CIPD

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

Five years after the first UK Covid-19 lockdown, many employers are still adapting to the knock-on effects of the pandemic but what has been the lasting impact on the HR profession? Meanwhile, how can you best manage the internal narrative in the face of public and media scrutiny? Can a ‘coachbot’ really offer mentorship? And what do our panel think of the concept of gentle leadership? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Group People and Culture Director at KYN, Emma Jayne, and Head of HR at Crimson Hotels Limited, Gareth Neale. Recorded: 21 March 2025

With plans to introduce a ‘right to switch off’ facing the axe in the UK, do we need formal legislation, or could boundaries be better managed by employers? What role should people professionals play in shifting the culture of toxic workplaces? How can we maintain that curiosity and hunger for learning? Finally, how big of an issue is ‘career catfishing’? In this episode, CIPD People and Transformation Director Amanda Arrowsmith is joined by three recent CIPD People Management Outstanding Student award winners: Jamila Lecky, People Transformation and Change Manager at Group M; Victoria Keith, Global Talent, Learning and Development Manager at Total Marketing Support Limited; and Rose Watkins-Jones, People Partner at Impression Digital. Recorded: 7 March 2025 --- Keep up to date with latest amends to the Employment Rights Bill and developments to the government's Make Work Pay plan: https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/employment-law/proposed-changes-under-labour-government/

Join award-winning health strategist Amy McKeown and Rachel Suff, a senior policy adviser, as they delve into the often-overlooked emotional strain faced by HR professionals. They discuss the pressing need for boundaries to safeguard personal well-being amidst organizational pressures. The conversation highlights creative outlets like knitting and yoga for stress relief, as well as the vital role of self-care in navigating employee advocacy versus management mandates. Ultimately, they stress the interconnectedness of individual resilience and supportive workplace culture.

In this conversation, Mel Steel, a former HR director known for her skills in organizational transformation, and David Blackburn, an expert in people management, tackle urgent workplace challenges. They discuss how to manage the mental strain of redundancies and the importance of re-skilling employees instead of layoffs. The duo also explores the innovative concept of mini-retirements, advocating for shorter breaks that enhance work-life balance. Their insights shed light on navigating emotional HR dilemmas during uncertain economic times.

Join Elizabeth Harvey, Head of HR at HSBC, and Jo Carlin, Senior VP HR at Firstsource, as they dive into pressing HR issues. They explore the troubling trend of 'dry promotions' where employees gain responsibility without extra pay. Is there a work ethic crisis in the UK? The conversation also touches on how to intelligently learn from failures and the balance of psychological safety in the workplace. Plus, they dissect the evolving dynamics of job value and the importance of equitable pay practices.

Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2, Sinead Trudgill, Director of Learning at Network Rail, and HR Consultant Andrea Gordon dive into the transformative potential of apprenticeships. They discuss the alarming decline in apprenticeship participation among young people and how strategic planning can revitalize these programs. Highlights include fostering diverse talent, enhancing employee loyalty, and addressing misconceptions. The conversation emphasizes the need for leadership investment and mentorship to harness apprenticeships as a key workforce solution.

Join Daniel Mortimer, Chief Executive at NHS Employers, as he delves into the shifting dynamics of US-UK business relations in light of political changes. He discusses the impending rise of AI agents in the workforce and the crucial role HR must play in managing virtual employees. Additionally, the topic of 'snitch tagging' emerges, highlighting the need for organizations to navigate its implications on feedback and workplace culture. Mortimer's insights shed light on the future of HR in an evolving landscape.

Andrea Gordon, an HR director with over 20 years of experience, and Emma Jayne, a Group People and Culture Director from KYN, dive into the intriguing lessons from the TV show 'The Traitors.' They discuss the critical role of trust and communication in teams, especially amid rising business costs. The conversation also tackles 'corporate catfishing,' where companies mislead about their culture, emphasizing the need for transparency in recruiting. Plus, they highlight innovative ways to develop employees and align them with organizational goals.