Conference Agenda

09:30 - 10:00

Opening address

Lennox

Speaker:

Peter Cheese

Chief Executive, CIPD

10:00 - 10:40

Opening keynote:

Lennox

Speaker:

Chair: Peter Cheese

Chief Executive, CIPD

10:40 - 11:15

Supporting others starts with you: making wellbeing a strategic imperative

Lennox

Employee wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’ it’s a business...

Employee wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’ it’s a business imperative. According to the Working Lives Scotland report, up to 25% of Scottish employees say work has a negative impact on mental health, and 24% say it has a negative impact on their physical health.

This session explores holistic approaches to mental, physical, and financial wellbeing that truly support people to do their best work.

Importantly, focusing on the profession itself, recognising the pressures facing HR teams and providing space to explore how to protect your own wellbeing while supporting others.

Speaker:

Chair: Peter Cheese

Chief Executive, CIPD

11:45 - 12:30

A1 - Human skills in a tech driven future: building skills for a changing world

Lowther

AI is transforming the workforce, and as adoption accelerates across sectors, Scottish...

AI is transforming the workforce, and as adoption accelerates across sectors, Scottish employers face a dual challenge: bridging critical skills gaps and preparing workforces for tech-driven transformation - helping teams to trust technology, not fear it.

This session discusses how to lead the transformation with reskilling, upskilling, and workforce planning, keeping people at the centre of the change, and considering digital inclusion and Fair Work principles.

11:45 - 12:30

B1 - Building better relations: future proof your industrial relations approach

Lennox

Trade union engagement is entering a new phase, from simplified recognition processes...

Trade union engagement is entering a new phase, from simplified recognition processes to increased protections for striking workers and a rising emphasis on collective voice, HR leaders must adapt their employee relations strategies.

This session will explore the latest legislative and cultural shifts affecting trade unions in Scotland including, the role of the Fair Work agenda, sector-specific trends, and growing expectations around partnership working.

Gain practical knowledge of:

Navigating disputes
Building constrictive union relationships
Aligning with the principles of effective voice and fair work

11:45 - 12:30

C1 - Clinic: Employment Rights Bill overhaul: what do Scottish HR leaders need to know now?

Lammermuir

With the UK Employment Rights Bill bringing sweeping reforms from 2026, HR...

With the UK Employment Rights Bill bringing sweeping reforms from 2026, HR leaders in Scotland face a critical period of change. From day-one rights for sick pay and parental leave to bans on “fire and rehire” practices and enhanced whistleblowing and redundancy protections, unpack the top legal shifts that will impact your workforce strategy, contracts, and compliance. We’ll cover what’s UK-wide, what has Scottish context, and how to prepare for enforcement by the new Fair Work Agency. Walk away with a practical checklist to ensure your organisation is legally sound and culturally aligned with the future of fair work.

13:30 - 14:15

A2 - Unlocking potential: the strategic value of apprenticeships

Lennox

Apprenticeships aren’t just a youth employment initiative, they’re a strategic solution to...

Apprenticeships aren’t just a youth employment initiative, they’re a strategic solution to Scotland’s skills gaps, ageing workforce, and inclusive growth goals. This session explores:

Using apprenticeships to build talent pipelines
Strengthen workforce diversity
Improve retention
Align with Fair Work Principles

13:30 - 14:15

B2 - Data analytics and storytelling

Lowther

13:30 - 14:15

C2 - Clinic: Employment Rights Bill overhaul: what do Scottish HR leaders need to know now?

Lammermuir

With the UK Employment Rights Bill bringing sweeping reforms from 2026, HR...

14:45 - 15:30

Leading with purpose - the new retention strategy

Lennox

In a labour market where values matter as much as pay, purpose-driven...

In a labour market where values matter as much as pay, purpose-driven leadership is emerging as a powerful strategy for attracting and retaining talent. This session explores how leaders who connect daily work to a greater mission can boost employee engagement, loyalty, and wellbeing. Unpack the link between purpose, culture, and retention and share practical ways HR can equip leaders to lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact.

Agenda

08:30 - 09:30

Registration and morning coffee

09:30 - 10:00

Opening address

10:00 - 10:40

Opening keynote:

10:40 - 11:15

Supporting others starts with you: making wellbeing a strategic imperative

11:15 - 11:45

Morning break

11:45 - 12:30

A1 - Human skills in a tech driven future: building skills for a changing world

11:45 - 12:30

B1 - Building better relations: future proof your industrial relations approach

11:45 - 12:30

C1 - Clinic: Employment Rights Bill overhaul: what do Scottish HR leaders need to know now?

12:30 - 13:30

Networking lunch

13:30 - 14:15

A2 - Unlocking potential: the strategic value of apprenticeships

13:30 - 14:15

B2 - Data analytics and storytelling

13:30 - 14:15

C2 - Clinic: Employment Rights Bill overhaul: what do Scottish HR leaders need to know now?

14:15 - 14:45

Afternoon break

14:45 - 15:30

Leading with purpose - the new retention strategy

15:30 - 16:20

Closing keynote:

16:20 - 16:30

Chair’s closing remarks

16:30 - 17:30

Drinks reception

Event date

Useful links

Contacts