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The Future of HR 2026

CorpAcq Stadium, Greater Manchester 16 June 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

CPD accredited by IGPP badge
8:30am
Delegate Registration and Networking
9:30am
Chair’s Welcome Address
9:40am
Opening Keynote: HR at the Centre of Change - The Future of the People Profession
  • How the HR profession has evolved from administrative support to strategic business partner
  • The growing role of HR in shaping organisational culture, leadership, and employee experience
  • Navigating major UK employment law reforms and their impact on people management
  • The influence of AI, data, and HR technology on decision-making and workforce planning
Professor Christopher Bones, Chair of the Board of Trustees, CIPD
10:00am
Employment Law Reform in the UK - Understanding the Employment Rights Act
  • Key changes affecting employers, such as new worker protections, enforcement mechanisms, and shifts in employment rights
  • Implications for HR practice, particularly in recruitment, dismissal procedures, contracts, and workplace policies
  • Preparing organisations for compliance
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy & Policy, ACAS
10:25am
Industry Case Study
Perkbox
10:45am
Questions and Answers Session
11:00am
Break and Networking
11:30am
Industry Case Study
Working Chance
11:50am
Handling Workplace Conflict: HR Strategies for Positive Outcomes
  • Understanding the changing drivers of workplace conflict
  • Early intervention and the role of HR as a trusted mediator
  • Complex and sensitive conflicts in the modern workplace
  • Developing a proactive conflict management culture
Richard Saundry, Principal Research Fellow, University of Westminster
12:10pm
Evidence-Based HR - Turning Insight into Action
  • Embedding evidence-based practice in HR decision-making
  • From insight to action: closing the implementation gap
  • Developing the skills, tools, and mindset required for evidence-based HR, enabling the function to enhance its strategic influence and demonstrate measurable impact

Jonny Gifford, Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Employment Studies
12:30pm
Questions And Answers Session
12:45pm
Lunch And Networking
1:45pm
Job Crafting as a Tool to Support Inclusion in the Workplace
Dr Sarah Dauncey, Research Fellow, Work, Employment and Organisation, University of Strathclyde
2:05pm
Panel Discussion: From Policy to Practice - Wellbeing and Inclusion in the Modern Workplace
  • Integrating physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing into day-to-day operations
  • Supporting employees while driving productivity and engagement
  • Practical approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership behaviours and decision making
  • Practical HR interventions that create sustainable impact
  • Tracking and demonstrating influence and progress across all aspects of a modern workplace


Speakers:

  • Dr Sarah Dauncey, Research Fellow, Work, Employment and Organisation, University of Strathclyde
  • Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy & Policy, ACAS 
  • Parul Singh, Founder of Parallel Minds Neurodiversity Consultancy & Inclusive Workplace Specialist
2:45pm
Break and Networking
3:15pm
The Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies on HR Practices
  • How AI and emerging technologies are transforming HR practices
  • The impact of technological change on job roles, required skills, and organisational structures

























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    Speakers






    Overview






    • How AI and emerging technologies are transforming HR practices
    • The impact of technological change on job roles, required skills, and organisational structures
    • Managing employee concerns regarding automation, job security, and algorithmic decision-making
    • Ensuring the responsible use of AI and people analytics


  • Normal Paragraph FormatNormalHeading 1Heading 2Heading 3Heading 4CodeAlignAlign LeftAlign CentreAlight RightAlign JustifyBoldSnippetsAdvisory Board MembersPartner FormSupplier FormGroupEvents and TrainingEvents SearchCourse SearchItalicUnderlineOrdered ListDefaultLower AlphaLower GreekLower RomanUpper AlphaUpper RomanUnordered ListDefaultCircleDiscSquareInsert SnippetInsert TableInsert LinkInsert ImageInsert Horizontal LineCode ViewHow AI and emerging technologies are transforming HR practicesThe impact of technological change on job roles, required skills, and organisational structuresManaging employee concerns regarding automation, job security, and algorithmic decision-makingEnsuring the responsible use of AI and people analytics






  • Managing employee concerns regarding automation, job security, and algorithmic decision-making
  • Ensuring the responsible use of AI and people analytics
3:35pm
Closing Keynote: Beyond Compliance – HR as a Driver of Competitive Advantage
  • How HR can move beyond basic compliance to actively shape organisational strategy, culture, and performance
  • Linking HR initiatives to business outcomes and competitive edge
  • HR leaders and builders of resilient, adaptable and high-performing organisations
3:55pm
Chair’s Summary and Close
4:00pm
Conference Close

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