New formats for 2025:


Solution room

Hear from leading practitioners and collaborate with peers in roundtable discussions to solve individual challenges with group based insights.

Networking area

A dedicated area for you to form new connections with peers from across the profession.

Hackathon 

Join in this problem solving session and develop strategies to overcome common challenges.

World Café

Hear from practitioners as they share best practice case studies, followed by collaborative group discussion.


09:20 - 09:30

Chair’s opening remarks

09:30 - 10:15

Lightning talks: Widening your talent pool - developing strategies to aid inclusive recruitment

Setting long-term targets that are built upon equity and inclusion to define...

  • Setting long-term targets that are built upon equity and inclusion to define and measure how to achieve meaningful change.

  • Taking a proactive approach to widen your talent search and attract candidates from marginalised groups.

  • Identifying barriers in your recruitment process and removing biases to encourage inclusive practices.

  • Understanding how diversifying your workforce can improve innovation and drive productivity.

10:15 - 11:05

Hackathon: Is AI a helpful tool for recruitment?

Recruitment processes have recently seen an uptake in AI, but is AI...

Recruitment processes have recently seen an uptake in AI, but is AI really a helpful tool in aiding the process? This solution room session will weigh up whether the pros truly outweigh the cons. Develop actionable solutions and collaborate with peers to gain insight into how you can revolutionise your recruitment strategy, with focus on:


  • Managing the risks associated with automating recruitment processes and weighing up where automation can save time and resources

  • Navigating areas where human-centred approaches may be essential and whether AI can provide a personalised recruitment process

  • Exploring the challenge of eliminating biases when using AI to ensure a fair and equitable hiring process.

11:05 - 11:35

Networking break

11:35 - 12:15

Case studies: Gen Z - recruitment and retention for the future workforce

With Gen Z expected to make up 27% of the workforce in...

With Gen Z expected to make up 27% of the workforce in 2025, organisations must rethink how they can attract and retain younger workers. This session will explore different case studies on how to rethink your recruitment and retention strategies to appeal to Gen Z.


Case study 1: Revolutionising your early careers recruitment strategy


Case study 2: Engaging younger workers - retaining Gen Z within your workforce

    12:15 - 13:05

    World Café: Setting yourself apart - revolutionising your employee value proposition

    In a competitive labour market, developing a strong employee value proposition (EVP)...

    In a competitive labour market, developing a strong employee value proposition (EVP) is essential for attracting and retaining talent that aligns with your organisation's values. During this World Cafe session, you’ll be able to hear from two speakers of your choice on how they have implemented a strong EVP within their organisation. You’ll then be able to challenge ideas, gain new perspectives and develop strategies that you can implement within your organisation.


    Topics include: 


    • Understanding existing perceptions - gaining insight into your current EVP

    • Building a USP - aligning your EVP with your employer brand 

    • Creating purpose - showcasing your company mission and values 

    • Developing a holistic benefits strategy on a shoestring budget

    • Understanding what your EVP really says about your organisation

    • Being open and honest - tackling pay and compensation during the recruitment process

    13:05 - 14:05

    Networking lunch

    14:05 - 14:50

    Solution room: Developing a skills-based approach to career development

    Offering continuous development opportunities and developing skills in-house is crucial when it...

    Offering continuous development opportunities and developing skills in-house is crucial when it comes to retaining your employees. With employees now considering career growth as a top priority, getting your strategy right is essential. This hands-on interactive workshop will explore how to assist your employees when it comes to skills and development, with further insight on how to:


    • Adopt a skills-based culture whereby employees are encouraged to upskill and reskill to expand their skill set

    • Equip managers with the skills needed to assist employees in putting together a career development plan that aligns with their aspirations

    • Create regular check-ins with employees to set out both long and short-term goals that allow them to climb the career ladder.

    14:50 - 15:20

    Case study: Standing out from the crowd - developing a talent attraction strategy to boost business performance

    Explore how to develop a competitive talent attraction strategy to attract top...

    • Explore how to develop a competitive talent attraction strategy to attract top talent.

    • Aligning your employee value proposition with your organisation's long-term business goals to drive success.

    • Investing in your employees to drive development and create a workforce that thrives.

    • Measuring your return on talent and understanding where your workforce falls short.

    15:20 - 15:40

    Networking break

    15:40 - 16:10

    A winning news story – how the Financial Times elevates candidate experience

    HR teams are facing an unprecedented volume of job applications, driven by...

    HR teams are facing an unprecedented volume of job applications, driven by advances in AI - nearly 40% of candidates are now applying for more roles than ever before. However, many HR teams are finding it increasingly challenging to respond efficiently, leading to frustration on both sides of the hiring process.


    For organisations where candidates are also customers, such as the Financial Times, a well-managed recruitment process is essential, serving as a direct reflection of employer brand and organisational culture.


    Join senior recruitment leaders from the Financial Times as they discuss how they are embedding employer branding into every stage of their hiring process, ensuring candidates feel valued, respected, and engaged throughout their journey.

    16:10 - 16:55

    Panel: Fostering a culture of openness - tuning into employee sentiment to improve retention

    Developing a workplace culture built upon trust and transparency.Creating a culture where...


    • Developing a workplace culture built upon trust and transparency.

    • Creating a culture where feedback is actively sought and acted upon to ensure employees feel valued. 

    • Understanding where your organisation is falling short and implementing proactive approaches to improve satisfaction.

    • Encouraging growth mindsets through recognising and rewarding employee efforts, and not just results. 

    16:55 - 17:00

    Chair’s closing remarks