CIPD

How much should ‘policy compliance’ inform pay and bonuses? Apprenticeships are vital to building talent pipelines, but how welcome are upcoming reforms? Is rule breaking essential to breaking into new levels of performance? And how can you best manage the impact of long-term absences on the rest of your team? CIPD Head of Learning, Steve George, is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Smollan, Kevin Green, Chief People Officer at FirstGroup plc, and Francisca Beloso, Director of Inclusive Diversity at Alvarez & Marsal. Recorded: 30 May 2025 --- Renew your CIPD membership by 1 July 2025 and keep the power of membership working for you. Find further details here: https://www.cipd.org/en/membership/member-area/renewals/

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

Emma Jayne, Group People and Culture Director at KYN, and Gareth Neale, Head of HR at Crimson Hotels, share their insights on the evolving HR landscape post-COVID-19. They discuss the lasting impacts of the pandemic, such as shifting employee expectations and the necessity for community support among HR leaders. The conversation touches on the role of AI in mentorship, questioning how ‘coachbots’ can supplement human interaction. Finally, they explore gentle leadership and the importance of empathy in management, highlighting its relevance today.

Join Jamila Lecky, Rose Watkins-Jones, and Victoria Keith, all CIPD People Management Outstanding Student award winners, as they dive into pressing HR topics. They discuss the implications of a potential 'right to switch off' and the necessity for better workplace boundaries. You'll hear insights on combating toxic workplace cultures and the importance of continuous learning. They also tackle the growing issue of 'career catfishing' and advocate for respectful recruitment practices to create supportive environments for all.

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.