HR Perspectives:  Research & insights for people professionals

Six perspectives. Three conversations. One evening to challenge your thinking. Join our dynamic in-person event designed to spark debate and uncover practical ideas.

The six perspectives you can choose from

1. Mind the language – How the words we use when talking about career development in organisations frame it as an individual responsibility — and how to shift towards shared ownership. (Led by Valerie Rowles)

2. Surveillance at work – From facial recognition to desk occupancy sensors, how far should monitoring go? Where’s the balance between security, efficiency, and trust? (Led by Zita Lourdes)

3. Flexible working & older workers – Drawing on recent research, explore how flexible working can improve retention, job satisfaction, and productivity for over-50s, and why it’s critical for the UK economy. (Led by Michael Larbalestier)

4. Reskilling for the future – With skills needs shifting fast, how can HR lead a reskilling strategy that serves both organisational goals and employee ambitions? (Led by Geoffrey Milton)

5. Balancing dual-career professionals – Insights from Emma Hart’s research into how organisations support (or fail to support) employees where both partners have demanding careers. (Led by Emma Hart)

6. EDI under pressure – With US EDI practice being reshaped by policy changes, what might this mean for the UK? Could it erode recent gains, or strengthen resolve to protect them? (Led by Willorna Brock)

What you’ll take away

• Fresh insights from recent research, national trends, and sector developments
• Practical takeaways you can apply in your own workplace the very next day
• Provocative questions to challenge assumptions and inspire new thinking
• Connections with fellow practitioners facing similar challenges
• A snapshot of the “HR horizon” — what’s coming, what’s changing, and what needs your attention now

Be ready to listen, question, and contribute.We’ll wrap up with a rapid-fire 60-second summary from each table, so everyone leaves with the key messages from all six perspectives.

Spaces are limited to ensure quality conversation — secure your place and join us for an evening that will stretch your thinking and sharpen your practice.

Timings

18:00-18:30 - Arrival, registration and networking

18:30 - 20:00 - Event

Additional information

At this event we will only be providing tea/coffee and cakes. If you wish to bring your own sandwiches or snacks you are welcome to do so. There are a number of food outlets close to the venue.

About the speakers

Valerie Rowles

Valerie Rowles is an award-winning researcher and career development specialist, dedicated to helping organisations empower their employees to build fulfilling working lives. She recently received the 2025 Bill Law prize for her research into the power of language in shaping—and sometimes undermining—expectations around career progression.

Zita Lourdes Louis BA Hons., MSc., Chartered MCIPD., FHEA

Zita is the Programme Leader for the MSc in Global Human Resource Management (GHRM) at the University of Roehampton and as Senior Lecturer, teaches on topics such as Leadership and Change Management; Cross Cultural Management and Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM).

Zita has previously led the HRM function for international companies operating in the UK. She has worked across sectors in shipping, renewable energy, consultancy and the Higher Education sector (HEI) developing and proposing organisational strategies and practices in enhancing high performance and people engagement in the workplace.

Zita is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, Vice Chair and Student Engagement Lead (SEL) for the CIPD Branch in South West London. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). She developed a series of expert speaker events titled "Conscious and Sustainable Practice for the Future of Work" focusing on ethical and contemporary leadership and people practice. These events run in collaboration with the CIPD and the University of Roehampton Business and Law School's Centre for Sustainability and Responsible Management.

Michael Larbalestier

Michael Larbalestier is a digital learning and innovation specialist with extensive experience in career development. As a NICEC Fellow, active CIPD member, and CDI Project Associate, he champions digital confidence among career development and people practitioners, leveraging technology to empower individuals and organisations to thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Emma Hart is an Executive Coach

Geoffrey Milton is Director and Founder of AllAboutPeople.UK which provides Mediation and Conflict Management services. He is a senior Human Resources professional with extensive European and UK experience across a wide range of sectors including shipping and logistics, aviation, telecoms and technology, and retail He was the Executive Director Human Resources & Organisation Development at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

He is also a Visiting Lecturer in Business Ethics. Geoffrey is experienced in workplace conflict and disputes, in executive and organisation contexts. He is both a Workplace and Civil and Commercial accredited mediator. He is also an accredited Conflict Management coach. Geoffrey is a Civil Mediation Council (CMC) registered mediator.

Willorna Brock Chatered FCIPD

Willorna is an HR Director with multi-sector experience in private, public and non-profit sectors. She enjoys her 'seat at the table', being a trusted adviser to C-Suite and Senior leaders, with a commercial approach whilst balancing people priorities, leading to tangible business outcomes. She contributes to HR thought leadership, and supports early career professionals. Willorna is a published author of "The Art of Job Hunting: Myths, Secrets, and Truths," targeted at early talent. She also volunteers in various roles, committed to making a difference, especially to the lives of young people.

Please note:

1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.
2. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
3. By attending the event, you are giving consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
4. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, or by responding to the confirmation email.
5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.