Daniel provides a radical new framework for thinking about AI, and discusses how organisations can practically adopt these technologies and avoid being seduced by the hype. He argues that whilst these technologies are incredible at creating growth and streamlining operations, for companies to stay innovative they need to also use AI to unlock the creative capacity of their workforce. Daniel also covers the macro impact these technologies may have over the coming decades.

Global healthcare company Bupa embarked on a mission to truly engage its employees all over the globe. With a multilingual workforce working in hospitals, nursing homes and offices, Bupa wanted a way to communicate and include everyone in its company culture. Fostering micro-communities and creating engaging internal campaigns, Bupa has reached record employee engagement levels. In this session, you’ll get an insight into how a global healthcare brand is creating a strong digital employee experience and bringing its culture to life.

• Mental health is the biggest driver of long term sickness absence, why are businesses not taking it seriously enough?
• Understanding how the political, financial and environmental climate can have an impact on employees' mental health.
• Increasing support for staff during periods of change and understanding how this might affect them in the workplace.
• Recognising that each individual will be facing unique challenges and implementing practical strategies to support employees.

• What strategies can be used to help support teams manage rising workloads? 
• Using diagnostic questions as a method to assess knowledge and understanding quickly and accurately.
•  Gain insight into how you can utilise performance consulting to create a learning impact.

Colleague retention is an ongoing theme, with companies across the country looking to improve their benefits offering to retain employees. Equally, for many HR professionals, supporting the decarbonisation journey by adapting current practices to meet the government’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050 is an inescapable priority.

One effective way of navigating these issues is by implementing an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, and one of the world’s largest professional services networks has successfully achieved this. With further discussion on:

• How an effective salary sacrifice scheme can positively impact colleague retention;
• Why companies are introducing a salary sacrifice schemes to achieve net zero goals;
• How PwC introduced their own salary sacrifice scheme more than 20 years ago, and the results they’ve seen since.

Join us for an illuminating fireside chat with Dr. Alex George, hosted by the CEO of Investors in People, Paul Devoy. Dive into the heart of workplace wellbeing as we explore how inspirational leadership and a supportive culture are the cornerstones of employee health and happiness. Discover actionable insights and strategies to foster an environment where wellbeing flourishes and productivity soars. Dr. Alex George, with his unique blend of medical expertise and passion for mental health advocacy, will share his vision on how leaders can become the architects of a positive organisational ethos. Don’t miss this opportunity to reshape the future of work and empower your team to reach their full potential.

• The significance of corporate values and role they play in creating a company culture
• How to embed and promote organisational values 
• How can we keep values alive and inspire people at work?
• How to build a relationship with your comms teams

Join expert physiologists and workplace scientists Dr Phill Bell & Dr Joe Kupusarevic as they explore how principles from high-performance sports can be applied to the workplace, the increased priority of wellbeing, and the crucial role of both organisations and employees in fostering a healthy work environment. 

Discover actionable insights, the importance of a holistic approach, and the latest strategies driving wellbeing prioritisation across industries. 

Leave with practical takeaways to enhance your organisation's wellbeing initiatives and create a happy, healthy and thriving workforce. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your workplace wellbeing for a new era!

Readily-accessible generative AI is poised to reshape job roles and skills. Future-proof your organisation with insights on what L&D strategies should be adopted to meet evolving skill demands and to harness AI for upskilling and reskilling.

• Defining AI and automation in business operations. 
• Demonstrating how AI can boost productivity, reduce costs, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experiences.
• Addressing ethical concerns such as job displacement, bias, privacy, and control in AI. 
• Examining real-world examples of AI. 
• Emphasising the need for updated frameworks to address emerging ethical issues and existing regulations. 
• Highlighting best practices such as ethical assessments, transparency, and ongoing employee training.
  

This session is designed to help you understand why culture matters and identify the top three priorities that are essential to build an intentional culture at scale.

• Defining diversity beyond traditional demographics
• Effective strategies for cultivating a more diverse workforce
• Attracting diverse talent through inclusive job descriptions and recruitment strategies
• What adjustments can be made to support everyone at work?

Television presenter, journalist, and media personality, Stacey specialises in social-issue-themed television documentaries and was appointed a MBE for services to broadcasting. She will speak on a variety of hard-hitting subjects including modern slavery, mental health, ESG and gender equality.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to adapt to change is paramount for organisational success. This presentation explores the contrasting approaches of companies that thrive by fostering a culture of change versus those relying solely on change programs. Attendees will gain insights into the dynamics of organisational culture, leadership strategies, and the role of change initiatives in driving sustainable transformation. By understanding these nuances, participants will be equipped to navigate their organisations through change effectively by cultivating adaptable cultures rather than one off change programs.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, harnessing HR data can unlock rich insights into employee engagement and satisfaction. But how can you leverage this information to create targeted and enhanced internal communications, elevating the employee experience?  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is a critical initiative in many businesses today – not just for nurturing a culture of belonging – but for igniting innovation, enhancing morale and bolstering workplace culture. But how do you implement DE&I initiatives effectively and sensitively?  

The revolution of flexible working has enabled access to a global workforce, dismantling geographic limitations and championing diversity in work schedules and settings. Yet, the challenge looms large: how do you best communicate with a workforce that is both diverse and dispersed?

Join Kinsey Li, Stephanie Coward and Daniel Grace as they explore how technology and strategic communications can help cultivate a forward-thinking and inclusive workplace culture – and ultimately grow your business value.

We'll be diving deep into the dynamic shifts happening in the world of work and how both businesses and individuals are gearing up for the future amidst rapid technological advancements and societal changes.

Is it time to start practicing what we preach? HR practitioners are often busy ensuring employee health and wellbeing stays on the agenda, and developing strategies and interventions to address any issue. But should this be to the detriment of our own self-care? Our session explores how people professionals can prioritise and role model self-care, and the impact this has on overall employee wellbeing.

A thought-provoking discussion exploring the delicate dance between decision-making and information gathering and help us unravel the paradox that challenges us to navigate the fine line between decisive action and the pursuit of knowledge.

Deciding to hastily risks incomplete understanding, while excessive information seeking may lead to indecision. 

How does organisational culture, or the preferences of our leaders and people, potentially impact our ability to navigate this opportunity.

Join the CIPD Trust and their expert panel to learn more about supporting refugees to translate their skills to the UK and flourish in work.

• How successful allyship is interdependent, relying on allies and marginalised groups helping one another to create a more inclusive and equitable society 
•  Understanding the nature of intersectionality and how privilege comes in different forms 
•  Why accountability is important in order to define a baseline workforce demographic to work from 
•  How managers can have a greater impact on the world of work

• Are the human and people skills more important than ever to co work and manage generative AI?
• The people professionals role in managing AI —How will we guide responsibly and ethically as usage evolves?
• How can people professionals gain maximum advantage from AI?
• AI guidance and legislation – are guiding principles enough?

• What is the first step to measuring the correct KPIs?
• Exploring measures of engagement that are suitable for different goals
• What to do to improve employee engagement and reevaluate the impact of different initiatives
• What are the implications of a disengaged workforce and how to avoid them?

Long-standing career advice and axioms are fast losing validity in the workplace of 2024, as new technologies gain ground and people across the UK strive to redefine the place of work in their lives. What were once regarded as privileges are now priorities, and employees are increasingly emboldened to make their voices heard. All of which makes listening to their opinions imperative for HR and payroll leaders. 

In this session you will hear insights into a range of topics that matter to UK workers, including: 

• Job security and pay 
• Skill development and career progression 
• The developing role of DEI 
• Hybrid and remote work 
• Stress and mental health.

The Gender Health Gap, where women experience poorer health outcomes than men, is still prevalent across the UK. It is impacting women’s physical and mental health in their personal lives, but it is also having a significant effect on women in the workplace. This session will explore it’s impact on women’s professional development, the discriminations they are experiencing and how employers can better support their health and wellbeing, to close the Gap for good.

Scott explains why it’s so hard to challenge poor behaviour, shows you how to keep a cool head when someone takes you by surprise - and gives you tips on how to speak up.

AI is reshaping the world of work yet for many it is still shrouded in mystery. Join us to learn how organisations can embrace transparency to ensure AI integrations and their benefits are visible and understood. We’ll cover employee expectations, driving buy-in through transparency and the importance of responsible AI.

• Unlock innovation through neurodiversity
• Create inclusive policies and practices
• Fulfil DEI commitments with neurodiversity in mind
• Inclusive tools that maximise talent in the workplace

As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of work, integrating advanced technology has become paramount. Join us for an interesting fireside chat led by Darwinbox, a global leading HCM platform, as we explore how AI is transforming HR. Learn about the seamless integration of AI in HR, from contextual intelligence and smart automation, to driving efficiency and enhancing employee experience. Learn about Darwinbox’s skills ontology and AI-backed talent management to ensure the right person is in the right job, fostering continuous learning and development. Gain actionable insights to prepare your organization for an AI-powered future and understand the tangible benefits of embracing next-gen HR technology.

Current and Future Trends in AI for HR: Gain insights into how AI is transforming and is expected to transform the HR landscape over the next five years, including emerging trends and technologies.

Practical Applications and Impact of AI in Talent: Learn how Darwinbox and PwC are helping organizations leverage AI to ensure the right person is in the right job, while optimizing workforce capabilities.

Measuring ROI on AI Investments: Learn how to effectively measure the ROI on AI initiatives in HR, ensuring that your technology investments deliver tangible business benefits.

Real-World Success Stories: Gain insights from real-world examples of organizations that have successfully transformed their HR operations with Darwinbox's next-gen technology.

• What key behaviours are associated with effective line management and how can they be learnt and refined?
• Increasing the prioritisation and capacity for organisations to supply learning and development initiatives to support the development of leadership.
• How can you be a good leader in a hybrid environment which has created more siloed working styles?

• Leading, supporting and improving a culture of wellbeing. 
• Why people are the biggest asset to every organisation. 
• Top tips for creating a healthy workplace culture. 
• Supportive management to ensure an organisation is ‘high performing’. 
• The work-life balance in the ever-changing workplace and how wellbeing feeds into this.

• Understand how AI is radically transforming learning and development, making traditional approaches obsolete. It's adapt or fall behind.
• Learn how to intentionally harness AI to meet the fast-changing skills needs of every employee.
• Discover strategies to leverage AI for creating more engaging, interactive, and effective learning environments.
• Walk away with actionable insights on integrating AI and automation into your learning and development strategies to stay relevant and competitive.

The Post Office/Horizon scandal showed how damaging over-trustfulness in technology can be. As AI becomes more embedded in digital HR solutions, how can people professionals use them responsibly? In this session we share AI governance and assurance approaches to derisk and build trust in AI in HR.

What adjustments can be made to ensure every mind is included? 

What benefits could neurodiversity bring to the workplace and what are the risks to businesses and individuals of not being neuro inclusive? 

How to better understand neurodivergent conditions and how they affect ways of working.

Training line managers on best practice and working alongside staff with neurodiversity to create an inclusive culture

Alex, the first female Chief Executive of a major UK broadcaster, has transformed Channel 4 into a digital-first public media company. In this fireside chat she will discuss the pressures of leadership, and why it's important to create an honest and open culture. She'll also discuss the key principles behind embedding diversity, inclusion and equity in your organisation.

Low engagement not only drains employee morale and productivity but also significantly affects retention – costing the global economy trillions. Despite the high priority many businesses place on employee engagement, the majority of solutions fail to address the specific needs of frontline workers. To get to the root of the problem, we spoke directly with frontline workers, gaining invaluable insights into their needs and perspectives. 

Join HR technology expert Luke Boshoff, as he explores these raw frontline perspectives and shares actionable insights for you, including: 

• Why engagement initiatives consistently fail frontline workers
• What frontline employees genuinely think, want, and need 
• Real-world success stories from global brands like McDonald's Germany, Bosch, and Porsche 
• How to pick engagement solutions that embrace the diversity of your frontline.

Do you know how best to use AI and HR analytics in your organisation? If you said no, you’re not alone. 

AI and analytics is a top concern for HR and business leaders right now. But how do you cut through the hype, and make sure it is truly driving business value?

The challenge for HR practitioners lies in understanding and harnessing the potential of the technology to enhance various aspects of HR functions. As AI revolutionises industries, HR professionals must understand how to leverage its capabilities to drive workforce efficiency, personalised employee experiences and exploring actionable insights to make better decisions. 

Join us for an insightful and engaging panel session, designed exclusively for HR practitioners keen to embrace the transformative power of AI and Analytics within their organisations. Continue the conversation as we delve into the granular and profound impact AI and Analytics can and will have in empowering people to do the best work of their lives.

• Removing taboos and creating open and honest conversations about mental health in the workplace.
• Normalising leaders talking about mental health and showing that vulnerability can be a strength, not a weakness.
•  Encouraging self-care across the people profession and communicating what support is available.
• Tackling stress and burnout and creating working environments where work-life balance is prioritised.

In a world where leaders are faced with mounting expectations and ever-expanding job roles, identifying those best placed for success is becoming more and more complex. Do success profiles really work? Should you focus on capability, skill, mindset or personality? How do you move past ‘words on a wall’ to create true value for the business? During this session, we’ll dig into the data and make sense of the noise to examine the foundations of effective leadership and simplify the complex world of success profiles.

• What does CSR mean for your organisation? 
•  How can you bring your employees along on your CSR journey?
• Intertwining your commitment to corporate social responsibility with company values to create purpose.
• Measuring and reporting on corporate social responsibility within your organisation and communicating the successes with stakeholders.

“DEI must DIE” according to one high-profile figure, but to what extent is a growing backlash toward equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) genuine, and what lies at the root cause of growing disengagement? Many of the disengaged would argue EDI has become too complex. But is there now an opportunity to take note, understand and learn from these challenges to simplify the focus of EDI to a set of equalities principles and measures?

By 2025, Gen Z will account for 27% of the workforce*. But how are their generational experiences moulding their work-life expectations? Can companies cater to multigenerational needs whilst balancing rising costs? And how should businesses adapt now to build future resilience? 

• The generational differences in wellbeing challenges and needs 
• How companies can embrace ‘quiet quitting’ in their people strategies 
• The influence of senior leadership support in driving wellbeing success 
• How companies can successfully engage a diverse workforce

This session will provide valuable insight on:

• The key drivers for change and how near and long-term workplace issues are shifting financial wellbeing strategies
• How employers can develop their financial wellbeing strategy to prepare for what’s coming next
• What will financial resilience and literacy support look like in the years ahead
• Practical examples to help employers understand what they need to do now to build strong financial habits among the employees of the future

Transparent and honest communication is fundamental to establishing a psychologically safe environment and culture. It’s also a critical component to building interpersonal trust and supporting a healthy functioning workplace. But what does it take to build psychological safety in organisations and why is it critical when it comes to delivering difficult conversations?

• The role employee appreciation and support plays in boosting morale and wellbeing 
• The power of a robust employee-first strategy to enhance the employee value proposition 
• Tips to align your total reward package with evolving employee demands.

• How can you build a positive organisational culture under a hybrid model? 
• Adopting mindful approaches to technology that focus on maintaining a work-life balance. 
• Building a sense of belonging through keeping teams connected when working flexibly. 
• The role of line managers in checking in on employees and creating safe spaces to raise concerns.

• Why we should focus on building a learning culture based on strengths.
• Strategies to ensure this is embedded effectively in a time-poor work environment.
• How to build this into a team environment to encourage peer support for development.

During this talk, we'll delve into how the victory of any of the three major political parties could impact Employment Law. We'll focus on key areas such as sick pay, flexible working arrangements, family-friendly leave policies, day-one rights, and more. With further discussion on: - Explore the Labour Party’s proposed employment law changes - Discuss how a new government could impact your HR policies and procedures - Compare the main parties and their promises for HR law - And try and answer any questions you have during Q&A, related to employment law changes.

• What are the potential biases involved in machine learning? 
• Avoiding biases in recruitment when using AI 
• How to use AI to promote diversity and revolutionise inclusive practices 
• What are the ethical implications of AI in the ED&I space?

Case study 1 The new HR playbook – HR transformation in the digital age 

The presentation will overview proven, practical frameworks to navigate a successful HR transformation that supports your organisation in remaining competitive in the digital era. Successful HR transformation requires a holistic approach that combines people, processes, and technology to create a more agile, efficient, and strategic HR function that aligns with the organisation's goals. 

• Setting the transformation roadmap - from What to What ? 
• Aligning with business strategy and key stakeholders 
• Leading and embedding cultural change 
• Talent management 
• Measuring success 

Case Study 2 - Building a digital community for employee engagement 

An HR-driven initiative with wide-ranging impact that changed how employees dispersed in time and space connect with each other and strengthened organisational belonging.

• Build your capacity to really listen and be confident in the moment 
• Learn how the improv mindset can spark creativity and lead to a more engaged workforce 
• Enhance rapport in person or virtually

• Discover what employees' expectations, needs and wants are throughout different stages of the life cycle and how you can manage them. 
• With geographically dispersed teams and employees having radically different expectations, how can you re-engage and retain employees? 
• How can you create a more connected employee experience that builds advocacy?

From widespread discrimination masked by abusive NDAs to the childcare crisis, mothers across the UK have had enough of being sidelined and stereotyped in the workplace. We’re demanding change. This session will explore the shocking (and to the working mothers amongst us, the shockingly familiar) reality of how the motherhood penalty affects women’s working lives, what we can do about it, and how you can help.

• The shift in creating an engaged and resilient workforce to make people and organisations agile.
• Investing in cross functional relationships for L&D teams.
• Developing L&D practices to support teams in bouncing back from step backs, adapting to change and being ready for what comes next.

• How do you get started with sustainability?
• What does it mean to instil sustainability at every level of the business?
• Boosting engagement amongst employees through clear communication and ensuring employees understand the wider benefits.
• Exploring the role of the people profession in getting employees on board with sustainable initiatives.