CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Article Source: CIPD Scotland
Last Updated: 5 February 2025 12:02

The CIPD has revealed an exciting programme of speakers for its CIPD Scotland Annual Conference which will focus on building a better future world of work in Scotland, through a more productive, motivated and digitally-skilled workforce.

Opening keynote, Colin MacLachlan, a former SAS soldier - most known for his role in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins – will explore how to develop a resilient mindset, drawing on his own experiences, to drive high-performance cultures, teamwork and communication.

Other keynote speakers at the conference - taking place at the EICC in Edinburgh on 20 March 2025 – include Nick Robinson, author of ‘The 9 Types of Difficult People’ and popular Scottish comedian, Fern Brady.

Fern, who was diagnosed as autistic in 2021, will share her personal story on how she has navigated challenges to break down barriers, and the importance of being your authentic self in the workplace.

Also joining the speaker line-up are influential HR leaders from top Scottish organisations such as the City of Edinburgh Council, DC Thomson, City Facilities Management, Registers of Scotland, along with Scottish Government and NHS Lanarkshire.

Together with the CIPD, the experts will deliver interactive sessions, workshops, and lightening talks to help people managers, HR, and employers of all sizes improve their working practices and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce for the future.

Topical sessions include:

• Upskilling for a future-focused workforce - Discover how to combat skills gaps in your organisation and how to train and evolve your workforce in line with future skills.
• Dealing with conflict at work for a thriving workplace – Discover strategies to address conflict and challenging behaviours in the workplace and combat toxic cultures.
• Championing neurodiversity in the workplace – Learn more about the strengths of neurodiverse employees and how these can be used to increase innovation and productivity.

Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, will also join the line-up on the day as a keynote speaker.

He commented: “We are really looking forward to bringing together such a wide range of influential speakers and organisations to explore how we can build a better future world of work in Scotland.

“Employers are experiencing a myriad of challenges, around recruitment, skills, productivity and advances in technologies, as well as changes to employment regulation. This event provides a great opportunity for businesses to explore how they can adapt for such challenges and create thriving, future-fit workplaces that boost business outcomes and enable people to be their best at work.”


An interactive session on how to leverage AI in recruitment will be delivered by Mervyn Dinnen, a talent analyst, author and top HR influencer. He commented:

“I’m looking forward to showcasing how businesses can embrace AI in recruitment – and not fear it – with a human-centred approach that can enhance candidate journeys and deliver more efficient, fair and inclusive recruiting practices.”

The full agenda and tickets to attend the conference on Thursday 20 March at the EICC in Edinburgh (09:30-17:00) are available to purchase at: www.events.cipd.co.uk/scotland-conference.

To explore various sponsorship opportunities e: gordon.smith@cipd.co.uk.

Sponsored Links

EU Footlights
Escape The Past
Wonder & Co
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Children's Classic Concerts

Latest Edinburgh News

Lost Shore Surf Resort Introduces Ultimate Surf Getaway

Lost Shore Surf Resort Introduces Ultimate Surf Getaway

Lost Shore Surf Resort is celebrating its growing popularity by introducing an exciting new “Surf and Stay” package.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
GC Live raises over thousands for Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign

GC Live raises over thousands for Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Campaign

This year’s Starry Nights event at Beecraigs Country Park and the Fawkes Festival at the Royal Highland Centre raised a combined £6,000 for Cash for Kids Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife, and Falkirk.

READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Extends Biggest Hands On Careers Showcase in Scotland

Dynamic Earth Extends Biggest Hands On Careers Showcase in Scotland

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce the return and extension of its School Careers Showcase: Your Planet, Your Future.

READ MORE
February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

February at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Valentine's Day to Rugby, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events this February!

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Edinburgh

Edinburgh's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

EH Rewards by Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood

Local Edinburgh residents are invited to take advantage of some exciting offers at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood.

READ MORE
Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Roll a double two to WIN as Duck & Waffle Edinburgh celebrate 2nd Birthday

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh in St James Quarter is celebrating its second birthday this week, and all guests are invited to play a special birthday game that can see you dine for free.

READ MORE
Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

Lunar New Year at St James Quarter

It’s the Year of the Snake, and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter had an exciting line-up of celebrations taking place at the weekend.

READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
itison Us charity call out

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

READ MORE
Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 7th and 8th February

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

READ MORE
Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

Limited Edition Whisky Launched in Edinburgh

A limited edition whisky has been produced celebrating Edinburgh Castle’s iconic One O’Clock Gun with only 288 bottles made exclusive to Historic Environment Scotland.

READ MORE
Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter Edinburgh

It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.

READ MORE
Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

Romance and Relaxation at The Leddie

The Leddie, Aberlady's boutique hotel and restaurant, has today unveiled its latest Valentine-focused event programme to bring people together in a cosy and intimate setting.

READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

READ MORE
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building

Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre.

READ MORE
Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

Love is in the Air with the Love Birdie Deal at Volcano Falls

This Valentine’s is the perfect time to try something different and Volcano Falls has just the thing!

READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

READ MORE
Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper to play Edinburgh Playhouse for first time in 20 years

Alice Cooper announces two exclusive UK shows for 2025 with at date at Edinburgh Playhouse in July!

READ MORE
Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday

Flight Club announces epic competition to celebrate 10th Birthday

The Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!

READ MORE
The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term

The Real Mary Kings Close announces special tours for February half term

This February half term, The Real Mary King’s Close invites visitors to step back in time and discover the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past with three captivating experiences.

READ MORE
World renowned tattoo artists gather for 12th annual Scottish Tattoo Convention

World renowned tattoo artists gather for 12th annual Scottish Tattoo Convention

Almost 200 tattoo artists from across Scotland, and the globe, will gather in Edinburgh for the twelfth Scottish Tattoo Convention – Scotland’s longest running tattoo event.

READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March

Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March

Back with a bang, Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March offering a month of incredible deals, discounts and events from the capital’s best bars and restaurants.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

St Mary's Music School
Scotonomics
St Mary's Music School
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

EU Footlights
Escape The Past
Wonder & Co
The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Children's Classic Concerts
St Mary's Music School
Scotonomics
St Mary's Music School
Fayre Play
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Chicago
Chicago returns to razzle dazzle theatres across the country in 2025, don't miss your chance to see it when it returns to the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!
Come and Try Orienteering at Corstorphine Hill
Following on from Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club's very popular January event, online entries are now open for their next offering at Corstorphine Hill on Sunday 16th February.
Mary Poppins
Direct from the West End, the classic multi award-winning musical Mary Poppins comes to the Festival Theatre from 12th January!
Kid Creole & The Coconuts
Get ready for a funky good time as Kid Creole & The Coconuts are coming to Edinburgh's Queen's Hall this summer with The Creolian Bye Bye Birdy Tour!
Chinese Brush Painting Class
Held at the Confucius Institute campus in Edinburgh, this five-week Chinese Brush Painting course starting on Wednesday 19th February, explores a variety of subjects.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall