Agenda
packed with insights from over 250 expert speakers across six specialised topic stages and a main stage, featuring cutting-edge case studies and discussions on the latest trends.
2000+ ATTENDEES
250+ PRESENTERS
6 TOPIC STAGES
MAIN STAGE
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Stage
Topic
Session Format
Thursday 22 May 2025
09:00 - 09:05
Main Stage
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Join Jo Moffatt as she kicks off the Employee Engagement Summit with a warm welcome and an overview of the exciting sessions ahead. In her opening remarks, Jo will outline the key themes of the day, highlighting the significance of strategic employee engagement in today’s workplace.
Speaker:
Jo Moffatt
Engage for Success
Strategy Director
Jo has been a volunteer with the Engage for Success movement since its launch. As Strategy Director she sits on the Core Team and co-hosts the weekly Engage for Success radio show. EFS radio draws guests from across the engagement world with interesting stories to share. The Engage for Success agenda is absolutely aligned with Jo’s vision ‘to make workplaces better places to be’. Jo’s ‘day job’ is MD and founder of Woodreed, a specialist ad agency who use the tools, techniques, creativity and insight of the advertising world to engage employees inside organisations. Jo is passionate about brands and their power to move people. She is equally passionate about employee engagement and its vital role in delivering a high performing organisation. Put the two together and she becomes almost evangelical about the power a well-positioned and consistently delivered brand has as a catalyst for employee engagement and business success.
09:05 - 09:25
Main Stage
A Fresh Perspective on How Culture and Leadership Drive Engagement
Opening Keynote
09:45 - 10:05
Main Stage
Creating a Workplace Where Wellbeing & Inclusion Thrive
Panel Discussion
In today’s evolving workplace, employee wellbeing and inclusion are no longer just initiatives—they are essential to building a thriving, high-performing culture. This panel will explore how organisations can move beyond surface-level programmes to truly embed wellbeing and inclusion into their DNA. Industry leaders will discuss innovative strategies for fostering belonging and purpose, particularly in hybrid and remote environments. We’ll also dive into how Chief People Officers can drive real, lasting change, ensure accountability at all levels, and measure the impact of their efforts.
What to expect:
- Strategies to integrate wellbeing and inclusion into workplace culture
- Innovative approaches to creating a sense of belonging in hybrid and remote work environments
- Methods for tracking progress and holding leadership accountable for real change
Speaker:
Emy Rumble-Mettle
Tails.com
Chief People Officer
10:05 - 10:45
Main Stage
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Main Stage
NHS Scotland Case Study: Listening, Hearing and Responding to Our Colleague’s Voices Across NHS Scotland
Case Study
Fiona will explain the opportunities and challenges across NHS Scotland in ensuring that the voices of our 160,000 colleagues can be heard, listened to and most importantly, responded to, in a high profile and pressured health and care system, as well as ensuring there are channels where colleagues can safely speak up, when things go wrong.
Speaker:
Fiona Hogg
NHS Scotland
Chief People Officer
Fiona joined the Scottish Government from NHS Highland, where she had been Director of People and Culture since July 2019. Prior to joining the NHS, she worked for 20 years across a range of leadership, change and people roles in the financial services and pharmaceutical research and development sectors.
11:25 - 11:45
Main Stage
Stronger Together: Rethinking Communication & Collaboration in the Modern Workplace
Panel Discussion
Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful, engaged workforce. In an era of hybrid and remote work, organisations must rethink traditional approaches to ensure teams stay connected, aligned, and productive. This panel will examine the biggest barriers to internal communication and how to overcome them, the skills leaders need to build trust and high-performing teams, and the impact of evolving employee expectations on workplace interactions.
What to expect:
- Practical strategies to overcome communication barriers in modern workplaces
- Insights on building trust and high-performing teams across hybrid and remote settings
- How evolving employee expectations are reshaping workplace collaboration
Speakers:
Lindsay Jones
Delta Capita
Chief People Officer
Hannah Atack
HSL Compliance
Chief People Officer
I am a Board Advisor, Chief People Officer and Chief Operating Officer with more than two decades of experience guiding growth and performance of tech-enabled B2B businesses across sectors, with particular expertise in VC / PE-backed and founder-owner enterprises.
My portfolio of CPO and Board Advisory roles sees me work closely with business leaders to guide decision-making that grows, transforms and improves organisations, defining clear strategies for the drivers of business performance.
11:50 - 12:10
Main Stage
Hammonds Case Study: Unlocking Business Potential: How Organisational Psychology and Design Fuel Transformation
Case Study
This case study takes you through the real-time transformation of a company that evolved from a traditional HR function to a strategic partner at the board level, driving the future of the business. We’ll dive into the intersection of people, culture, and organisational design, where organisational psychology served as the catalyst for navigating ambiguity, building agility, and aligning leadership.
By applying organisational design principles and understanding the psychological drivers of behaviour, we transformed how the business operates—breaking down silos, aligning teams, and fostering a culture of trust and empowerment.
The journey is ongoing, and the lessons we’ve learned—building resilience, adopting an iterative mindset, and leading with purpose—will help you drive similar change in your own business. Join us as we explore how organisational psychology and design fuel sustainable growth, agility, and a people-centred future.
Speaker:
Katy McIntyre
Hammonds
Chief People and Culture Officer
Katy McIntyre is a Board-level People Director and Chief People & Culture Officer at Hammonds Furniture, where she leads people strategy to drive business transformation. With extensive experience across tech, retail, and manufacturing, Katy specialises in organisational design, organisational effectiveness, leadership development, and culture transformation, empowering companies to scale and thrive in hyper-growth environments.
Previously, Katy was Director of People & Culture at Global Fashion Group, overseeing global programmes for 15,000 employees across 19 countries, and at THE ICONIC in Sydney, where she built high-performance cultures and led organisational strategy to drive both culture and commercial success.
A master at cultivating strong workplace cultures, Katy excels in change management, scaling organisations, and creating customer-first environments that foster operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Outside of work, Katy is a proud mum of two boys and enjoys weekends making memories with her family.
12:10 - 12:30
Main Stage
Human-Centric Approaches to Digital Employee Engagement: How to Foster Connection, Collaboration, and Communication Globally
Presentation
This session will detail how GSK is transforming the way it engages its global workforce. Tune in to see how they are taking a human-centered approach to designing and delivering their new digital engagement platform. It will go deeper into the engagement strategy, where they have worked with Gate One and Workvivo to provide experiences that connect their people, target meaningful content, and amplify every voice across the business.
Speaker:
Ashley Tobin
Workvivo
Senior Customer Success Manager
12:30 - 12:50
Main Stage
The Workforce of Tomorrow: Building a Resilient, Skilled & Adaptive Workforce
Panel Discussion
The workforce of tomorrow will require organisations to be agile, resilient, and skilled in navigating both technological advancements and evolving employee needs. This panel will explore the key trends shaping the future of work and how organisations can stay ahead of the curve. Discussions will focus on the role of human-centred leadership in a tech-driven world, the evolution of leadership styles to meet future workforce demands, and the importance of employee feedback in shaping the workplace of tomorrow.
What to expect:
- Insights into the workforce trends shaping the next decade and how to stay ahead
- Strategies for balancing technology with human-centred leadership
- How leadership must evolve to meet the expectations of future employees
Speaker:
Jane Garnsey
Skipton Building Society
People Chief Operating Officer
With a career spanning more than 20 years and centred entirely on people, I’m as energetic and passionate now as I was on day one. Achieving my first HR Director role in 2014 for a 800- employee business unit gave me experience of truly partnering with the senior leadership team at a strategic level, taking time to understand the commercial objectives of the business and the people strategy associated to deliver these.
Since then, I have adopted roles that have a Group focus (2000 employees), partnering with the CEO and Executive team to troubleshoot strategic people requirements to achieve commercial success – evidenced in multi-million-pound cost savings. I utilise my innate flair for effectively building strong personal relationships at this level to achieve these strong results.
I have significant experience and success in overseeing end-to-end change projects across all aspects of the employee lifecycle and at times of significant business change.
As a qualified coach, I adopt a coaching approach to leadership, thriving on galvanising teams and individuals to deliver commercially, whilst achieving their full potential personally.
12:50 - 14:05
Main Stage
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Main Stage
Norton Rose Fulbright Case Study: Crafting a Culture Blueprint for Success
Case Study
At Norton Rose Fulbright, we recognised early on that building a culture rooted in our values would be key to driving employee engagement and long-term success. In this session, we’ll share the journey of how we crafted and implemented a culture blueprint that aligns with our organisational goals. We’ll walk you through the strategic decisions we made, the challenges we faced, and the steps we took to create a high-performing, purpose-driven culture.
Speaker:
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Kate Evans
Norton Rose Fulbright
Chief People Officer
14:45 - 15:05
Main Stage
Leading with Purpose: Building a Values-Driven Culture That Inspires
Panel Discussion
A values-driven culture is the foundation for creating an engaged and high-performing workforce. This panel will explore how organisations can embed their values into everyday practices, ensuring they become more than just statements on a wall. We’ll discuss the impact of a strong sense of purpose on employee engagement, retention, and performance, and how shifting employee values are influencing workplace culture. Leaders will also share insights on how to authentically role-model company values and inspire teams to live them out every day.
What to expect:
- Practical strategies to embed company values into daily operations
- Insights on the impact of purpose-driven cultures on engagement and retention
- How leaders can authentically role-model values and inspire teams to embrace them
Speakers:
Natalie Rogers
N Brown Group
Chief People & Sustainability Officer
Natalie Rogers is a people-focused leader with over 25 years of experience shaping business strategy, culture, and transformation. As Chief People and Sustainability Officer at N Brown plc, she delivers a people strategy focused on driving cultural change, making work meaningful, and creating a workplace where people can thrive and belong. Passionate about equality diversity, and inclusion, she is also a Trustee for a Multi-Academy Trust in London and an Independent Member of St John Ambulance People Committee. Collaborative, down-to-earth approach she brings a mix of strategic insight and real-world experience.
Nicolette Roses-Agoro
Workvivo by Zoom
Service Delivery Manager
15:10 - 15:30
Main Stage
The Power of Authenticity and Representation: In Conversation with Joyce Idoniboye, Chief People Officer at Oxfam
Interview
Join Joyce Idoniboye, Chief People Officer at Oxfam, for an engaging conversation on the importance of authenticity and representation in leadership. Joyce will share her career journey, highlighting the key moments that shaped her path as a Black woman in leadership, and discuss the challenges of representation and inclusion she’s faced. She’ll offer insights on how organisations can create inclusive environments where underrepresented groups thrive and how allies can support these efforts. Discover how authenticity has shaped Joyce's leadership style and gain valuable advice for creating positive change in your own organisation.
Speaker:
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Joyce Idoniboye
Oxfam
Chief People Officer
Joyce Idoniboye is a seasoned HR professional with a diverse industry background in the field. She has held leadership roles in a variety of organisations including Oxfam where she is currently Chief People Officer, DDB part of the Omnicom Group, CBRE, HarperCollins Publishers, Pearson International, News UK, and Charles Russell LLP. In these roles, Joyce has been responsible for driving the people and culture agenda, employee engagement, talent management and organisational design and development.
Outside of work Joyce enjoys time spent with friends and family, travel, keeping fit especially Spin, watching basketball and roller skating.
15:30 - 15:50
Main Stage
Enabling Our Most Important Asset, Our People, to Thrive: In Conversation with Hayley Mann, Chief People Officer at Formula E
Interview
Covering 3 key pillars, our People Strategy isn’t revolutionary. You’ll see the same themes across most organisations. Hire, retain and develop brilliant leadership, foster an inclusive culture representative of our values, and strive for operational excellence getting the foundations right for growth. The key to our strategy? How we integrate, partner, and drive ownership and accountability for it all, understanding it isn’t the ‘People Team’s job’ or ‘nice to have’, but it’s the difference between winning or losing.
Speaker:
Hayley Mann
Formula E
Chief People Officer
Hayley is the Chief People Officer at Formula E, with nearly 15 years of experience across Hospitality, Beauty, Retail and Sport. Hayley has grown her career in fast-moving, innovative brands, that play to her passion of creating impactful high-performance environments.
Prior to Formula E, Hayley left the world of Beauty and Retail, moving from Liz Earle Beauty Company and Walgreens Boots Alliance, entering into the Sports industry within England Rugby (RFU), returning back to a small-medium sized organisation playing a generalist role. There she built a team and enhanced their focus on culture, engagement and strategic initiatives, working closely with the Leadership Team to translate the high-performance mentality known on the pitch, into the office.
Within Formula E, Hayley navigates the People landscape in leadership, partnering, culture and engagement, recruitment, talent and L&D to support leaders in creating conditions for teams to flourish. Hayley's focus is partnering with the CEO and Executive team to ensure the People agenda runs through all strategy and decision-making, representing the employees' voice to ensure we support and enable our greatest asset, our people, to be their most effective.
Alongside being a mum to two little ones, Hayley is passionate about showing you can have a career and be present as a parent, working hard to role model authentic, inclusive leadership.
15:50 - 16:10
Main Stage
How to Effectively Align People Strategies with Business Goals
Panel Discussion
For organisations to thrive, people strategies must be fully integrated with business goals. This panel will explore how people leaders can transition from being seen as support functions to strategic business partners. We’ll dive into the most effective ways to align company culture with business purpose, the role of metrics and analytics in driving measurable outcomes, and how talent acquisition and recruitment can lay the foundation for a high-performing workplace culture that drives business success.
What to expect:
- How to position HR as a key strategic partner in business growth
- Practical ways to align company culture with overarching business goals
- The role of data and analytics in connecting people strategies with tangible results
Speakers:
Helen Webb OBE
WH Smith
Chief People Officer
Heidi Physick
Oodle Car Finance
Chief People Officer
16:10 - 16:40
Main Stage
Coffee & Networking
Break
16:40 - 17:00
Main Stage
British Army Case Study: Leading a People Team in a Large and Unique Organisation
Case Study
A chance to hear about how to lead a team that provides an HR service to a customer base of over 27000. Des will touch on his role, his directive to his team, how he develops his team through mentoring and the power of reverse mentoring. The session will be closed by providing an insight on his rewards and recognition programme.
Speaker:
Des Mhere
British Army
Global Chief People Officer (Regional Command)
Des is a Chartered Fellow of CIPD with 20 years of experience in executive and senior leadership role in Europe, North and Central America, Africa, and Asia.
He has extensive experience of leading and delivering projects in challenging environments as well as driving transformation. Widespread expertise in rewards and recognition, organisational culture, workforce planning, talent management and mentoring.
17:00 - 17:20
Main Stage
Creating the Culture Needed to Deliver a Strategic Reinvention: In Conversation with Malebogo Mpugwa, Chief People Officer at De Beers Group
Interview
Join Malebogo Mpugwa, Chief People Officer at De Beers Group, for an exclusive conversation about De Beers’ transformative Origins strategy and the vital role of culture in its success. Malebogo will share insights into how De Beers developed new leadership principles, shaped through input from over 600 colleagues, to align with the company’s values, purpose, and strategy.
She’ll also introduce De Beers’ latest leadership development programmes, designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to drive change. Discover how these initiatives are strengthening collaboration and preparing emerging leaders to navigate the future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry leader on building an inclusive, high-performing culture that turns strategy into reality.
Speaker:
Malebogo Mpugwa
De Beers Group
Chief People Officer
Malebogo is a seasoned professional with a career spanning more than two decades in the diamond industry. Her leadership journey has seen her hold influential positions at leading diamond and mining companies, namely De Beers Group and Anglo American.
At the core of her professional career is a commitment to talent development. She likens this process to the art of revealing the hidden brilliance within individuals, akin to the careful cutting and polishing of rough diamonds into their exquisite final form. Throughout her career, Malebogo has consistently demonstrated her ability to developing talent, leading organisational transformation projects, ensuring enduring success for the organizations she has served.
Malebogo’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, she received the prestigious Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining Award, a testament to her significant contributions to the industry. Malebogo, an alumni of London Business School, is a panel member who interviews and recommends for acceptance, candidates who apply for the London Business School Executive MBA programme based in London.
Beyond her immediate sector, Malebogo actively engages in regional and international forums, sharing her expertise on critical topics such as human capital development, equity, diversity and inclusion, talent management, and the future of work.
In summary, Malebogo is an experienced leader in the diamond industry, renowned for her unwavering commitment to talent management, leadership development, and her invaluable network of relationships within the industry and beyond. Her journey serves as an inspiration to fellow executives, highlighting the transformative power of nurturing both individual and organizational potential.
Malebogo is married to Mahube Mpugwa and has two children, Mahube Jr and Mbali.
17:20 - 17:40
Main Stage
The Importance of Strategic Leadership in Driving Employee Engagement
Panel Discussion
Strategic leadership is key to driving employee engagement and aligning business goals with employee experience. This panel will explore how leaders can make decisions that balance business performance with employee satisfaction, and how to lead cultural change that goes beyond mandates. We’ll also discuss why empathy and vulnerability are now essential leadership qualities and how leaders can leverage data to inform strategy while maintaining a people-first approach.
What to expect:
- How strategic leadership can impact both business outcomes and employee engagement
- Strategies for driving authentic cultural change within organisations
- The role of empathy, vulnerability, and data in effective leadership
Speakers:
Kaylee Darkins
AXA XL
Chief Human Resources Officer, UK & Lloyds
An accomplished HR leader with a proven track record in driving business results through people strategies. Has gained extensive experience in multiple sectors and large global, matrix organisations. With a proven ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives to drive growth, enhance employee engagement, and foster a high-performance culture in complex and fast-paced environments. Adept at leading transformative organisational changes and developing global talent strategies.
Has a deep understanding of HR practices, including; talent management, organisational design and effectiveness, HR technology integration, leadership development, business and cultural transformation. Known for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while championing employee wellness and career development across diverse geographies.
A trusted advisor to the CEO, Leadership team and the Board. A member of the global HR Leadership team, and multiple executive committees, including the UK executive committee and the governance committee.
A results orientated, strategic thinker, with the ability to flex into operational focus. Has strong interpersonal skills, high self-awareness, and the ability to motivate and influence teams. Adaptable to the ever-changing business landscape, ensuring the organisation's human resources are positioned to drive success.
Alex Snelling
McDonald's
Chief People Officer
As CPO for the IOM Business Unit I work with leaders across 11 countries in Europe serving over 250 million customers across 3,000 restaurants. McDonald's teams in Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland & Ukraine make up a diverse, innovative and growth focused Business Unit driving success in partnership with our Franchisees across Europe. Leading the People agenda I partner with each market CPO to support their success, share and steal best practice and build success for our business and people. Based in London UK I regularly have the privilege to engage with teams across Europe both online and in person. Together, we're transforming McDonald's in Europe for our corporate teams, restaurant leadership, crew and customers.
Before this role I lead the people agenda for McDonald’s Canada, one of McDonald’s big five markets worldwide. Working across the whole people agenda I shape our strategy as a market to deliver growth, develop people and feed & foster communities all across Canada.
17:40 - 19:00
Main Stage
Unwind & Connect: The Night Summit Experience
The Night Summit
09:00 - 09:05
Organisational Culture
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Nick will open the Organisational Culture stage, setting the tone for the day ahead with key insights into how we can build cultures that not only support employees but also drive long-term organisational growth.
Speaker:
Nick Brice
Soul Corporations
CEO
I help leaders and teams unlock their potential by transforming communication, developing soulful leadership, and driving measurable organisational success. As the CEO of Soul Corporations and White Room Theatre/Bite-Size Plays™, I create innovative, engaging programmes and coaching with my Soul Corporations' associates that inspire individuals to thrive in today’s dynamic, AI-powered world.
With a certification in Neuroscience in Business Leadership from MIT Sloan School of Management and a background in psychology, theatre, and TV production, I bring a unique blend of science, creativity, and practicality to my work. My approach combines cutting-edge insights with real-world applications, delivering lasting behavioural change for leaders and teams.
09:05 - 09:25
Organisational Culture
Creating a Culture Where People and Organisations Thrive: In Conversation with Jodie Craig, HR Director at L’Oréal
Opening Keynote
Kicking off the Organisational Culture stage, Jodie Craig, HR Director at L’Oréal, joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on building a culture that supports both organisational success and employee wellbeing. She’ll share insights on creating an environment where people can perform at their best without facing burnout, striking the right balance between high performance and sustainable ways of working. Learn how L’Oréal approaches culture as a key driver of engagement, innovation, and long-term success - and take away practical strategies to shape a thriving workplace within your own organisation.
Speaker:
Jodie Craig
L'Oréal
HR Director
I offer high-impact, personalised coaching for Leaders and Teams.
Whether Leaders are joining the C Suite for the first time, taking the reins of a new team or starting in their debut leadership role, coaching offers a highly personalised and time-efficient solution for busy executives.
For the last 20 years, I’ve worked in-house alongside senior leaders to cultivate talent pipelines and equip leaders for success in sectors such as Luxury brands, Retail, Consumer goods and Hospitality.
Now I deliver 121 and team coaching that provides the strength-based and individually-paced approach required for leadership success. Discover how: https://www.jodiethecoach.co.uk/worktogether
09:45 - 10:05
Organisational Culture
Culture by Design: How Innovation is Reshaping Employee Engagement
Panel Discussion
Workplace culture doesn’t happen by chance - it must be intentionally designed to drive employee engagement and organisational success. This panel will explore how innovation is reshaping culture, from building community across hybrid teams to empowering employees as active culture creators. We’ll also discuss the role of digital tools in enhancing employee experience while maintaining authenticity, trust, and human connection. Leaders will share insights on how organisations can align culture with values in a way that retains and inspires top talent.
What to expect:
- Innovative strategies for building community and inclusion across all work environments
- How digital tools can enhance culture without losing authenticity and trust
- Ways to empower employees as active contributors to workplace culture
Speakers:
Emily Hawkins-Longley
HELLO! Magazine
People Director
Lila Warren
Five Guys Europe
Head of Learning and Development & Internal Communications
I am an accomplished Global Head of Learning & Development with almost two decades of experience and a track record of driving optimal leadership performance, employee engagement and organisational culture via spearheading the delivery of innovative and impactful strategies.
I bring proven skills in strategic talent management, executive coaching, needs assessment, strategic planning, change management, digital innovation, business partnering and stakeholder engagement.
I am adept in managing complex development programs from end-to-end, designing and implementing robust leadership frameworks and aligning learning strategies with business objectives.
I am a dedicated, adaptable, and personable leader with a proactive, analytical, and results-driven approach.
I am known for rapidly building positive and productive relationships with key stakeholders, translating leadership vision into actionable strategies and facilitating rapid global expansion by empowering regional partners with scalable training strategies.
10:05 - 10:45
Organisational Culture
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Organisational Culture
Transforming Lloyds Banking Group: Creating Places Our People Love Through Workplace Experience
Case Study
Lloyds Banking Group is transforming to enhance its digital presence and customer engagement, empowering over 22 million people online. Central to this transformation is creating a positive workplace experience. Imagine a workplace equipped with the best facilities, cutting-edge tech, and an environment that boosts productivity while aligning with our sustainability goals. In this session, we will explore how we are fostering a great place to work can through our workplace transformation and the active promoter opportunity it brings, all while reducing our environmental footprint and costs.
Speaker:
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Ceri Connolly
Lloyds Banking Group
People Director Insurance, Pensions & Investments
Ceri joined LBG in 2017 and since 2019 she has been the People Director for Insurance, Pensions & Investments. In addition to her day job, Ceri stepped in for 6 months in 2023 to also hold the role of Group DE&I Director and more recently was appointed as the Group’s Workplace Community Leader for Leeds. Ceri’s career began at Aviva, where she joined as an HR graduate: spending 18 years in various people-focused roles and culminating as the HR & Internal Communications Director for the UK Life and Pensions business. After Aviva, she worked as an HR Change consultant, primarily with Hastings Direct on their growth strategy and launch of a new operations centre. Ceri's expertise lies in major people transformation and change roles, including significant leadership of complex M&A programmes. She’s passionate about embedding best-in-class people and customer centric ways of working and is a judge for the Business Culture Awards and Personnel Today.
11:05 - 11:25
Organisational Culture
AI-Powered Employee Service: Leveraging AI to transform HR service delivery
Presentation
Get ready to transform HR service delivery by leveraging AI! With a touch of Zendesk magic, we’re revealing what it takes to create a smarter, more seamless employee service. This talk is your shortcut to the future, packing trends and additional hands-on strategies into bite-sized wisdom you can act on right away and make your employee experience stand out.
Speaker:
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Darren Parker
Zendesk
Regional VP, Customer Success
11:25 - 11:45
Organisational Culture
Creating Meaningful Employee Journeys That Drive Engagement and Growth
Panel Discussion
A truly engaging workplace goes beyond measuring employee satisfaction - it requires designing meaningful experiences that support growth, purpose, and connection. This panel will explore what a people-first culture looks like in action and how organisations can move from tracking engagement to creating holistic employee journeys. Leaders will discuss how to personalise experiences while ensuring fairness and inclusivity, as well as identifying the key moments that shape long-term engagement and career fulfilment.
What to expect:
- Strategies for shifting from engagement metrics to holistic employee experiences
- Insights on balancing personalised career growth with organisational inclusivity
- How to identify and enhance key touchpoints that define the employee journey
Speakers:
Alex Rylance
Netcompany
Head of Human Resources
Alex Rylance (he/him) is a transformation and change focused human resources leader with over 20 years of industry experience. He is an inclusive professional, advocating for social value, minimising digital skill gaps, and implementing changes based on employee voice and industry knowledge.
Alex is well equipped with the skills to continue growing a more sustainable, people-oriented business. Actively working alongside executive leadership teams, he trusts that fast-paced growth in technology will help to create more fulfilling jobs within Netcompany, as well as the industries it works with.
Alex is a firm believer that the workplace is an environment to develop your skills, grow professionally and personally, and ultimately enjoy yourself.
Jennifer Ashton
EE
HR Director, Consumer Corporate Functions
11:50 - 12:10
Organisational Culture
Nationwide Case Study: Award-Winning Culture – How We Built the Best Employee Engagement Team
Case Study
What does it take to build an award-winning culture? In this exclusive case study, Nationwide shares the journey that led to them being named Best Employee Engagement Team at the 2024 Engage Awards. Discover the key initiatives, strategies, and leadership approaches that helped them create a culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and connected to the organisation’s purpose. From innovative engagement programmes to leadership buy-in, learn what made the difference.
Speaker:
Francesca Golding
Nationwide
Director of Colleague Engagement
12:30 - 12:50
Organisational Culture
From Principles to Practice: Embedding Purpose & Values into Workplace Culture
Panel Discussion
Purpose and values should be more than just statements on a company website - they should shape everyday decisions, behaviours, and interactions across the organisation. This discussion will focus on how businesses can embed their core values into workplace culture in a way that feels authentic and actionable. Panellists will explore the connection between purpose and employee engagement, the role of leadership in setting the tone, and how organisations can empower employees to take an active role in defining and evolving company values.
What to expect:
- Practical strategies for integrating purpose and values into everyday workplace culture
- Insights on how purpose-driven organisations boost engagement and performance
- Approaches for leaders to authentically role-model values and inspire employees
Speakers:
Ali Rees
Specsavers
Head of People - Audiology
As the Head of People for Audiology at Specsavers, I oversee the UK and Ireland region, driving the people agenda across our local businesses and Head Office teams. My role is pivotal in shaping the future of audiology services, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain top talent. I am also a proud member of the Audiology Board, where I contribute to strategic decisions that impact our business.
Before joining Specsavers, I have worked within a number of different industries including the Prison Service, Financial Services, a tech start-up and then the fashion retail sector.
With this experience, I bring a unique perspective to my current role, always striving to create a best place to work culture.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my family. My husband and I are parents of two boys so balancing a fulfilling career with family life is a rewarding challenge!
Jon Randall
Swissport
Global Culture & Engagement Specialist
For two decades, Jon has been helping companies uncover who they are, so they can achieve more. His specialism is in uniting brand and culture with a clear, powerful story that unlocks a more meaningful experience for both colleagues and customers. A Cambridge graduate, exec coach, psychotherapist and change consultant, Jon’s multi-award-winning approach is practical and emotionally connected. He has spent the last 10 years agency-side, working with icons like British Airways, Red Bull and Bank of America. He recently moved in-house to global aviation giant, Swissport, to transform the culture for 65,000 people by shaping the company’s collective mindset.
Shane Ashby-Roche
The White Company
Head of Organisational Development & Culture
Shane is Head of Org Development and Culture for The White Company, taking responsibility for shaping company culture and driving performance through leading the Learning and Development and Communication and Engagement teams. In 2024 Shane and the team were recognised as the ‘People Development Team of The Year’ at the Retail Bulletin’s People in Retail Awards, recognising their dedication to nurturing talent and leadership.
A qualified Executive Coach, Shane specialises in Leadership Development, People Strategy, and Project Management. His focuses include illustrating how strong leaders are integral to shaping business direction, championing leadership development and succession planning with a core focus on individuals ‘Leadership Shadow’ and promoting inclusive and diverse cultures, through adopting a ‘Purpose First’ philosophy.
12:50 - 14:05
Organisational Culture
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Organisational Culture
Bupa Case Study: Creating an Unstoppable Experience – The Experiment
Case Study
At Bupa our ambition is to be the world’s most customer centric healthcare organisation.
With such a large and important ambition, we set out on a mission to prove that investing in our people was the ultimate way to achieve this.
This presentation explores the 12- month experiment we undertook to diagnose and test that theory. We’ll explore the investment we made in our people to bring them along the journey, upskill and coach them along the way, the successes we have seen and lessons we have learnt along the way.
Speakers:
Trish Donoghue
Bupa Global
Engagement and Employee Experience Manager, People Team
Trish has been at Bupa for 6 years and leads the strategy for achieving and maintaining a world class employee engagement and experience across Bupa’s domestic and international insurance businesses.
Trish’s skills lie in connecting and energising organisations to put people at the heart of their organisation - driving better experiences for both employees and customers. A passion that is shared by her current organisation and its purpose to help people live, longer healthier happier lives and make a better world.
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Chris Parkinson
Bupa Global
Head Organisational Development
I am a leadership, organisational development and talent expert, with blue-chip industry, consulting and public sector experience. My passion is to ensure that the solutions I develop truly integrate with the business strategy and have a positive impact on individuals.
I am an experienced project and operational leader who has undertaken roles globally, managing extensive teams with multi-million pound budgets. This has been focused in the areas of leadership development, organisational effectiveness and talent management.
I have really excelled when I have been presented with business issues and asked to develop solutions for them. I am able to gain cross-organisational support and momentum to ensure that people-related projects ‘stick’ and add value to the organisation. I strive to involve others in the solution to ensure better results and greater traction.
14:45 - 15:05
Organisational Culture
Creating a Feedback-Driven Culture Where Every Voice Matters
Panel Discussion
A culture of open and meaningful feedback is essential for growth, engagement, and continuous improvement - but creating an environment where every voice is heard takes more than just surveys. This panel will explore how organisations can break down the barriers to honest feedback, encourage open dialogue, and embed feedback as a core part of workplace culture. Leaders will share innovative approaches to gathering employee insights and, most importantly, turning that feedback into real, lasting change.
What to expect:
- Strategies for building a workplace where feedback is actively encouraged and valued
- Fresh approaches to gathering employee insights beyond traditional surveys
- How to ensure feedback leads to tangible improvements in workplace culture
Speakers:
Odette Hamilton
MUFG
EMEA Head of Employee Experience and Engagement
With extensive experience as a HR professional across a number of industries, I am currently in a role which allows me to play out my passion which lies in shaping workplace culture, driving employee engagement, champion DEI, and elevate the voice of employees so that they feel safe, heard, connected.
Officially, as Head of Employee Engagement and Experience, my role is to empower the Culture strategy for EMEA by fostering an environment where employees are highly engaged with a sense of belonging and empowerment, enabling an enhanced employee experience.
I am therefore currently responsible for the creation, delivery and reporting of employee engagement initiatives, and driving ownership and accountability of leaders, managers and employees to strengthen our organisational culture.
Working with teams across various stakeholder groups both within region and globally in a complex matrix structure to support a programme of continuous organisational enhancement which helps us to achieve our vision.
Gillian Green
SSP Group plc
Global Senior Manager People Experience & Culture
15:10 - 15:30
Organisational Culture
Transforming Culture, Leadership, and Talent for the Future: In Conversation with Sonia Gupta, Talent & Learning Director at Save the Children
Interview
How can organisations build inclusive, agile, and high-performing cultures that unlock the full potential of their people? Sonia Gupta, Global Director of Talent and Learning at Save the Children International, joins us for an insightful conversation on driving large-scale cultural and leadership transformation. Drawing from her experience at Save the Children, Diageo, BP, HSBC, and Coca-Cola, Sonia will share how she has reshaped leadership capabilities, embedded purpose-driven cultures, and redefined talent strategies for the future. From psychological safety to digital learning transformation, discover how organisations can equip their leaders to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Speaker:
Sonia Gupta
Save the Children International
Talent and Learning Director
Global Talent, Leadership & Culture Transformation Expert
Sonia Gupta is a visionary leader in talent, leadership, and culture transformation, with extensive experience driving large-scale change across FTSE 100 companies and global organizations. Passionate about the future of leadership, she specializes in enabling businesses to build inclusive, agile, and high-performing cultures that unlock the full potential of their people.
With a career spanning Save the Children, Diageo, BP, HSBC, and Coca-Cola, Sonia has led transformational programs that have reshaped leadership capabilities, embedded purpose-driven cultures, and redefined talent strategies for the future. As Global Director of Talent and Learning at Save the Children, she spearheaded a leadership and culture shift across 18,000 employees, aligning leadership behaviors with the evolving demands of the sector. At Diageo, she designed award-winning leadership development programs that increased engagement, accelerated talent pipelines, and strengthened organizational resilience in a rapidly changing business landscape.
A thought leader in leadership innovation, Sonia brings a data-driven, commercially astute, and human-centered approach to future-focused leadership development. She has deep expertise in behavioral experimentation, psychological safety, and digital learning transformation, helping organizations adapt to new ways of working, embrace inclusion, and build leaders who thrive in uncertainty.
An accredited executive and team coach and expert in psychometric tools, Sonia is a passionate advocate for mentoring, neurodiversity, and future-ready leadership. She regularly advises boards and senior leaders on reimagining leadership for a fast-changing world—ensuring businesses remain adaptive, purpose-led, and people-centric.
15:30 - 15:50
Organisational Culture
Is Your Workforce Future-Ready?
Presentation
Is your workforce future-ready? Join us for an insightful session that delves into this crucial question in today's changing world.
With 25 years of expertise, Best Companies knows the powerful impact of employee engagement and culture on an organisation’s success. As we look to the future, whilst these will still be key, it's essential to evolve and embrace new ways of working, communicating, and managing.
Discover what the future workplace looks like and how these elements can drive performance and success. Don't miss out on learning the key principles that will future-proof your organisation and set you ahead of the curve!
Speaker:
Jonathan Austin
Best Companies
Founder & CEO
Jonathan Austin, the Founder and CEO of Best Companies, has dedicated nearly 25 years to exploring the powerful connection between employee engagement and performance to enhance overall organisational health. His passion for creating a community of like-minded individuals who value and respect their people has driven him to make significant improvements in the world of work.
Jonathan pioneered the development of a unique, world-class methodology that has become the gold standard for measuring, improving, and recognising workplace excellence in the UK. This methodology underpins Best Companies' comprehensive suite of insight-driven products, which help organisations build future-ready workforces, redefine people management expectations, and foster organisational agility and resilience.
15:50 - 16:10
Organisational Culture
The Culture Evolution: Tracking, Transforming & Sustaining Workplace Values
Panel Discussion
Workplace culture is never static—it must evolve alongside the organisation and its people. This discussion will explore how companies can embed cultural change for the long term, ensuring it becomes part of their identity rather than just a temporary initiative. Panellists will share strategies for adapting culture to an evolving workforce, maintaining cultural integrity during times of transformation, and measuring its impact beyond traditional employee surveys.
What to expect:
- Practical ways to embed long-term cultural change within an organisation
- Strategies for sustaining culture during mergers, leadership shifts, and growth
- New approaches to measuring culture beyond standard engagement surveys
Speakers:
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Rebecca Moran
Chatham House
Head of HR
Keeley Watts
The Alchemist
Head of HR
A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Keeley is the Head of HR for the Alchemist Bars and Restaurants, who currently have 24 venues across the UK and Europe.
With a background in hospitality, housing and the emergency services, Keeley is passionate about people whilst driving the commercial vision for the business.
16:10 - 16:40
Organisational Culture
Coffee & Networking
Break
17:00 - 17:20
Organisational Culture
Royal Air Force Case Study: Developing an Employee Engagement Champions Network
Case Study
In 2019, we sat as audience members at the Employee Engagement Summit - taking notes, learning from experts, and looking for ways to improve employee engagement in a government organisation with tight financial constraints. We knew we had to make a difference, but with little to no budget, we had to get creative.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing real improvements. It’s been a long and, at times, frustrating journey, but we’ve learned that People Surveys and action plans can drive meaningful change. In this session, we’ll share our story—the challenges we faced, the successes we achieved, and the people who helped us along the way. From where we started to where we are now—and our vision for the future—join us as we reflect on what it really takes to build engagement in the public sector.
Speakers:
Victoria Wilson
Royal Air Force (Ministry of Defence)
Employee Engagement Team Manager
Michelle Sage
Royal Air Force (Ministry of Defence)
Employee Engagement Advisor
17:20 - 17:40
Organisational Culture
Balancing Digital Transformation with a Human-Centred Culture
Panel Discussion
As organisations embrace digital transformation, the challenge is maintaining a workplace culture that prioritises human connection. This panel will explore how companies can build a strong, engaged culture across dispersed teams while ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, meaningful interactions. Leaders will discuss strategies for preventing digital burnout, fostering authentic communication in a digital-first environment, and ensuring that people - not just technology - remain at the heart of workplace culture.
What to expect:
- Strategies for building a connected culture across remote and hybrid teams
- How to balance digital innovation with a people-first approach
- Ways to prevent digital burnout while maintaining meaningful workplace interactions
Speakers:
Nick Holmes
Avalere Health
Vice President, Learning & Culture
Nick Holmes is an award-winning learning and culture architect, passionate about transforming how we think, feel, and engage with work. As the Vice President of Learning and Culture at Avalere Health, Nick brings over 12 years of experience designing and delivering unforgettable learning experiences and cultures that have empowered teams and organisations across the globe.
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Nadine Anderson
Westminster City Council
People, Culture and Engagement Strategic Lead
For more than 15 years my journey has been about shaping organisational cultures and empowering leaders. My recent focus has been on employee culture and engagement to drive innovation and service excellence.
Leveraging skills in workshop facilitation and volunteer engagement, my approach is to foster collaborative environments that enable quality improvement and effective change. The goal is to build resilient organisations and communities, where people feel valued, engaged, and ready to meet the challenges of today's dynamic landscape.
17:40 - 19:00
Organisational Culture
Unwind & Connect: The Night Summit Experience
The Night Summit
09:00 - 09:05
Internal Communications
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Charlotte will open the Internal Communications stage, setting the stage for a series of discussions that explore how strategic internal communication can drive collaboration, transparency, and a stronger organisational culture.
Speaker:
Charlotte Dahl
Woodreed
Creative Planning Director
09:05 - 09:25
Internal Communications
The Future of Internal Communication: Navigating Change in a Complex World
Presentation
In an era of rapid change, internal communication is more critical than ever in helping organisations and their people thrive. This session will explore the key trends shaping internal communication today—from evolving employee expectations to the influence of external societal, technological, and business shifts. We’ll examine how these factors are reshaping the way we engage, inform, and connect our workforce.
By aligning communication strategies with what employees truly need and expect, internal communicators can drive engagement, build trust, and foster resilience within their organisations. The session will also look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead for our profession and how we can continue to add value in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
Speaker:
Jennifer Sproul
IOIC
Chief Executive
Jennifer Sproul is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), the only independent professional body solely dedicated to internal communication. She leads IoIC's efforts in setting standards and advancing the profession through qualifications, career
development, thought leadership, and best practices.
A passionate advocate for the value of internal communication, Jennifer is a regular speaker and co-hosts the podcast ‘The Future of Internal Communication’.
09:25 - 09:45
Internal Communications
Organisational Velocity in Action with Flight Centre and Unily
Presentation
In the fast-moving world of travel, adaptability is everything. Discover how global travel leader Flight Centre is transforming customer experience through cutting-edge internal communication.
Join Rachael Knowles, Head of Internal Communications at Flight Centre Travel Group, as she reveals to Kaz Hassan, Senior Community and Partner Marketing Manager at Unily how their team combines innovative strategy with best-in-class technology to keep employees informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. Don’t miss this inside look at internal comms in action - fueling employee engagement and business success.
Speakers:
Kaz Hassan
Unily
Employee Experience Industry Lead
Rachael Knowles
Flight Centre Travel Group
Head of Internal Communications
09:45 - 10:05
Internal Communications
Creating Meaningful Employee Connections Through AI-Powered Communication
Panel Discussion
AI is transforming internal communications, offering new ways to personalise messaging, streamline workflows, and enhance the employee experience. But how can organisations ensure that AI-powered communication remains human, engaging, and aligned with company culture? This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of using AI in internal communications, from balancing automation with authenticity to maintaining trust and transparency. Experts will also discuss how AI can help measure engagement and sentiment, enabling internal comms teams to refine their strategies in real time.
What to expect:
- Insights on using AI to personalise communication while keeping it authentic
- Strategies for maintaining trust and transparency in AI-driven messaging
- How AI can help track engagement, sentiment, and feedback to enhance internal comms
Speakers:
Dev Mistry
Dojo
Internal Communications Specialist
Peter Durkin
Blink
VP of Sales
Peter is the VP of Sales at Blink and has held the position for nearly 3 years.
10:05 - 10:45
Internal Communications
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Internal Communications
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Case Study: The Connectivity Cure: How One NHS Intranet Achieves One Million Monthly Views
Case Study
The Trust’s award-winning intranet launched in November 2023 and has steadily grown to become a key pillar of the organisation’s internal communications and engagement offer.
This presentation focuses on the development and launch of Kingsweb, a new intranet platform designed to overcome significant communication and engagement challenges faced by the Trust.
Matt will talk about how he sourced staff buy-in for the project, which included putting together a 600+ strong group of content authors to add their information, and how the platform’s governance model was implemented. Alongside the launch of the web-based platform, King’s launched a new staff app at the same time, which has further enhanced engagement.
Matt will share valuable insights from the launch process, focusing on key strategies, challenges, and the measurable benefits of this transformative project.
Speaker:
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Matt Cooper
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Head of Digital Communications
With a press office background, I am a communications all-rounder and enjoy delivering external, corporate and internal communications projects, especially leading on change management projects.
I have recently launched a new intranet at King's College Hospital NHS FT.
I am digital-savvy and have a keen interest in videography and developing websites/intranets.
I have completed CIPR's Professional Diploma in Public Relations with the Cambridge Marketing College.
11:25 - 11:45
Internal Communications
Creating Clear, Consistent, and Impactful Digital Communication
Panel Discussion
With an overwhelming number of digital communication tools available, organisations must be intentional about how they connect with employees. This panel will explore how internal communications teams can cut through the noise to deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messaging. Experts will discuss how to choose the right channels, ensure alignment across platforms, and track the right metrics to continuously improve engagement.
What to expect:
- Strategies for selecting the most effective digital communication channels
- Tips on cutting through information overload to ensure key messages resonate
- How to measure and refine digital communications for maximum impact
Speakers:
Lea Hawkins-Gaboc
Virgin
Head of Employee Communications and Engagement
Sarah Sausman
Openreach
Head of Internal Communications
11:50 - 12:10
Internal Communications
Dr.Martens Case Study: Shaping Organisational Culture Through Effective Communication
Case Study
In this case study, Dr. Martens will share how strategic internal communications have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening their distinctive organisational culture. From aligning employees with the brand’s values to ensuring transparent communication across global teams, Dr. Martens has successfully used communications to create unity, purpose, and pride within the organisation. Learn how clear, consistent messaging can drive cultural transformation, enhance employee engagement, and ensure that a company’s values are embedded in every aspect of its operations.
Speakers:
Lisa Seeburn
Dr. Martens plc
Global Internal Communications Leader
Experienced internal communications leader, storyteller and advocate for positive workplace experiences. I am hugely passionate about what I do, blending objective-driven strategy with people-focussed creativity to achieve purposeful results.
Having started agency-side before moving to in-house roles, I have over a decade of experience delivering effective solutions within a wide variety of different industries, from start-up tech, retail and manufacturing, through to telecoms, entertainment and fashion. You'll currently find me leading our European team at ByteDance - better known in the UK as TikTok.
Jacqueline McLeod
Dr. Martens plc
Global Head of Internal Communications
Jacqueline is a highly experienced senior strategic Communications professional consultant who has experience in leading teams. She has over 20 years experience in Communications and Stakeholder engagement, Strategic communications, Change management & communications, Project Management, Management Consultancy and Behavioural change.
She has worked in senior global roles across big business in a variety of sectors and is an expert in influencing and translating business strategies into effective communications and engagement plans, that drive increased business performance and desired outcomes that are purpose filled and culture centric.
Passionate about working with businesses and organisations to enable them to deliver projects and programmes, Jacqueline is highly skilled in developing effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement strategies, that underpin change programmes and have the purpose of the business front and centre.
12:30 - 12:50
Internal Communications
Shaping Organisational Culture Through Meaningful Communication
Panel Discussion
Communication is one of the most powerful tools for shaping and sustaining organisational culture. This panel will explore the vital role of internal communications in not only reflecting company values but also embedding them into everyday interactions. Leaders will discuss how to move beyond top-down messaging to create genuine dialogue, ensure communication resonates across diverse employee groups, and use storytelling to celebrate achievements that strengthen culture and motivation.
What to expect:
- Insights on making internal communications a true driver of company culture
- Approaches to creating two-way conversations that engage employees at all levels
- Creative ways to celebrate achievements and milestones to boost morale and connection
Speakers:
Natasha Liedl-McDowall
LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)
Senior Manager Internal Communications
Customers will only love a company when their employees love it first.
I believe in a corporate world where employees feel inspired at work. My career is about using the vehicle of internal communication to help people feel fulfilled in the work that they do and safe to speak up. In doing so, internal communication plays a vital role in protecting and elevating a company’s reputation. It starts from the inside.
Originally trained as a television journalist in live breakfast TV and owning a wellness business myself, I've worked across a variety of large organisations from technology at arm, and data & analytics in the London Stock Exchange, to energy at Veolia and the civil service through Covid and Brexit.
I’ve worked with global audiences across 190 countries and those in the disparate UK frontline with our refuse collectors and retail branches and observed how technology that’s developed in the Chief Operating Office impacts the reality of our frontline.
Most of my career has involved filling brand new internal communications roles for companies, building teams from the ground up and starting with a new challenge, bringing new ideas to the table to create a function that’s not just ‘taking orders’ but a valuable, trusted advisor to the organisation it serves.
Shalini Gupta
Arup
Head of Internal Communications
As an accomplished internal communications professional with cross-cultural expertise, I bring a unique skill set to the organisations I support.
Over the past 20 years I have gained substantial experience by working within large global organisations during periods of business change and transformation. As a creative and confident communication professional who isn’t afraid to challenge, my passion is to empower, engage and connect people to the organisational vision, so they understand how to create impact and make a difference.
As a professional who located to the UK 18 years ago cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice can be heard and where people feel proud of their work is something I care about deeply.
Continuing Professional Development has been critical for my growth as a communications expert. I learn best practices from my industry peers sharing my experience and knowledge and can often be found speaking at industry panels, or sometimes even writing articles for industry publications.
Life is too short to do something you don't love. I take pride in what I do and wake up every morning eager to do it again.
12:50 - 14:05
Internal Communications
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Internal Communications
Nationwide Case Study: Driving Colleague Engagement and Advocacy in a Fast-Paced Organisation
Case Study
Join Amy and Craig from 2024’s ‘Best Employee Engagement Team’, as they share their approach to enhancing colleague engagement in a fast paced and evolving organisation.
The presentation will detail the team’s ambition to drive colleague engagement and advocacy in their strategy and purpose, by delivering engaging communications, multi-channel campaigns, and immersive events, as well as how they leverage digital content and production.
The Nationwide Colleague Engagement team’s strategy has evolved over the last few years, responding to colleague feedback, cultural shifts, and ever-changing external trends. This is an opportunity to hear about how the team have continued to deliver significant improvements across performance metrics while driving impact and customer centricity.
This presentation is perfect for anyone interested in:
• Measuring the success of campaigns.
• Real life examples of where colleague feedback has driven impactful changes.
• Continuous assessment process that enables agile planning and delivery.
Speakers:
Craig Taylor
Nationwide
Senior Manager - Colleague Engagment
• Comprehensive communication skills
• Stakeholder management
• Effective and efficient problem solving
• Ability to prioritise my workload
• I use my initiative, and learn both quickly and enthusiastically
• I am always striving for self improvement
• Consistently delivers and thrives even under severe pressure
• Strong Financial Sector working background
• Project planning and implementation
Amy Darks
Nationwide
Senior Colleague Engagement Manager - Communications
I’m a passionate storyteller, committed to delivering meaningful and effective communications that have colleagues at the heart.
I have a breadth of experience in creating multi-channel communication strategies and leading company-wide campaigns and projects. Alongside this, I’ve had the pleasure of business partnering a number of senior exec leaders.
Prior to internal communications, I was a PRINCE2 project manager - planning and delivering end to end, large scale business transformation programmes.
14:45 - 15:05
Internal Communications
Listening, Learning, and Leading Through Employee Feedback
Panel Discussion
Actively listening to employees is more than just collecting feedback - it’s about creating a culture where insights drive real change. This panel will explore why businesses must prioritise employee voices and how a strong feedback culture can enhance engagement, performance, and overall success. Panellists will discuss how to empower managers to translate feedback into action, the balance between anonymous and direct feedback, and how to ensure employees feel heard and valued.
What to expect:
- Strategies for making employee feedback a catalyst for meaningful change
- How to equip managers with the skills to act on insights at a team level
- When to use anonymous feedback vs. open conversations
Speakers:
Maureen Chambers
Resillion
Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
With almost 25 years of experience in internal communications, Maureen is an expert in delivering strategic and impactful communications that engage and inform diverse audiences across different sectors and industries.
She has led and supported multiple large-scale change and transformation programmes, including mergers and acquisitions and organisational restructures.
She has a proven track record of building solid relationships with senior stakeholders, providing professional and trusted communications advice, and leading teams both directly and virtually.
Following a successful career at BT, and several years at William Hill, Maureen decided to return to contract work. She spent some time working at Imperial Brands and The Crown Estate before joining Resillion late last year. She is now their Head of Internal Communications and Engagement, a new role at the company.
Resillion provides global quality engineering, testing, conformance, interoperability and assurance services from initiation to launch across software .
Jonathan Elliott
Sky
Head of Internal Communications, Leadership & Business Partnering
An impact-focussed, data-led senior communications practitioner. Jonathan has more than 15 years' experience from roles across marketing, CSR, external communications and - primarily - internal communications.
He has worked in a breadth of industries, as well as local, national, and global organisations, and in both the commercial and public sectors.
Having worked in finance from 2008-2014 and in media since 2016, he is well-versed in crisis and reputation management communications.
15:10 - 15:30
Internal Communications
In Conversation With: Creating A ‘Buzz’ At Butlin’s To Drive Business Performance: In Conversation with Nick Searing, Head of Internal Communications at Butlin's
Interview
With a 24/7 operation, a team of almost 4,000, split across four locations and a strategy focused on ensuring their team spend as much time as possible with their guests – Butlin’s needed a new approach to comms.
This new approach needed to drive accountability, deliver a consistent message, provide their leaders with all the information they needed whilst still empowering them to still own their own updates - step forward Butlin's Buzz.
Join Nick as he talks us through Butlin’s new monthly magazine style video update – created in house, at low cost, which is helping to drive business performance.
Nick will talk us through the ‘aha’ moment, when the team realised change was needed, the journey the team went on, how they got leadership buy in, the outputs that were created as well as share how something we all carry around in our pockets made it all possible.
Speaker:
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Nick Searing
Butlin's
Head of Internal Communications
I’ve got over a decade of Internal Comms experience working across the healthcare, telecommunications, hospitality and now holiday and leisure industry working with brands including Virgin, Prezzo and Butlin’s.
I’m a firm believer that comms and company culture go hand in hand so when you’ve got a company value of ‘We Create Smiles’ – there’s lots of fun to be had in what you do with comms.
Since joining Butlin’s I’ve supported the business with the launch of new values, overseen the communication strategy through a sale process and grown the team to take on responsibility for our I&D strategy, charity partnership, values programme and wellbeing activity.
15:30 - 15:50
Internal Communications
A Seat at the Table for Internal Comms: Transforming Employee Experience With ScS
Presentation
From outdated, clunky document management to a vibrant and engaging employee experience with ‘Our ScS home’. Join Jo Pitchford from ScS and Katy Mogra from Oak Engage to discuss how their brand new intranet has been pivotal in helping ScS reach employees in all roles across the business, bringing all channels and resources under one roof to deliver a seamless and engaging experience on both mobile and desktop.
Speakers:
Katy Morga
Oak Engage
Customer Success Manager
Jo Pitchford
ScS
Internal Communications & Engagement Lead
15:50 - 16:10
Internal Communications
Driving Innovation in Workplace Communication Through a Multichannel Approach
Panel Discussion
In today’s diverse and dynamic workplaces, a one-size-fits-all communication strategy no longer works. Organisations must take a multichannel approach to reach employees wherever they are—whether they’re deskless, remote, or office-based. This panel will explore how businesses can craft clear, engaging, and consistent messaging across multiple platforms while avoiding information overload. Experts will also discuss the power of storytelling in workplace communication and how to create strategies that truly connect with employees.
What to expect:
- Best practices for engaging diverse teams through a multichannel communication approach
- The role of storytelling in making internal messages more impactful and memorable
- Strategies to simplify and streamline messaging for clarity without overwhelming employees
Speakers:
David Taylor
Tesco
Senior People Communications Partner
Award-winning content specialist and communications professional, with a strong focus on great storytelling across all media.
* Specialist in content strategy and development - from concept to delivery in print, online, video and live events
* Global experience in large businesses, driving cultural change and embedding purpose through brilliant storytelling
* Copywriting - highly experienced in writing pay, HR, change, results and divestment communications for internal and external audiences
* Magazine features, editorial - award-winning tenure on employee magazine reaching around 36,000 people every issue
* Channel strategy - developing and analysing communications channels and products that work across geographical and business boundaries
* Blogging, scriptwriting, agency management, narrative development, design, illustration, photo editing, melodic meanderings and talking.
Jean-Louis Bénard
Sociabble
Co-Founder and CEO
Katie Klimaytys
Visa
Director, Global Internal Communications, Commercial and Money Movement Solutions
16:10 - 16:40
Internal Communications
Coffee & Networking
Break
17:00 - 17:20
Internal Communications
Ampa Group Case Study: The Power of Participation: Unlocking Employee-Led Engagement to Elevate Internal Comms
Case Study
In today’s fast-paced workplace, connecting employees in meaningful ways while managing resources is a challenge many internal communications leaders face. In this presentation I will explore how I used strategic push, pull, and participation techniques to maximise impact when increasing the size of the internal communications team was not an option.
I’ll share how, by moving to a more dynamic, user-driven approach, I took an employee engagement app from launch to a thriving social platform – focusing on enabling people to take ownership, interact authentically, and shape the conversation themselves.
The result? Increased visibility of what matters to our people in real time, stronger cross-functional connections, and a more informed, engaged workforce – all while enabling the internal communications team to refocus on more strategic initiatives.
Speaker:
Kelly Newman
Ampa Group
Head of Internal Communication & Engagement
Kelly Newman is a strategic internal communications and engagement leader with over a decade of experience in the public and private sectors. Passionate about connecting people with purpose, she specialises in high-impact communications that drive engagement, alignment, and cultural change.
As head of internal communication and engagement at Ampa, Kelly has led innovate strategies that unite employees across multiple brands and locations. A champion of smart, scalable communication, Kelly is experienced in coaching leaders, embedding organisational values, and making complex change feel simple. She has been recognised for her work in digital transformation, employee advocacy, and brand engagement.
At the Employee Engagement Summit, Kelly will share how a shift to employee-led engagement can elevate internal communications, strengthen workplace culture, and free up teams to focus on what really matters.
17:20 - 17:40
Internal Communications
Measuring What Matters: The True Impact of Internal Communication
Panel Discussion
Effective internal communication isn’t just about sending messages - it’s about ensuring they drive real impact. But how can organisations truly measure success? This discussion will explore the key outcomes businesses should focus on, from engagement and alignment to productivity and retention. Panellists will discuss the most valuable data points, how technology can provide deeper insights, and how analytics can help refine strategies, personalise messaging, and enhance employee connection.
What to expect:
- Practical approaches to measuring internal communication beyond basic metrics
- Insights on leveraging data and technology to track effectiveness and engagement
- Strategies for using analytics to personalise communication and drive meaningful outcomes
Speakers:
Gerrard Hartland
NHS Blood and Transplant
Deputy Head of Internal Communications
Sejal Popat
RSA
Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
I help dynamic, fast-paced companies build internal communications strategies that connect people to the business strategy, provide meaning, enhance engagement and build employee advocacy.
I work as a strategic partner to the C-suite, offering an open and coaching style of communications, bigger picture thinking and empathetic leadership while being pragmatic and delivering tangible results.
I look at where your company is now, where your company wants to be and then create a strategy and plans to get there, drawing on my years of experience across a range of sectors.
I then help you put that strategy in place which could mean:
- Reviewing your resourcing model.
- Assessing skills and capability needs.
- Designing a new operating model.
- Looking at your messages.
- Bringing in robust processes.
- Getting the right channel mix.
If this sounds like something your company needs and you are looking for a game-changing, senior-level internal communicator, please message me as I am looking for my next role – interim or permanent.
17:40 - 19:00
Internal Communications
Unwind & Connect: The Night Summit Experience
The Night Summit
09:00 - 09:05
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Christina will open the Wellbeing, Diversity, and Inclusion stage, setting the tone for a day of sessions focused on creating inclusive, supportive workplaces where every employee can thrive.
Speaker:
Christina Lewis
Bolt
Head of Global Operations and Engagement
09:05 - 09:25
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Mental Health Isn’t ‘A’ thing... It’s Everything
Opening Keynote
Mental health is more than just a small part of our lives. It’s part of our defining moments and the day to day. This session aims to provoke some thought on what mental health might look like for you and colleagues at work. You'll also come away with some practical tips for better mental health.
Speaker:
Jonathan Stuart
Mind
Workplace Partnerships Lead
09:45 - 10:05
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Shaping the Future of Work Through Wellbeing and Diversity & Inclusion
Panel Discussion
In this panel discussion, industry leaders will explore how organisations are evolving their wellbeing and inclusion strategies to meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce. Panelists will share innovative approaches to create a culture of support, safety, and value, while highlighting how businesses can shift from reactive to proactive wellbeing and inclusion practices.
Key takeaways include:
- Redefining wellbeing and inclusion to meet the evolving needs of today’s diverse workforce
- Creating a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and supported through innovative approaches
- Empowering employees to lead wellbeing and inclusion efforts and shifting to proactive strategies
Speakers:
Sara Bartlett
Ocado Technology
Head of People Shared Services
As the Head of People Shared Services at Ocado Technology, I oversee key HR functions, drive efficiencies, enhance employee experiences, and ensure seamless people operations across the organisation.
I am deeply passionate about psychological safety in the workplace, recognising that when employees feel heard, respected, and empowered, they are more engaged, innovative, and productive. Having worked across diverse industries, I am committed to fostering cultures where individuals can bring their whole selves to work and thrive both personally and professionally.
As a certified #IamRemarkable facilitator, I lead transformative workshops that encourage individuals to celebrate their achievements and challenge societal norms around self-promotion. This initiative aligns with my dedication to inclusivity, helping to build a workplace culture that champions diversity, confidence, and career growth.
With a background as a professional operatic soprano, I also use music to strengthen team connections, boost morale, and cultivate a sense of belonging through workplace choirs and wellbeing initiatives. Additionally, I am an active committee member of our Parents and Carers network, advocating for greater support, flexibility, and resources to help employees balance their work and personal responsibilities.
Fay Simpkins
National Highways
Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing
10:05 - 10:45
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
HSBC Case Study: Why Work Is Bad for the Brain
Case Study
Our brains are designed for a world that no longer exists. And today's modern workplace is often setup in a way that the brain doesn't like, which can leave us
in a constant state of stress. Consider fight or flight which is an ingenious part of our design, but it's not that useful when you're about to deliver that big presentation. This session is about how to create a brain-friendly workplace. It covers topics such as stress, multitasking, negativity bias and imposter syndrome. And you'll gain practical tools that will help you to create the conditions where you can be at your best.
Speaker:
Sean Tolram
HSBC
Head of Mindfulness
Sean is a mindfulness teacher with a difference. He combines his corporate experience with principles of mindfulness and neuroscience to help people succeed in the modern workplace. He is currently the Head of Mindfulness at HSBC and the Founder of My Trained Mind. He is also a certified mindfulness teacher and has an ICF accreditation in brain-based coaching. Sean’s mission is to change the way we think about work. He believes that by understanding more about our brains, we can create the conditions where we can be at our best, and more effectively achieve our goals and ambitions.
11:25 - 11:45
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Panel Discussion
"In this panel, leaders will discuss how organisations can move beyond traditional wellness programmes to create a truly inclusive and holistic approach to wellbeing and diversity. The conversation will focus on how organisations can embed wellbeing and inclusion into daily operations, ensuring these values are prioritised at all levels. Panelists will also explore how senior leaders and managers can shape a culture where wellbeing and inclusion are core priorities and discuss key indicators to assess and improve organisational strategies.
Key takeaways include:
- Moving beyond traditional wellness programmes to a more inclusive, holistic approach
- Embedding wellbeing and inclusion into daily operations and decision-making
- Identifying key indicators to assess and improve wellbeing and inclusion strategies"
Speakers:
Sharon Johal
Osome
Chief People Officer
Sharon manages global projects related to employee engagement, fostering true inclusion, high performance driven by accountability, and onboarding. Her goal is to attract, develop, and retain top talent in order to meet the company's business goals.
Sharon is deeply committed to driving meaningful change across all dimensions of DEI. With a background in championing systemic change, she advocates for equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups in the workforce.
Dr Patrick Ismond
RSPCA
Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
11:50 - 12:10
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
WWF Case Study: Driving DEI through Purpose and Action
Case Study
In this case study, Nagina will share how WWF has successfully integrated DEI into its core values and operations. Nagina will explore how WWF has developed a purposeful and inclusive culture that drives positive change across the workforce, focusing on how they create a diverse and equitable environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. She will discuss the strategies and initiatives that have been key to advancing DEI at WWF, as well as the measurable impact these efforts have had on employee engagement, retention, and overall organisational success.
Speaker:
Nagina Kayani
WWF
Head of Diversity,Equity & Inclusion
12:30 - 12:50
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
From Initiative to Impact: Building Meaningful Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion Strategies
Panel Discussion
This panel will explore how organisations can transition from one-off initiatives to long-term, impactful wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Panelists will discuss the critical role of employee insights, feedback, and data analytics in shaping effective programmes, while also addressing how organisations can create environments where employees feel safe to share concerns and access support. The discussion will highlight emerging trends and best practices that are shaping the future of workplace wellbeing and inclusion.
Key takeaways include:
- Moving from one-off initiatives to long-term, impactful strategies
- Leveraging employee insights, feedback, and analytics to shape effective programmes
- Emerging trends and best practices in workplace wellbeing and inclusion
Speakers:
Christos Tsaprounis
AutoTrader
People & Culture Director
Christos is an organisational leader with a passion for creating inclusive high performing workplace cultures. His career is his mission. And his mission is to prove how powerful it is when heads meet hearts and divisions come together to create a mosaic of skills and diverse thinking.
He leads the People, Culture & Environment team at Auto Trader; a Top 50 Inclusive Companies and one of the most profitable companies in the FTSE 100. Auto Trader is proof that purpose and an inclusive culture are key building blocks for long term commercial success.
Christos spent four years at the Co-operative Bank before joining Auto Trader in 2014 where together with his brilliant team he focuses on creating a colleague experience that fuels performance. Born in Athens and moved to the UK to complete his MSc in Human Resources at The University of Manchester. Prior to that he studied at the American College of Greece and the London School of Economics.
He loves the city of Manchester and its people. It’s his home. He is actively involved in making a difference working with leading charities. He’s a Trustee of We are Survivors and Vice President of Forever Manchester.
Stella Gavinho
Entain
Group Head of Wellbeing
productive employees. She believes that prioritizing employee wellbeing directly contributes to business success.
12:50 - 14:05
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
England and Wales Cricket Board Case Study: Driving Diversity and Inclusion from Within
Case Study
In this case study, Kate will share how the organisation has built a culture of diversity and inclusion from the inside out. Focusing on internal initiatives and leadership commitment, Kate will explore how diversity has become a core part of their cultureboth internally and also across their external operations too. The session will highlight the ECB's approach to creating an inclusive environment that empowers all employees, players, and fans, ensuring that diversity isn't just a buzzword but a lived experience across the organisation.
Speaker:
Kate Aldridge
England & Wales Cricket Board
EDI Director
Kate Aldridge is EDI Director at the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the national governing body for cricket.
She passionately believes in and advocates for the power of sport to positively impact people’s lives and is committed to helping make sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
As a member of the executive leadership team, Kate is accountable for delivering cricket’s ambition to become the ‘most inclusive team sport’. She oversees equity, diversity and inclusion for both the ECB as an organisation and sets the vision and standards for the 56 cricket organisations that the ECB directly funds.
Her career journey includes strategy, commercial, and insights roles across management consulting, FMCG, and hospitality & travel. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Badminton England and Chair of their Governance Committee.
14:25 - 14:45
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Inclusive Engagement: Overcoming Barriers to Participation
Presentation
Join us for this session focused on fostering inclusive engagement within Corporate Social Impact / CSR programmes. We will delve into the importance of inclusivity in employee volunteering, employee giving, and philanthropic community initiatives.
Key topics to be covered include:
• Building a workplace culture that prioritises inclusion, belonging, safety, and purpose.
• Identifying existing programmes and evaluating potential barriers to participation—whether physical, emotional, social, or attitudinal.
• Strategies for enhancing inclusivity to ensure every employee feels empowered to contribute to their communities.
Speaker:
Andrew J Troup
Blackbaud
Head of Giving & Engagement
14:45 - 15:05
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Feels Valued and Supported
Panel Discussion
In this panel, experts will discuss how organisations can go beyond diversity metrics to ensure employees experience a genuine sense of inclusion and psychological safety. Panelists will explore how office spaces, remote work setups, and digital tools can be designed to be inclusive for all employees. The conversation will also cover how to develop flexibility policies that meet the diverse needs of employees, including caregivers, neurodiverse individuals, and those with disabilities, while fostering a culture of advocacy and inclusion.
Key takeaways include:
- Ensuring genuine inclusion and psychological safety beyond diversity metrics
- Designing inclusive office, remote work, and digital environments
- Creating flexibility policies that accommodate diverse employee needs and support inclusion
Speakers:
Sarah Tegerdine
Channel 4
Head of People Partnering
A qualified commercially driven strategic Head of HR and Development with a depth of experience mainly in the media sector.
With extensive experience in both strategic and operational human resource management and people development, I am a senior generalist practitioner who is able to communicate effectively at all levels.
My Head of HR specialist skills include: organisational design; employee relations; talent acquisition and talent mapping; TUPE; payroll, benefits and HR system management; employee engagement; workforce planning; coaching; design and delivery of learning and development programmes; a practitioner of Insights; a mental health accredited practitioner; facilitator of team development sessions; change management; building resilience workshops; wellbeing strategy; diversity and inclusion.
I also have the privilege of supporting schools and the military prepare their people for the next chapter of their lives.
Louise May
Surrey Police
Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
15:10 - 15:30
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Case Study: Inclusion and Wellbeing's Impact on Growth and Development
Case Study
In this case study, Luna will share how the organisation has integrated inclusion and wellbeing into its professional growth and development initiatives. Luna will discuss how BEIS supports career progression for all employees by prioritising inclusive practices and creating an environment where wellbeing is central to development strategies. She will delve into the steps taken to ensure that career growth is accessible, equitable, and aligned with the diverse needs of the workforce.
Speaker:
Luna Frank-Riley
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
Head of Diversity and Inclusion
15:50 - 16:10
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Redefining Professional Development for an Inclusive and Healthy Workplace
Panel Discussion
In this panel, industry leaders will explore how organisations can make professional development equitable and inclusive while considering employee wellbeing. Panelists will discuss strategies for supporting employees in balancing career growth with mental, physical, and emotional health, and how businesses can create fairer opportunities for underrepresented talent. The session will also highlight how employee-led groups can help underrepresented employees navigate their career paths and achieve their full potential.
Key takeaways include:
- Ensuring professional development is inclusive and mindful of wellbeing
- Supporting career growth while prioritising employee health
- Strategies for providing equitable opportunities to underrepresented talent
Speakers:
Dr Marcelle Moncrieffe
City St George’s, University of London
Chief People Officer
I am a results driven C-Suite leader who uses ethical and inclusive leadership to deliver high impact transformational change.
I have over 20 years of experience in HR leadership, spanning various industries including broadcasting, higher education, local government and private sector.
My core attributes include developing people culture and inclusion strategies, leading change and transformation, and enhancing employee engagement and performance. I am passionate about creating diverse, inclusive, and empowering environments where people can thrive and grow.
Dawn Moore
Murphy Group
Group People and Communications Director
Dawn is Group Director of People and Communications for Murphy, overseeing the People and Communications strategy and activities for all of Murphy operations across the UK, Ireland and North America. Dawn has 30 years of professional experience and is also an experienced non-executive director, having held roles in the public, private and third sectors.
Dawn has received numerous awards over the last 5 years for her work on culture change, people strategy, learning and development and diversity and inclusion – work which has made a tangible difference to the organisations she has worked for and which others have learned from. In 2024, Murphy won numerous awards for its People strategy, including the CIPD’s Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and the Investors in People Award for Learning and Development.
Outside of work Dawn enjoys time with her two young daughters and mentoring aspiring executives from a variety of backgrounds to help them achieve their potential.
16:10 - 16:40
Employee Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion
Coffee & Networking
Break
09:00 - 09:05
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Cathy will open the Benefits, Reward, and Recognition stage, setting the tone for a series of discussions on how effective reward systems and recognition strategies can drive engagement, motivation, and a positive organisational culture.
Speaker:
Cathy Brown
Handley Studios Ltd.
Co-Founder
Cathy (she/her) works with people and organisations to create inclusive, healthy and more productive workplaces that work for everyone.
A renowned leader, speaker and communicator, Cathy blends curiosity and empathy with deep cross-sector experience. She prides herself on helping people move out of stressful situations to create human-focused workplace cultures where compassion and connectedness – and people – are encouraged and valued.
Cathy has led organisations across a range of industries including Engage for Success (the UK’s movement for Employee Engagement), and has helped to transform many more through her work as Capability Brown, and most recently at Management Geek.
Cathy carries her personal experience of neurodivergence into the solutions she co-creates with her clients, through conversations, commitment and curiosity - helping them to manage themselves and their teams in ways that work for everyone.
09:05 - 09:25
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
The Critical Role of Benefits, Rewards and Recognition in Driving Employee Engagement
Opening Keynote
This session will explore key findings from the Engage for Success 2024 annual survey, emphasising the vital role of benefits, rewards, and recognition in revitalising engagement strategies that enhance employee loyalty, satisfaction and performance.
Speaker:
Dr Sarah Pass
Engage for Success
Engage for Success Board Member and Senior Lecturer NTU
Sarah is a practice-oriented academic who concentrates on employee experience and engagement. She is a member of the Engage for Success (EFS) Advisory Board and co-leads the EFS annual survey, which benchmarks the engagement levels of the UK working population. Sarah leads EFS projects focusing on different aspects and influences of engagement in practice and is also Chair of the EFS East Midlands Area Network. Sarah is a Fellow of the RSA, an Academic Associate of the CIPD, and a member of the Involvement and Participation Association (IPA) Working Insights Group. In 2023, Sarah was ranked by HR Magazine as an Influential Thinker in HR. Sarah currently works as a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Business School (NTU).
09:45 - 10:05
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Investing in Growth: How Rewards and Benefits Drive Career Development
Panel Discussion
As organisations look to develop their talent, aligning rewards and benefits with career growth is key to motivating and retaining top performers. This panel will explore how businesses can link career development to rewards, using programmes to celebrate progress while encouraging skill development that aligns with both personal and organisational goals. Industry leaders will discuss how to design career mapping structures that evolve as employees grow within the company and the impact this has on engagement, motivation, and retention.
What to expect:
- How rewards and benefits can be linked to career growth and its impact on motivation and retention
- Strategies for celebrating employee progress through effective recognition programmes
- Designing career mapping structures that align benefits and rewards with professional development
Speakers:
Vidhi Thakker
VML
Global Senior Manager, Talent & Organisational Development
Vidhi is a talent development leader, with over a decade of experiences working in employee experience design, change management, performance management, and leadership development. She has held roles at Deloitte, KNOLSKAPE, and AIESEC working on data-powered people-related business transformation projects. She has worked across industries, including BFSI, Marketing, Aviation, & Hospitality in India, New Zealand, US, UK and countries across Asia Pacific. As a graduate of the Social-Organizational Psychology program from Columbia University, and the product of a large Indian joint family, she is very passionate about the learning and insights that emerge in team and group settings. At VML, Vidhi had designed, launched, and manages VML’s career development process, is engaged in group coaching work with VML managers and early career talent, and is a co-lead of the organization’s UK employee resource group for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ross Marshall
London Borough of Havering
Wellbeing, Reward and Recognition Lead
Ross Marshall is a dedicated Wellbeing Reward and Recognition Lead at the London Borough of Havering, where he plays a pivotal role in the Human Resources & Organisational Development department. With a strong background in administration, employment & training, social enterprise, and PMO, Ross brings a wealth of experience to his current role. He is a certified Mental Health First Aider, known for his exceptional communication and listening skills.
In his role, Ross is responsible for delivering a professional wellbeing service that aligns with 4 strategic pillars of wellbeing (Physical, Psychological, Social and Financial) and positively influences the employee experience. He leads the wellbeing aspects of the total reward approach, including recognition, wellbeing and health, staff forums, and engagement.
Below are some of the employee recognition events Ross leads on.
• Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Awards
• Long Service Awards
• Choose Havering Praise.
10:05 - 10:45
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Haleon Case Study: Shaping Company Culture Through Reward and Benefits
Case Study
In this case study, Samantha will explore how the company has strategically aligned its rewards and benefits programmes with its organisational culture. By integrating reward strategies with the company’s core values, Haleon has created an environment that encourages employee engagement, motivation, and wellbeing. Samantha will discuss how the right benefits can reinforce company values, drive cultural transformation, and improve employee satisfaction and retention, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported throughout their career.
Speaker:
Samantha Francis
Haleon
Head of Benefits - EMEA & APAC
11:05 - 11:25
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Molson Coors Case Study: Leadership, Pay Transparency and Culture
Case Study
11:25 - 11:45
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
How Can Benefits and Rewards Shape Company Culture?
Panel Discussion
Benefits and rewards play a key role in shaping company culture and driving employee engagement. This panel will explore how organisations can ensure their reward programmes align with core values while resonating with employees’ needs and priorities. Industry leaders will discuss how comprehensive benefits packages that support financial, physical, and mental wellbeing can strengthen culture and boost engagement.
What to expect:
- Aligning benefits and rewards with core company values to strengthen culture
- Designing benefits packages that meet employees’ financial, physical, and mental wellbeing needs
- Communicating the link between benefits, rewards, and company values to enhance engagement and retention
Speakers:
Melissa Emmanuel
Tom Ford
Global People Director (Reward Specialist)
I am a commercial, innovative, and collaborative HR Director with substantial experience in leading and enhancing implementation projects, as well as developing global HR and Reward strategies.
I have extensive expertise in areas such as HR and reward strategy, talent and performance management, employee relations, and organisational design. As a collaborative communicator, I am committed to developing comprehensive HR strategies that align with both commercial and operational objectives.
I aim to foster synergy across various business lines to drive positive change through the implementation of effective HR solutions, people development initiatives, and process enhancements. My proven track record demonstrates my ability to translate and align commercial strategies into HR initiatives that deliver value and enhance overall performance.
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Nick Tsimogiannis
G4S
Head of Reward - International
11:50 - 12:10
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
The Future of Flexible and Personalised Rewards at Diageo: In Conversation with Tolu Osho, Head of Rewards- Continental Europe & MENA at Diageo
Interview
In this interview, Tolu will discuss how Diageo is embracing flexibility and personalisation in its rewards programmes to meet the diverse needs of its global workforce. Tolu will explore how Diageo’s approach to rewards goes beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model, offering tailored solutions that enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Speaker:
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Tolu Osho
Diageo
Head of Rewards- Continental Europe & MENA
A highly experienced HR and Reward professional with experience at various leading consulting and financial organisations. Tolu has held various specialist and generalist HR roles and possesses broad knowledge and experience of various facets within HR.
Tolu is accustomed to working in fast paced organisations and has a track record of working under pressure to deliver innovative results and meet deadlines.
Tolu is able to work at a tactical and strategic level and has experience of engaging with senior level stakeholders and other key decision makers to develop and implement policies and strategies.
12:10 - 12:30
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Cuckoo Case Study: Closing the Communication Channel Loop With Reward and Recognition
Case Study
Join Brian Ranson, Head of Internal Communications and Engagement at Cuckoo, as he reveals how he developed a seamless reward and recognition scheme that truly resonates with employees. In this session, Brian will share the journey of shaping the scheme, ensuring it aligns with company values, and leveraging tools like Microsoft PowerApps, Teams, and Viva Engage to create an effortless experience for both employees and managers.
Speaker:
Brian Ranson
Cuckoo
Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
Brian Ranson is a highly experienced communications professional, currently serving as Head of Internal Communications and Engagement at Cuckoo. With an Internal Communications career spanning leadership roles at Jurassic Fibre, Virgin Media O2 and Zurich Insurance, he specialises in crafting human led, targeted internal communication campaigns that deliver emotional outcomes and drive positive engagement.
Brian’s recent achievements include securing market leading eNPS scores at Cuckoo by developing and launching a series of values based content and platforms resulting in being highly commended by the judges at the 2024 Engage Awards.
12:30 - 12:50
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: The Rise of Flexible Rewards & Benefits
Panel Discussion
As the needs and expectations of employees continue to evolve, organisations are embracing flexible rewards and benefits to meet these demands. This panel will explore how flexible work arrangements and adaptable benefits packages enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement. Industry leaders will discuss how to create benefits strategies that evolve with employees' changing life stages and how to incorporate ESG considerations to attract purpose-driven talent.
What to expect:
- The impact of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and retention
- Designing benefits that adapt to employees' changing needs, from early career support to retirement planning
- Involving employees in shaping benefits packages to meet real needs and preferences
Speaker:
Spencer Walker
Deliveroo for Work
Global Director
12:50 - 14:05
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Shaping Benefits and Recognition Around What Matters Most: In Conversation with Clare Fenech, Chief People Officer at Eurail
Interview
In this session, we’ll delve into how aligning rewards, benefits, and recognition with purpose can elevate employee engagement. At Eurail, they believe that when employees connect meaningfully with their work, the entire organisation thrives. As a result, Eurail has developed initiatives that not only inspire but also create lasting impressions.
Eurail has redefined how organisations can support their teams, from offering unique benefits that allow employees to immerse themselves in the core product to flexible programs tailored to individual needs. Come and learn how Eurail’s approach to recognising achievements and empowering managers with tools to celebrate success drives motivation and performance.
We’ll also explore Eurail’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives that celebrate individuality, support life outside of the work environment, and encourage community involvement.
This session is packed with fresh ideas and inspiring strategies that can transform your workplace culture - no matter your budget!
Join us to uncover what’s possible when purpose leads the way.
Speaker:
Clare Fenech
Eurail
Chief People Officer
Clare is an internationally experienced HR professional with a diverse background in various human resources roles. Her expertise includes leading employees through periods of change, and significantly improving engagement by focusing on personalising key touchpoints within the employee journey. Clare is skilled in developing and implementing policies that address individual needs, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility. She is committed to fostering employee development and motivation through a proactive and tailored approach.
When Clare joined Eurail in 2017, she brought an exceptional level of dedication, passion, and expertise to the company, striving to create workspaces that empower employees to reach their full potential while aligning their goals with the broader customer- centric objectives of the organisation.
14:25 - 14:45
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Why Personalised Recognition Is the Key to Growing Employee Engagement
Presentation
Ian Feaver, Managing Director at Terryberry, will discuss why increasing employee engagement requires personalised recognition. Ian will use his years of HR experience to show how customised recognition programs help people feel appreciated and engaged in their work, which promotes a great workplace culture and improves corporate results.
Speaker:
Ian Feaver
Terryberry
Managing Director
14:45 - 15:05
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
The Future of Employee Rewards and Benefits is Personal
Panel Discussion
Personalisation is becoming key to employee rewards and benefits strategies, allowing organisations to meet the diverse needs and expectations of their workforce. This panel will explore how personalised rewards can increase employee engagement and motivation, while balancing the need for equity and consistency. Industry leaders will discuss how to adapt benefits packages to the evolving expectations of employees and the role of technology in enabling tailored solutions.
What to expect:
- How personalised rewards and benefits can enhance employee engagement and motivation
- Ensuring benefits remain meaningful and adaptable to workforce expectations
- Offering tailored benefits while maintaining equity and consistency across the workforce
Speakers:
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Laura Haskins
CitNow Group
Chief People Officer
Elliott Galloway
Prezee
UK Sales Lead
15:10 - 15:30
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
PepsiCo Case Study: Strategic Total Rewards for Business Success
Case Study
PepsiCo has successfully implemented a strategic total rewards approach over the past few years, focusing on various components to enhance employee satisfaction and drive business success. This session will focus on the key elements and initiatives they have used.
Speaker:
Askin Yasar
PepsiCo
Head of Total Rewards
15:50 - 16:10
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
The Engagement Impact of Benefits, Reward, and Recognition
Panel Discussion
Reward, benefits, and recognition programmes are integral to driving employee motivation and engagement. This panel will delve into how these programmes can shape organisational success by enhancing motivation, commitment, and productivity. Industry leaders will explore how well-designed reward and benefits strategies give organisations a competitive advantage in talent attraction and retention, while also discussing the key metrics that measure their true impact on employee engagement.
What to expect:
- The intended impact of reward and benefits programmes on motivation and engagement
- How well-designed reward and benefits programmes drive productivity and commitment
- Key engagement metrics to measure the effectiveness of your programmes
Speakers:
Mili Handa
JLL
Global Head of Total Rewards, Work Dynamics & EMEA Head of Total Rewards
Danielle James
The Revel Collective
Head of Reward
Danielle is a dynamic People leader with over 15 years of experience in payroll, reward, and shared services. In her recent role as Head of Reward at The Revel Collective plc, she successfully engineered innovative total strategic reward. Danielle is an advocate for change and support for team wellness and wellbeing and is embarking on her next professional chapter as she leaves TRC plc.
Martyn Fisher
Fidelity International
Global Head of Reward
Executive Remuneration, Senior Management Compensation
Specialties: Executive Remuneration, Senior Management Compensation
Pete Briggs
Epassi
Sales Director
16:10 - 16:40
Employee Benefits, Reward & Recognition
Coffee & Networking
Break
09:00 - 09:05
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Martin will open the Talent, Recruitment, and Retention stage, setting the stage for a day of sessions on how innovative recruitment strategies, retention practices, and talent development programmes can attract top talent, encourage long-term commitment, and drive organisational success.
Speaker:
Martin Hill-Wilson
Brainfood Consulting
Founder
09:05 - 09:25
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
The Role of Trust in Talent Recruitment, Retention, and Development
Opening Keynote
09:45 - 10:05
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Tech-Driven Talent: Harnessing Innovation in Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention
Panel Discussion
In this panel, industry experts will discuss how technology is transforming recruitment, employee engagement, and retention. The conversation will explore how organisations can leverage AI, automation, and other tech tools to streamline hiring processes, enhance career development, and improve workplace well-being. Panelists will also address the challenges of adopting new technologies while maintaining a personalised and human-centred approach, ensuring that tech supports rather than replaces the human element of talent management.
Key takeaways include:
- Leveraging technology to optimise recruitment and talent retention
- Enhancing employee engagement and career development through tech solutions
- Overcoming challenges in adopting AI and automation in the talent cycle
Speakers:
Hannah Rolph
Knight Frank
Head of Talent Acquisition
Kevin Basmadji
KPMG
Head of Talent Acquisition, Talent Deployment and Strategic Workforce Planning
10:05 - 10:45
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Levelling Up to Build a Performance Culture: In Conversation with Rachel Lees, Head of People at Moneyplus
Interview
The primary focus was to level up the leadership team in readiness for the new expectations of an incoming CEO – we had the realisation, “what got us here won’t get us there”, so needed to benchmark as a group to understand where we needed to improve.
We needed to create something that could be used as a framework for recruiting new talent into the business, aligning the way we hire with the way we develop, giving clear expectations from the outset, in addition to creating something that could be used as a way to annually review progress against behaviours that are linked to organisational goals. In a commercially driven business, we often hear from our leaders who aren’t in commercial roles, that are more project driven, that they find it hard to connect to the organisational objectives, we needed to change that and build a performance culture.
I worked with the MD to build a Leadership Capability Framework, an objective set of competencies with a marking criteria, visual output and development mapping. We designed a process that placed accountability on individuals to collate evidence and present to their line directors to validate their self-reflective scoring, before the ExCo meeting to calibrate final scoring and determine development pathways.
Speaker:
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Rachel Lees
Money Plus
Head of People
11:25 - 11:45
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
People, Purpose, and Performance: The Power of Cultural Alignment in Talent Management
Panel Discussion
Panelists will discuss how organisations can ensure their talent management efforts are in harmony with their company culture, particularly in the face of a changing workforce. The session will cover strategies for adapting organisational culture to attract and retain top talent while balancing the preservation of core values with evolving workforce expectations. Additionally, the discussion will focus on creating a culture that promotes long-term commitment and engagement from employees.
Key takeaways will include:
- Aligning talent strategies with organisational culture for long-term success
- Adapting company culture to meet evolving workforce needs
- Building a culture that drives employee commitment and retention
Speakers:
Simon Gibson
Center Parcs UK & Ireland
Head of Talent
Luke Mason
Bolt
Global Head of Executive Talent Acquisition
Sam Bleazard
Fortnum & Mason
Head of Employer Brand
Sam Bleazard has over 25 years of experience working in communications and marketing: with luxury brand Fortnum & Mason; global engineering and construction firm Laing O’ Rourke; media business Dow Jones; retailer John Lewis; central Government department The Cabinet Office; Royal Mail Group plc, and; FMCG firm Unilever.
In the last decade he has worked with leadership teams and C-Suite leaders to help develop their communications approach - on business strategy, crisis, and employee engagement.
During the pandemic he launched two podcast shows – interviewing fellow professionals on Comms from the Shed (as a human response to Covid-19), and How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince (inspired by experiences as a freelance music journalist).
He is currently employed at Fortnum & Mason – a 318-year-old business, which is a unique mix of luxury retail and hospitality - helping to establish and develop their Employer Brand.
Fortnum’s has a unique story whose origins pre-date the industrial revolution, and with an underlying purpose to ‘make joy’, it continues to surprise and delight customers in the UK and internationally.
11:50 - 12:10
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
JLR Case Study: Creating a Community Through Immersive Training
Case Study
The challenge of traditional training is that it can often feel like a pull rather than a push. In this session, Rachael will share some tips and storytelling of creating training that feels like something you get to do rather than 'have' to do. From driving anticipation and competition to the magic of 'Wow' and 'Work' (and endlessly chasing feedback in story form rather than marks out of 10!) this session is about empowering and inspiring advocates and engaging humans with emotion, storytelling and responsibility for the success of the brand they choose to work for.
Speaker:
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Rachael Payne
JLR
Head of Jaguar Training
12:30 - 12:50
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
How to Win the Talent Game with Attraction, Development and Retention
Panel Discussion
This panel will explore the key factors influencing employee retention in today's rapidly evolving work environment. Experts will discuss strategies organisations can adopt to retain top talent in the age of hybrid work and changing workforce expectations. The session will also delve into the crucial role of learning and development programmes in driving engagement and retention, and how organisations can create meaningful career development opportunities that not only enhance employee skills but also encourage long-term commitment to the company.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding key factors influencing employee attraction and retention in modern workplaces
- Strategies for retaining talent in a hybrid and flexible working environment
- The role of learning and development in improving engagement and retention
Speakers:
Erik Rivas
Police Now
Head of Employer Brand & Recruitment Marketing
Rob Peacock
Merlin Entertainments
Global Director of Learning and Leadership
Rob is the Director of Leadership and Development at Merlin Entertainments, owners of a large variety of theme parks and attractions all around the world including Legoland parks, Madam Tussauds, Sealife, Alton Towers, Gardaland and the London Eye.
Rob leads a global team responsible for ensuring the 30,000 plus Merlin colleagues have the skills, capabilities and behaviours they need to do their jobs brilliantly, grow their careers and make Merlin Entertainments the greatest place to work and play.
He recently founded the career coaching and mentoring business, Unlock Your Legend, where he uses his expertise and passion to help people find meaning and purpose in their careers.
Rob started his Human Resources career at Tesco's Hertfordshire Headquarters, where he worked in a variety of generalist and specialist roles. He then moved to Virgin Media, where he led their Personal and Professional Development Academy before expanding his global experience by joining Samsung as Head of Talent and Development for the UK and Europe. He has recently joined Merlin after spending three years at online retailer Very.
Monika Holliday
British Airways Euroflyer
Head of People
A passionate coach and mentor, Monika is dedicated to fostering leadership development and empowering teams to achieve their full potential and also giving back to communities by offering HR support to charities and start ups.
12:50 - 14:05
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Crafting Impactful Onboarding for Talent Success: In Conversation with Sacha Harvey, People Director at Lucky Saint
Interview
In this exclusive interview, Sacha will share insights on designing an impactful onboarding process that goes beyond the basics to truly engage new talent. Sacha will discuss how Lucky Saint’s onboarding strategy aligns with company values and culture, ensuring new hires feel welcomed, supported, and set up for long-term success from day one. From creating meaningful connections to providing the right tools and resources, this conversation will highlight the importance of onboarding in employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
Speaker:
Sacha Harvey
Lucky Saint
People Director
With over 12 years of experience in learning, development, and people experience, I am an innovative and creative professional who is passionate about the wellbeing, performance, and growth of people and businesses. As the People Director at Lucky Saint, a B Corp certified company that produces alcohol-free beer, I lead and implement people strategies that align with the company's values, vision, and goals.
My core competencies include L&D strategy, career development, inductions, employee training, management training, people management, team management, employee wellbeing, engagement and retention, data analysis, quality assurance, performance management, reporting, and budget management. I have a proven track record of building and owning strategies, and rolling out to exceed targets and expectations. I collaborate effectively across departments and at all levels, including CEO and senior management, and forge successful business relationships with third party training providers. I have a master's degree in applied positive psychology and coaching psychology, and I am a certified Strengthscope practitioner. I believe in evolving a culture of learning and a growth mindset to offer engaging opportunities for employees and benefit the company. I am big on innovation and using people analytics to create and implement people strategies that enable flourishing in the workplace.
14:25 - 14:45
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Revolutionising Recruitment: How John Lewis Is Bringing Tech to Talent
Presentation
Join us for an exclusive fireside chat as Tom Jewell, VP of Customer at Zinc, sits down with Charlotte Egan, Talent Acquisition Optimisation & Data Manager at John Lewis, to explore how one of the UK’s most iconic retailers transformed its talent function.
Discover how John Lewis built a talent optimisation team to harness technology, streamline recruitment, and vastly enhance both recruiter efficiency and the candidate experience.
In this engaging conversation, Charlotte will share insights on the challenges, successes, and lessons learned in modernising a traditional organisation’s hiring strategy.
Whether you're in HR, recruitment, or business transformation, this session offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at driving innovation in talent acquisition.
Speakers:
Tom Jewell
Zinc
VP Customer
Charlotte Egan
John Lewis
Talent Acquisition Optimisation & Data Manager
14:45 - 15:05
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
How to Create an Onboarding Process That Inspires Engagement and Success
Panel Discussion
Panelists will explore how organisations can design onboarding experiences that are both engaging and reflective of the company culture, especially in hybrid and remote environments. The session will also highlight how onboarding can be tailored to various employee groups, such as senior hires or interns, and how organisations can measure and continuously improve the effectiveness of their onboarding processes.
Key takeaways include:
- Key elements of an onboarding process that promote long-term success and engagement
- Best practices for onboarding in hybrid and remote environments
- Measuring and improving the effectiveness of onboarding programmes
Speakers:
Raj Gill
BT
Head of Talent Acquisition - Service
Excellent rapport building skills, able to build long lasting relationships with all levels of both internal and external stakeholders. Experience of working through problematic situations, staying motivated and focused to meet a productive output.
Simon Bastian
Deutsche Bank
Head of Divisional Talent Development
I am a strategic, outcomes-focused HR Director who has spent two decades in roles based in Sydney, New York, and London translating business needs into practical and commercial HR solutions.
I am driven by a passion for change, with a focus on making people better at their jobs and improving the transparency, execution focus, and customer-centricity of HR through the adoption of Agile methodologies.
I coach C-suite executives and the next generation of leaders in complex global organisations to improve their own effectiveness and the effectiveness of their teams and am myself a leader with a track record of building global multifunctional HR teams.
I am naturally curious, data and insights-led, and have a passion for the adoption of learning and development technology.
Today I partner with senior leaders to design and deliver a strategic talent and leadership development agenda that enables businesses to achieve their strategic objectives and have extensive experience as a strategic HR Business Partner working with global organisations small (40 people) and large (8,000) across Sales, Trading, Corporate Finance, Technology, Research, Operations, and Risk management functions.
15:10 - 15:30
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
MSCI Inc. Case Study: Leveraging Analytics and Reporting for Smarter Talent Strategies
Case Study
In this case study, Rachel will share how MSCI uses data-driven insights to optimise talent recruitment and retention strategies. Rachel will explore how MSCI utilises advanced analytics to identify key trends, measure the effectiveness of recruitment campaigns, and enhance retention efforts by targeting areas for improvement.
She will discuss the role of data in shaping MSCI's talent strategy, how it influences decisions on workforce development, and how insights from analytics are used to create a more engaging and rewarding employee experience. The session will provide valuable examples of how organisations can leverage analytics to not only attract top talent but also ensure their success and long-term commitment to the organisation.
Speaker:
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Rachel Dale
MSCI Inc.
Global Head of Talent Development
Rachel has led Talent, Development, Culture, Leadership and Performance teams in Sky, Nationwide, PA Consulting and at now at MSCI. She started her career in commercial and marketing roles, retraining as a business psychologist 20 years ago. Her work always starts with specifying the investments in people that will deliver the business strategy, and she uses evidence-based approaches to deliver. She has a strong interest in joining up activity across the employee lifecycle to create a coherent picture for employees and accelerate delivery as well as applying customer focused innovation methods to her work. In her current role she leads Talent Development, Performance and Progression for MSCI and is putting in place the talent engine that will drive the organisation’s huge growth ambitions.
15:50 - 16:10
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Turning Data into Actionable Talent Insights
Panel Discussion
Our experts will discuss how organisations can leverage HR analytics to make data-driven decisions that enhance talent management. The conversation will explore the key metrics businesses should focus on when measuring employee engagement and performance, while also addressing the challenges teams face in collecting and interpreting data. Additionally, panelists will cover the ethical considerations surrounding the use of employee data for analytics and reporting, offering solutions for businesses to handle this responsibly.
Key takeaways will include:
- Using HR analytics to drive informed talent management decisions
- Key metrics for measuring employee engagement and performance
- Overcoming challenges in data collection and interpretation, while ensuring ethical practices
Speaker:
Lindsay Comalie
The London Clinic
People & Culture Leader, OD & Talent Consultant and Coach
People and Culture Leader experienced in the full range of strategic OD and HR initiatives including organisational design and development, inclusion, learning, leadership and talent development, culture and engagement, succession planning, performance frameworks and transformational change management with a focus on results for optimum organisational performance.
Positive psychologist and Certified Business Psychologist with the Association for Business Psychology. Organisational Coaching Lead and Coaching Supervisor. Registered test user with the British Psychological Society and member of the BPS Division of Coaching Psychology. Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Higher Education Academy.
16:10 - 16:40
Talent, Recruitment & Retention
Coffee & Networking
Break
09:00 - 09:05
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Chair's Opening Remarks
Introduction
Jo will open the Employee Communication and Collaboration stage, setting the tone for a series of discussions that explore how strategic communication and collaboration can enhance engagement, improve teamwork, and strengthen organisational performance.
Speaker:
Jo Dodds
Engage for Success
Co-Strategy Director
As co-Strategy Director of Engage for Success, Jo is focused on spreading the word about employee engagement and shining a light on good practise, inspiring people and workplaces to thrive. She also co-hosts the long running weekly Engage for Success radio podcast talking all things employee engagement with a wide range of guests from all over the world. Her corporate background is in regional and national HR and training roles within large retail and leisure organisations. She started her own business in 2005 and has since worked with people and organisations to take advantage of the digital and social media opportunities to create engagement with customers, employees and other stakeholders.
09:05 - 09:25
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Insights from The Workforce Reimagined Survey
Opening Keynote
Join Valeria as she dives into the latest findings from EY's Workforce Reimagined Survey. This research explores how today’s workforce is evolving, with a focus on the shifting priorities, expectations, and values of employees in a rapidly changing world. Valeria will share key insights on how organisations can adapt to these changes, from embracing new ways of working to redefining leadership and employee experience. This session will provide you with valuable data-driven perspectives on the future of work and practical strategies to stay ahead in a competitive and ever-changing environment.
Speaker:
Valeria Winkworth
EY
Director, People Consulting
Dr. Valeria Winkworth is a recognised change leader with a passion for driving human-centred transformation to create a working world of equitable opportunities open to all. A Doctor in Medicinal Chemistry by background, Valeria has been a STEM professional throughout her career, working closely with Executive Directors from leading global corporations across a spectrum of industries, including pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and utilities.
Her work focuses on technology-led business transformations and workplace of the future strategies, with expertise in Change Leadership and Organisational Design.
A lead-author of multiple high-impact scientific papers and thought leadership pieces and a dynamic and passionate presenter, Dr. Winkworth has attended numerous international conferences and has been a featured guest on a variety of podcasts, where she’s shared her experience in delivering successful end-to-end large scale transformations.
09:45 - 10:05
Employee Communication & Collaboration
The Future of Teamwork: Leveraging AI to Enhance Collaboration
Panel Discussion
AI is reshaping the way teams collaborate, offering smarter ways to enhance productivity, streamline communication, and personalise work experiences. But as AI takes on a bigger role in teamwork, how can organisations maintain a human-centred approach? This panel will explore how AI can analyse team dynamics, support continuous learning, and improve accessibility while ensuring that technology enhances-not replaces-genuine human connection in the workplace.
What to expect:
- Insights on how AI can personalise collaboration and optimise team productivity
- Strategies for balancing AI-driven efficiency with meaningful human interaction
- The role of AI in improving accessibility, communication, and continuous learning
Speakers:
Ciprian Arhire
Entain
Global Head of People Programmes and Analytics
Ciprian is a globally recognised HR leader with 20+ years of experience driving workforce transformation, HR innovation, and business-driven people strategies across multinational organisations. As Global Head of People Programmes & Analytics at Entain Group (FTSE 100), he leads enterprise-wide HR transformation, AI-powered workforce solutions, and HR operating model redesign for a workforce of 30,000+ employees across 40+ countries.
At the intersection of HR strategy, digital transformation, and organisational leadership, Ciprian is focused on aligning HR with business growth, talent strategy, and operational excellence. He has designed and executed HR transformation programs that leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance employee experience, improve workforce agility, and drive data-driven decision-making. His leadership ensures that HR becomes a key enabler of business success, delivering measurable impact through strategic workforce planning, leadership development, and DEI initiatives.
Marina Bhonsle
Linklaters
Head of Internal Communications
I’m a creative and commercially focussed global communications and marketing professional. With over 20 years work experience in financial services and advertising, I have worked in India, the UAE and am currently based in London.
I have led employee comms for transformational change, complex mergers and acquisitions and launched enterprise wide initiatives at Barclays. Currently i work at Linklaters where I head up internal communications globally. I have proven ability to influence at Senior Executive level and I thrive in fast paced, demanding environments.
In 2021, I was named as the Top 20 Global Indians in PR and Communications by Reputation Today - https://reputationtoday.in/20-global-indians/
I started my career in advertising and have developed high impact B2B and B2C advertising strategies for HSBC, Pepsi, Force Motors, Mother’s Recipe to name a few.
As an experienced people leader, I have built and shaped a number of teams who have a great reputation of delivering results for the business.
I’m passionate about raising awareness and understanding about how different cultures communicate and I regularly speak about this at industry forums and events.
In my spare time, I also teach Corporate Communications to post graduate students at the Pune University in India. My focus is to bring real life organisational examples and challenges to the classroom to spark their thinking and instigate a robust debate.
10:00 - 10:45
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Coffee & Networking
Break
10:45 - 11:05
Employee Communication & Collaboration
University of Oxford Case Study: Strengthening Collaboration Through Service Reviews
Case Study
Ensuring collaboration between communications teams is a challenge in many workplaces – but particular at highly devolved and complex organisations such as Oxford University.
Dan will share details about a major ‘service review’ of communications, which helped break down silos and encourage collaborative approaches at the university.
This includes insights about the review process, and a summary of how the team went about developing a new ‘collaborative model’ for the comms function.
This talk will provide practical tips on how reviews such as this can improve communications outcomes and support the development and engagement of communications professionals across an organisation.
Speaker:
Dan Selinger
University of Oxford
Head of Communications and Engagement - Professional Service
11:25 - 11:45
Employee Communication & Collaboration
The Power of Collaboration in Driving Cross-Functional Success
Panel Discussion
Strong cross-functional collaboration is a key driver of innovation, efficiency, and a thriving workplace culture. Yet, many organisations struggle to break down silos and enable seamless teamwork, particularly in remote and hybrid settings. This panel will explore how businesses can enhance interdepartmental communication, empower leaders to foster knowledge-sharing, and implement effective strategies to track and improve collaboration efforts.
What to expect:
- Practical approaches for improving collaboration in hybrid and remote teams
- Insights on overcoming communication barriers and encouraging knowledge-sharing
- Methods for measuring and refining collaboration strategies for lasting impact
Speakers:
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Joe Salmon
Iron Mountain
Director of Corporate Communications
Joe is a seasoned communications leader with a proven track record of driving organisational success. With over two decades of communication expertise, spanning agency, consultancy, and in-house roles at companies including Vodafone, BT, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, and Spotify. He excels at providing strategic leadership communication and coaching to enhance visibility, reputation and trust, while crafting employee campaigns delivered through compelling storytelling to help organisations to grow from the inside out.
His expertise spans leadership communication, employee engagement, and navigating organisational change. Joe is a passionate advocate for the internal communication profession, his influence extends beyond the day job. He's an elected Board Director and Fellow at the Institute of Internal Communication, a champion for inclusion and belonging through the UK Black Comms Network, a recognised event host, speaker, mentor, and awards judge. And PRovoke Media Innovator 25 honouree, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Internal Communication Management.
Laura Pickering
Cancer Research UK
Internal Comms Lead
11:50 - 12:10
Employee Communication & Collaboration
phs Group Case Study: Driving Impact with Cross-Departmental Communications Campaigns
Case Study
Join Amy Ellis, Head of Internal Communications at phs Group, as she shares how internal communications and marketing work hand in hand to create integrated campaigns that truly make a difference. In this case study, Amy will explore the collaboration between these two teams, revealing how aligning messaging and strategy across departments has led to more impactful, engaging communications that resonate with employees. Learn how phs Group has leveraged this approach to strengthen internal culture, drive employee engagement, and deliver measurable results. This session offers practical insights for any organisation looking to align communications efforts for greater impact.
Speaker:
Amy Ellis
phs Group
Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
12:30 - 12:50
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Unlocking Innovation Through Communication and Collaboration
Panel Discussion
Innovation thrives when communication and collaboration are open, transparent, and dynamic. This panel will explore how creating a culture that values these principles can accelerate innovation and improve outcomes across the organisation. Leaders will discuss the role of communication tools and collaborative platforms in connecting cross-functional teams, how to encourage a mindset of active listening and challenging assumptions, and how to build an environment that allows employees to experiment, share ideas, and contribute to the innovation process.
What to expect:
- Insights on how open communication drives innovation across teams
- The role of collaborative platforms in accelerating innovation
- Strategies for creating a workplace where communication sparks creativity and idea-sharing
Speakers:
Nick Soulsby
Cooper Parry
Head of Internal Communications
Nick is an award-winning Communications Director with over 15 years of experience in connecting people, sparking engagement, and driving meaningful conversations within global businesses such as IBM, Barclaycard, Experian, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dentsu Aegis Network.
As the Head of Internal Communications & Engagement at Cooper Parry, Nick is dedicated to delivering clear, creative, human-centric communication strategies and connecting CPers across the UK through an exciting and innovative Engagement programme.
At the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) Awards in 2024, Nick was named Internal Communication Manager of the Year for establishing and leading effective internal communication strategies during a transformative period for Cooper Parry.
Vicky Sutcliffe
Nestlé UK&I
Head of Internal Communications
12:50 - 14:05
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Lunch & Networking
Break
14:05 - 14:25
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Greene King Case Study: From a Learning Management System to a Learning Experience Platform
Case Study
In an ever-evolving hospitality landscape, traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS) often fall short of meeting the dynamic needs of in-pub teams. At Greene King, we recognised the limitations of our LMS and embarked on a journey to revolutionise our learning experience by transitioning to a Learning Experience Platform (LXP) called Attensi.
In this session, Si Cox, Head of Learning Experience at Greene King Pub Company, will share the story behind this transformative shift, highlighting the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned along the way. Attensi, a gamified and highly engaging LXP, has empowered our team members with bite-sized, interactive learning modules that are relevant, role-specific, and fun.
Discover how Greene King harnessed Attensi to deliver learning that is not just a requirement but a driver of employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance. This presentation will explore key strategies for overcoming resistance to change, designing content that resonates with diverse teams, and using data-driven insights to personalise the learning journey.
Attendees will leave with actionable tips for creating a learning culture that prioritises end-user experience and delivers measurable business impact, transforming how organisations approach training in the modern age.
Speaker:
Si Cox
Greene King
Head of Learning Experience
Drawing on expertise across operations, talent development, and organisational change, Si has successfully implemented transformative initiatives, including the launch of cutting-edge digital learning platforms and tailored career pathways.
These programs have not only enhanced employee engagement but have also improved retention and performance across Greene King’s extensive pub network. Passionate about creating meaningful development opportunities, Si believes in putting people at the heart of organisational success. By blending innovative technology with human-centered design, they ensure that employees feel supported, empowered, and equipped to excel in their roles.
14:45 - 15:05
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Driving Engagement and Collaboration in a Digital-First World
Panel Discussion
In a digital-first world, platforms are reshaping how teams connect, collaborate, and share ideas. This panel will explore how organisations can leverage the right mix of digital tools to enhance communication, while balancing the need for efficiency with the importance of authentic, meaningful interactions. Leaders will discuss strategies for using automation effectively and the key metrics and feedback mechanisms to refine digital strategies for greater engagement and collaboration.
What to expect:
- How digital platforms are changing team collaboration and communication
- The importance of selecting the right mix of digital channels for effective engagement
- Insights on balancing automation with personal, authentic interactions in a digital world
Speakers:
Christian Masters
Starling Bank
Head of Internal Communications
Laura Barbour
MOO
Head of Communication and Culture
Laura has 30 years of experience in Internal Communication having completed her post Grad in IC strategy back in 2002 when the IC world looked very different to today. She has spread her wings across multiple industries including water, manufacturing, charities, ports, insurance and tech.
Having moved to London, she is now Head of Culture and Communications at MOO Print, an online print and design company that offers a wide range of customisation products with a focus on premium quality and unique design.
Laura has a passion for bridging the gap between business needs and employee voice. She likes to deliver results, is big on values, an active ambassador for DEI and keeps it human - working from the heart as well as the head.
With many IC function start ups under her belt she loves that initial fix stage and imagining IC better. At MOO she has had the joy of seeing her role expand to include culture, leading projects which aim to enrich Life at MOO.
15:10 - 15:30
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Demystifying Culture: A Lens for a Cultural Deep Dive
Case Study
It's easy for Culture to feel both nebulous and overwhelming. What do we mean by Culture? How do we begin the work of changing it when it feels so hard to pin down? Where to start for the best impact? Lorna Leeson introduces the Deep C Dive model - a way of breaking down cultural questions into focused interventions that bring measurable results.
Speaker:
Lorna Leeson
Woodreed
Managing Director
15:30 - 15:50
Employee Communication & Collaboration
The Hybrid Collaboration Crisis: Insights for 2025
Presentation
82% of employees struggle to connect and collaborate in hybrid environments. Are tech frustrations and engagement gaps hindering your team's success?Join this session for a deep dive into the Appspace 2025 Workplace experience trends & insights report to understand the critical data points shaping hybrid work. Learn how to proactively address collaboration challenges and move your employee experience from average to excellent.
Speaker:
David Fletcher
Appspace
VP, Employee Communications Strategy
15:50 - 16:10
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Mastering the Art of Hybrid Work Through Smarter Communication
Panel Discussion
Hybrid work presents unique challenges when it comes to communication, collaboration, and team dynamics. This panel will explore the tools, policies, and cultural shifts required to build a strong hybrid workforce. Experts will discuss how to balance digital collaboration with the need for focus and in-person connection, strategies to maintain visibility and trust among dispersed teams, and how to ensure all employees, whether remote or in-office, feel equally connected, informed, and valued.
What to expect:
- Insights on creating policies and tools that support effective hybrid work
- Strategies for balancing digital and in-person collaboration while prioritising well-being
- How to ensure trust, visibility, and connection across both remote and office-based employees
Speakers:
Sophie Theen
Paydock
Chief People Officer
An award-winning HR and Diversity & Inclusion professional, acclaimed author, and sought-after speaker, redefines talent management in conservative industries.
Jonathon Pinch
Wincanton
Head of Internal Communications and Engagement
16:10 - 16:40
Employee Communication & Collaboration
Coffee & Networking
Break
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