CIPD

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 They explore how outdated HR perceptions hinder career growth and emphasize the importance of mentorship for navigating non-linear career paths.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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Katie Obi, Chief People Officer at One Advanced, and Rob Rees, Group Head of People and Culture at Hastings Hotels Group, dive into the evolving landscape of HR amid economic uncertainty. They tackle the challenges C-suite executives face while adjusting to global changes. The duo examines the fine line between AI utility and its potential impact on career growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human connections. Finally, they introduce body doubling as an innovative method to foster productivity, sharing varied personal insights on its effectiveness.

People with past criminal convictions are a proven source of loyal, capable employees. Yet despite clear benefits, stigma – within business and society – continues to prevent many from finding meaningful work. Our research shows only 17% of prison leavers can secure a job within a year of release. So, what can employers do to offer a second chance and bring more prison leavers safely into our workplaces? Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Jacob Hill, Managing Director and Founder of Offploy; Alison Bell, People and Communications Director at Project Leaders Ltd; and Sally Eley, Head of CIPD Trust—as we explore how employers can rethink recruitment, reduce bias, and focus on skills and potential over past mistakes. --- Download the CIPD Trust guide to hiring people with convictions: cipdtrust.org/recruiting-employing-and-retaining-people-with-convictions/ Asses your organisation's current readiness to employ individuals with criminal convictions with Offploy's quiz for employers: www.offploy.org/employ