie when it comes to skills development? How can people professionals support and develop employee resilience? And finally, what should be done about the rising trend of ‘stress bragging’?
CIPD Director of Profession, David D’Souza, is joined by Dr Adrian Waite, Head of Talent, Leadership and Organisation Effectiveness at Boehringer Ingelheim, in Dubai, and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – Ireland at CIPD.
Recorded: 16 May 2025

May 13, 2025 • 33min
Podcast 218: Bridging learning and organisational development
L&D and OD often operate in silos – one focused on individual learning, the other on strategic and cultural change. But is this separation intentional, and can they truly be effective apart if they share the same goals for organisational growth and adaptation?
Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Natal Dank, Author of Agile L&D and Executive Director and Principal Consultant at PXO Culture; Jaimini Lakhani, Director at Lumiere; and Steve George, Head of Learning at CIPD — as we explore how greater alignment between L&D and OD can enhance collaboration and help future-proof workforce capabilities.

May 7, 2025 • 35min
HR People Pod – Ep 23: Suggestion boxes | Managing voice | ‘Gamifying’ performance | ‘Job polygamy’
Could the humble suggestion box make a comeback as the key to acquiring honest, off-the-cuff feedback? What risks do organisations face by ignoring or mismanaging employee voice? Is a gamified approach to performance management the future? And are employees staying faithful or taking part in ‘job polygamy’?
CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Caroline Roberts, HR director at The King’s Fund and associate non-executive director at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust, and Sarah Mason, chief people officer at SThree.
Recorded: 2 May 2025

Apr 23, 2025 • 33min
HR People Pod – Ep 22: Ethical AI | Future skill requirements | Supporting change | ‘Pleasenteeism’
As we look ahead to some of the key themes for International HR Day 2025, this episode — recorded at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 — explores what organisations need to be doing in practical terms to ensure AI becomes a force for good. How are skill requirements expected to evolve over the medium to long term? What role should the profession play in helping organisations navigate change? And finally, is ‘pleasanteeism’ really a thing?
CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Roisin Walsh, Head of Workforce Capability and Inclusion at Civil Service in Ireland, Radha Barj, Co-Founder and CEO at Rythmik, David Ducheyne, Vice President of European Association for People Management (EAPM).
Recorded: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, 7 November 2024