Lunch and Learn: Talking Talent

Karen Elliot explores what’s new in the talent space – what are other organisations doing, how are education providers working with other sectors, what are some of the thought leaders saying… And how can we use these insights to think outside the box to address the talent challenges we will face in 2026 and beyond, supporting the Regional Workforce Startegy.

Karen has worked in the People Profession for over 25 years. She became Chartered Fellow of the CIPD in 2009 when worked as a Global Head of HR. She set up her own consultancy business in 2011, and since then she done interim People Director roles as well as consultancy work. Since working as a Consultant, she has worked with senior leaders within a variety of organisations, from SME’s to FTSE 100 companies. She has worked with Central Government as well as Local Authorities, including Staffordshire County Council, Essex County Council, Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council.

Karen has experience in delivering a wide range of HR and OD strategic interventions. Her experience covers a range of people specialisms, including performance, talent, hybrid working, learning and development, reward. Karen’s unique selling point is that she has a breadth of understanding in all specialisms within HR and OD and has an in-depth knowledge of the CIPD’s profession map and as a result can develop aligned people strategies. She brings an evidenced based approach to her work, using analytics, professional body research and benchmarking to guide innovation and new ways of working.