Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
Article Source: CIPD Scotland
Last Updated: 5 February 2025 12:02
The CIPD has revealed an exciting programme of speakers for its CIPD Scotland Annual Conference which will focus on building a better future world of work in Scotland, through a more productive, motivated and digitally-skilled workforce.
Opening keynote, Colin MacLachlan, a former SAS soldier - most known for his role in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins – will explore how to develop a resilient mindset, drawing on his own experiences, to drive high-performance cultures, teamwork and communication.
Other keynote speakers at the conference - taking place at the EICC in Edinburgh on 20 March 2025 – include Nick Robinson, author of ‘The 9 Types of Difficult People’ and popular Scottish comedian, Fern Brady.
Fern, who was diagnosed as autistic in 2021, will share her personal story on how she has navigated challenges to break down barriers, and the importance of being your authentic self in the workplace.
Also joining the speaker line-up are influential HR leaders from top Scottish organisations such as the City of Edinburgh Council, DC Thomson, City Facilities Management, Registers of Scotland, along with Scottish Government and NHS Lanarkshire.
Together with the CIPD, the experts will deliver interactive sessions, workshops, and lightening talks to help people managers, HR, and employers of all sizes improve their working practices and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce for the future.
Topical sessions include:
• Upskilling for a future-focused workforce - Discover how to combat skills gaps in your organisation and how to train and evolve your workforce in line with future skills.
• Dealing with conflict at work for a thriving workplace – Discover strategies to address conflict and challenging behaviours in the workplace and combat toxic cultures.
• Championing neurodiversity in the workplace – Learn more about the strengths of neurodiverse employees and how these can be used to increase innovation and productivity.
Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, will also join the line-up on the day as a keynote speaker.
He commented: “We are really looking forward to bringing together such a wide range of influential speakers and organisations to explore how we can build a better future world of work in Scotland.
“Employers are experiencing a myriad of challenges, around recruitment, skills, productivity and advances in technologies, as well as changes to employment regulation. This event provides a great opportunity for businesses to explore how they can adapt for such challenges and create thriving, future-fit workplaces that boost business outcomes and enable people to be their best at work.”
An interactive session on how to leverage AI in recruitment will be delivered by Mervyn Dinnen, a talent analyst, author and top HR influencer. He commented:
“I’m looking forward to showcasing how businesses can embrace AI in recruitment – and not fear it – with a human-centred approach that can enhance candidate journeys and deliver more efficient, fair and inclusive recruiting practices.”
The full agenda and tickets to attend the conference on Thursday 20 March at the EICC in Edinburgh (09:30-17:00) are available to purchase at: www.events.cipd.co.uk/scotland-conference.
To explore various sponsorship opportunities e: gordon.smith@cipd.co.uk.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Residents join the fun at Renfrew Gala Day
Renfrew Gala Day brought kids, families, and friends to Robertson Park for a Hawaiian themed day of fun at the weekend!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links