HR on The Solway - Networking Group - July Meeting

HR on the Solway: July Networking Event

Guest Speaker Gail Davidson, VP of HR at Covetrus - "How to be a True HR Business Partner - Reflections of an HR Leadership Journey"

Date: Wednesday, 23rd July 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Covetrus, College Mains Rd, Dumfries DG2 0NU
Cost: Free

Event Description

Join us for the second HR on the Solway networking event, bringing together HR professionals from across South West Scotland. Time for relaxed networking and a special guest speaker Gail Davidson from Covetrus.

Schedule

12:00 - 12:30 PM: Coffee & Networking
Connect with fellow HR professionals in a relaxed setting

12:30 - 1:30 PM: Guest Speaker Session
"How to be a True HR Business Partner - Reflections of an HR Leadership Journey"

1:30 - 2:00 PM: Continued Networking
Further opportunity to build connections and discuss insights from the session

Meet Our Amazing First Speaker!

Gail is the Vice President of Human Resources for Europe & Latin America at Covetrus, and she's based right here in Dumfries! She's a dynamic, results-focused HR leader with amazing commercial awareness and a talent for working with executive teams to drive performance and growth.

Where has her career taken her?

Gail has steadily worked her way up through increasingly responsible HR roles at Covetrus since 2018. Before that, she developed her skills at Johnson Matthey as an HR Business Partner, supporting senior management teams across sites in both Annan and Cambridge. She also spent over four years as HR Manager at Henry Schein before they were acquired by a multinational American company, now known as Covetrus.

What's special about her?

As a key member of executive leadership teams, Gail has become an expert at navigating complex organisations and implementing effective matrix management. Her enthusiastic, engaging communication style means she connects brilliantly with everyone from board members to frontline employees.

She'll be talking about: "How to be a True HR Business Partner - Reflections of an HR Leadership Journey"

Ever wondered what it really takes to be a strategic HR partner rather than just "the HR person"? Gail will share the wisdom she's gained throughout her impressive career journey, from HR Manager for a local SME to now Vice President of HR across Europe and Latin America.

You'll hear about:

• The essential skills and mindsets you need to earn that coveted "seat at the table"
• Building your credibility and influence with different stakeholders
• Key moments and lessons from Gail's own career path that could help with yours
• And much more!

Gail's presentation mixes personal stories with practical approaches you can apply wherever you are in your HR career. Her experience across different industries and organisations makes for a fascinating and valuable exploration of strategic HR partnership.

Registration

Places are limited, so please register early to secure your spot.

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What is HR on The Solway?

An HR specific Networking Group for HR professionals who live and/or work in South West Scotland!

⭐A collaborative, inclusive community for HR professionals at all levels

⭐Bi-monthly lunchtime meetings with knowledge-sharing and networking

⭐A friendly, informal space where you can connect with peers

⭐CPD and learning opportunities and guest speakers

No CIPD membership required - all HR professionals welcome!

We already have a friendly, lovely bunch of HR professionals confirmed to attend, and the vibe will be welcoming and informal.

Brought to you by Lyndsey Fitheridge from Foxgroves Recruitment & Jennie Griffiths from Foster Your People HR, two female HR and Recruitment entrepreneurs serving South West Scotland.