The CIPD work in partnership with Haymarket Media Group Ltd to deliver the CIPD Festival of Work

Andrea Henry
Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Network Rail
I’m a senior organisational effectiveness and people strategy leader with over a decade of experience helping organisations build stronger leadership, performance and talent systems in complex, global environments. I work closely with executive teams to turn big strategic priorities into practical frameworks that actually change how people lead, work and perform day to day. I’ve worked across infrastructure, technology and global consumer brands, including senior roles at Network Rail, Spotify and Collinson.
I’m known for cutting through complexity and making things feel clearer and more doable. I use insight, data and a holistic approach to design leadership, talent, performance, engagement and wellbeing frameworks that stick. I genuinely believe that inclusion and employee experience come from well‑designed organisational systems, not bolt‑on initiatives.
Alongside my core role, I coach senior leaders, speak and mentor across the profession, and contribute to industry conversations. In the past I founded The Confidence Club, which supported women to build confidence at work and beyond through events and mentoring, and I previously created and hosted the podcast No More Long Talk. I’m passionate about creating positive workplace cultures and good communication—and I’m motivated by helping both organisations and individuals do their best work.