
CIPD
279 episodes — Page 1 of 6
HR People Pod – Ep 50: National Volunteers’ Week | The line manager conundrum | Controlling costs while planning for growth
Podcast 230: Why financial wellbeing is a business performance issue
HR People Pod – Ep 49: Business impact | Employee empowerment | Change readiness in an AI world
HR People Pod – Ep 48: Leadership reflections | Skills visibility | Workload creep
Podcast 229: From AI experimentation to AI maturity
HR People Pod – Ep 47: Disability disclosure | CEO avatars | Engagement | Productivity myths
HR People Pod – Ep 46: Measuring culture, driving performance – with Hani Nabeel

HR People Pod – Ep 45: The problem with pay secrecy | Pressure-proof managers | Are PIPs broken?
Why are so many employers still hiding salary details when candidates increasingly expect pay transparency? While technical capability might win a promotion, are organisations doing enough to prepare managers for the pressure that comes with leadership? And when performance improvement plans (PIPs) are so often seen as a step towards the exit, can they still be a credible tool for improvement?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza, is joined by Sally Hopper, Director of People at London Fire Brigade, and David Blackburn, Managing Director of David R. Blackburn Consulting.Recorded: 20 March 2026---Explore more from this episode:CIPD – Tracking law changes: Employment Rights Act 2025Your next listen:HR People Pod – Ep37: Leading under pressure – with Professor Kevin FongCIPD Podcast – Episode 194: Is pay transparency good for business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 228: The missing first rung: Are we sleepwalking into a talent crisis?
As organisations face mounting cost pressures and AI absorbs many entry-level responsibilities, there is a growing risk that entry-level pathways will disappear by default rather than by design. But what are the unintended consequences of hollowing out the roles where future capability, judgement and innovation are built?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Orianne Wightman, Emerging Talent Director at Arm; Craig Pattison, Founder of Elevate Executive Coaching; and Lizzie Crowley, Senior Skills Policy Adviser at CIPD — as they examine how organisations must redesign work, opportunity and progression, before capability gaps begin to surface in talent pipelines, performance and long-term organisational resilience. In this episode, we explore:- Why shrinking entry-level opportunities – and the erosion of the first rungs of the career ladder – could become a critical organisational risk- The consequences when organisations stop creating and developing talent and instead become net consumers of talent- How organisations must redesign roles, routes into work and progression pathways to protect future capability and sustain healthy talent pipelines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 44: Crisis leadership | Impact of employee benefits | Friction-maxxing at work
In a world of uncertainty and constant disruption, what does an effective and human response to crisis really look like? Are employee benefits creating real impact – or are too many organisations offering perks without a clear sense of what they’re for? And as technology promises ever-greater efficiency, are employees starting to resist the pressure to optimise everything in pursuit of something more meaningful?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Sasi Venables, HR Business Partner at the University of Worcester and founder of The HR Confidence Club and Rob Worrall, Chief People Officer.Recorded: 06 March 2026---Explore more from this episode:HR People Pod – Ep 12: Crisis events | Supply chains | Politics at work | ‘Ghost jobs’Report: Reward Survey: Focus on benefits 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 43: Inside Davos – AI, work and the future of identity - with Allyn Bailey
What really happens at the World Economic Forum in Davos? And what are global leaders saying about the future of work? Are organisations simply layering AI onto existing systems, or are they facing a fundamental re-engineering of work itself? If intelligence becomes infrastructure, what happens to how we define value and professional identity? And if entry-level roles decline, what does that mean for the strength of our future talent pipeline?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Allyn Bailey, Senior Director Corporate Narrative and Communications at SmartRecruiters.Recorded: 20 February 2026---Read more from Allyn Bailey at the World Economic ForumDavos 2026: the key takeaways for HR on AI, skills and workforce reinventionhttps://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1946227/davos-2026-key-takeaways-hr-ai-skills-workforce-reinvention Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 227: How to make learning stick and drive performance
Does sustained performance depend less on the learning event itself and more on the environment in which it is applied? In modern workplaces – shaped by inbox overload, operational pressures and competing demands for attention – employees often return from training motivated and well-intentioned, yet without the time, permission or support to put new skills into practice. Without the right conditions, learning quickly fades and performance remains unchanged.Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Aglaia Economou, HR Learning Development & Change Manager at Hertfordshire County Council; Fergal Connolly, Learning Transfer Specialist and Founder of Multiply Transfer; and Steve George, Head of Learning at CIPD — as they examine what it really takes to ensure learning translates into measurable performance.In this episode, we explore:- The organisational conditions required for learning to translate into sustained performance, beyond the design and delivery of formal training.- The pivotal role of managers, accountability and workplace culture in giving people the permission and space to apply what they have learned.- How to diagnose performance challenges effectively — and avoid defaulting to training when the root cause lies elsewhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 42: Career moments | Organisational change readiness | ‘Peanut butter’ pay
As volatility becomes the default rather than the exception, what does it really mean for organisations to be ready for change? When it comes to ‘peanut butter’ pay rises, does spreading reward evenly strengthen trust and fairness, or quietly undermine the idea that performance and capability matter? And just how decisive can small moments be — how have acts of trust, stretch or recognition shaped the careers of our guests? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Smollan; and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – CIPD Ireland. Recorded: 6 February 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 41: Building foundations in a world chasing what’s next
As new trends and demands accelerate, how can HR leaders ensure the profession’s foundations are robust enough to support effective and timely action? If AI is becoming part of everyday work, should organisations deliberately test how candidates think, reason and collaborate with AI as part of the recruitment process? And is the rise in temporary work a strategic shift in workforce strategy – or a symptom of wider uncertainty?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Mel Steel, Interim People, Change & Transformation Leader; and Martyn Dicker, Director of People at Unicef UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 226: Closing skill gaps from within: the case for internal mobility
In a tight labour market and amid rapid skills change, organisations face growing pressure to retain critical capability and reduce reliance on external hiring. Yet many employees still can’t see a future inside their organisation, and unclear progression continues to drive attrition. Could strengthening routes for internal mobility provide the strategic response needed to address these challenges? Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Laura Ibbotson, Interim Head of HR at The Green Spark Group; and Sarah Lardner, Director of Business Innovation & Senior Reward Principal at Innecto Reward Consulting. In this episode we explore: Why has internal mobility become such a critical issue for organisations today, particularly in the context of skills disruption, retention pressures and changing expectations of progression? What does effective internal mobility look like in practice, and what organisational, cultural or managerial barriers most often prevent it from working well? How can stronger internal mobility deliver meaningful business outcomes and what role do people professionals play in making it sustainable and trusted? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 40: Priorities for the People Profession in 2026
2026 is set to be another challenging year for organisations and the people profession. As economic uncertainty continues and AI adoption accelerates, where should the profession focus its efforts? How can job design and management capability drive productivity without increasing burnout? And what skills do people professionals need to navigate the year ahead.CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by a trio of leading HR podcasters, Fay Wallis, career and leadership coach and host of HR Coffee Time; Lucinda Carney, Chief Executive Officer at Actus Software, and host of HR Uprising podcast; and Bruce Daisley, host of Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat podcast.Recorded: 09 January 2026---Bookings are now open for the CIPD Student Conference 2026. Student members can secure your place for free at cipd.org/studentconf2026Take ownership of your learning and enhance your professional practice. Explore our suite of tools to support your CPD journey at cipd.org/en/learning/cpd/---Explore more podcasts from this week’s panel:HR Coffee Time with Fay Wallishttps://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/HR Uprising with Lucinda Carneyhttps://hruprising.com/Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat with Bruce Daisleyhttps://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 39: Rewriting the rules on workplace conflict - with David Liddle
Are traditional grievance and disciplinary processes really delivering fairness at work – or are they creating harm, cost and disengagement? With workplace conflict estimated to cost organisations billions each year, how can HR move beyond legacy, retributive systems towards a more people-centred and performance-focused approach to justice?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by David Liddle, Founder of The TCM Group and author of People and Culture, to explore how organisations can resolve conflict more effectively, and why justice, culture and leadership are inseparable from productivity and performance.Recorded: 6 November 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 225: HR’s role in boosting workplace productivity
Despite technology transforming — and often streamlining — how we work, its impact on productivity has been surprisingly limited. So is productivity misunderstood? We talk about boosting it, measuring it and even “unlocking” it, but what does it really mean in modern organisations, and what role should the people profession play in driving workplace productivity?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Sharon Benson, founding director of Colleague Central; Lu McKay, founder and lead consultant at Luminary Communications; and Bart van Ark, Managing Director at the Productivity Institute and Professor of Productivity Studies at Alliance Manchester Business School.In this episode we explore:- Why productivity continues to stagnate despite technological advances, and the hidden barriers affecting workforce performance and business growth- How HR and the people profession can shape strategies that enhance productivity- How to measure productivity effectively and meaningfully in your organisation — and the benefits of getting it right---Bart van Ark is a Professor of Productivity Studies at the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) at the University of Manchester, and Managing Director of The Productivity Institute, a UK-wide research organisation dedicated to advancing understanding of productivity. Bart is a co-author on the paper, Productivity Through People: New Opportunities for CHROs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Episode 38: UK Budget response | Hiring for potential | Opportunities in 2026
Apprenticeship funding is up, and tax-free salary sacrifice on pensions will soon be capped. How have our panellists responded to the UK Government’s Autumn Budget and what does it mean for employers and the workforce? Has the pressure and drive for instant productivity squeezed out hiring for potential? Could organisations be doing more to create routes for internal mobility? And finally, crystal-ball gazing: what opportunities should the people profession lean into in the year ahead?CIPD Trust Senior Programme Manager Leah De Silva is joined by Kerri O’Neill, Chief People Officer, UK & Ireland at Ipsos UK; and Idris Arshad, Head of People at Asthma and Lung UK.Recorded: 28 November 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Episode 37: Leading Under Pressure with Professor Kevin Fong
How can people make the best decisions when time is short and the stakes are high? Why is decentralising decision-making critical for organisations who want to move decisively? And how can the people profession strike the right balance between innovation and risk mitigation when adopting and implementing AI?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by science broadcaster, author and emergency medical doctor, Professor Kevin Fong, to explore the profession’s risk appetite and how it can lead effectively under pressure.Recorded: 5 November 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 224: Is HR ready for ‘renaissance’ of union power in industrial relations?
A new CIPD report revealed that 62% of employers believe the UK is entering a more unstable period of employee relations. With potential new legal changes arriving soon, those wishing to build positive industrial relations will need to have a transparent approach, underpinned by shared expectations and behaviours. So, what role must people professionals and employers more broadly play in establishing shared expectations and behaviours, strengthen partnerships with trade unions, and create effective voice channels within organisations?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Nita Clarke, Director at Involvement and Participation Association (IPA); Mustafa Faruqi, Employee Relations Strategy Director at BT; and Alistair Paton, Senior Director for Colleague Relations at Asda. In this episode we explore:The changing context of industrial relations in the UK and what the implications of the Employment Rights Bill will beThe principal foundations of productive and effective partnerships with trade unions and the role of HRWhat HR can control within their organisation, including reviewing or establishing effective voice channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 36: Value of the profession | Employment Rights Bill | AI performance reviews
Some consider annual reviews ‘irrelevant’ and a ‘burden’, but how would you feel about AI playing a role in the performance review process? As media scrutiny continues to question the impact and growing influence of HR, we reflect on the value the profession brings to workplaces. And finally, we ask: trick or treat, when it comes to the Employment Rights Bill?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Transformation Leader and HR Consultant, Katherine Watkins, and Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive at NHS Employers.Recorded: 31 October 2025 CIPD members can keep up to date with what will change under the Employment Rights Bill, with our dedicated tracker.https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/employment-law/proposed-changes-under-labour-government/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 35: Slow wage growth | Lifelong learning | ‘Green skills’
What does loyalty look like in 2025? In a climate of low wage growth, how can you keep employees motivated and engaged? As warnings come of retirement ages potentially rising above 70 years old, how can employers foster opportunities for skills development for older workers? And are organisations missing a vital growth opportunity by not investing enough in ‘green skills’?CIPD Reference Content Manager, Holly Ivins, is joined by Chief People Officer at Caxton, Jane-Emma Peerless; Head of People and Culture at Dowds Group, Rob Rees; and Chief People Officer at the Bank of Ireland, Matt Elliott. Recorded: 17 October 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 223: Beyond learning – Mobilising L&D for organisational change
Organisations face constant and increasingly complex change, making it critical to bring people along on the journey. But can L&D play a more proactive role in enabling successful transformation by fostering buy-in, anticipating resistance, and building change capability? How can learning professionals go further than training, positioning themselves as strategic and operational partners who build change capability across the organisation?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Melanie Franklin, CEO at Capability for Change and Founder of Change Capability Community; Nick Baker, Senior Lead: Learning Design and Digital Innovation at The Football Association; and Paul Hodgkinson, Learning and Development Business Partner at CIPD.In this episode we explore:- How L&D can be used to empower voice, solicit input and buy-in to change?- What can be done to anticipate and address blockers and barriers before they surface?- What tools does L&D have at its disposal to build ‘change capability’ and prepare the conditions for successful transformation at both individual and organisational levels?---Find out more about the work of Melanie Franklin and Capability for Change, in supporting professionals responsible for organisational change initiatives and transformation.https://capabilityforchange.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 34: Digital IDs | Grievances against HR | Incentivising social posts
Is the introduction of digital ID cards using a ‘nut to crack a sledgehammer’ in the effort to curb illegal work, and what impact might this have on UK employers? Are grievances against HR simply an occupational hazard, and how can HR professionals best manage the emotional and personal toll – especially when they’re in the firing line? Finally, is it reasonable for employers to incentivise employees to use their personal social media to promote the company?CIPD Trust Senior Programme Manager, Leah De Silva, is joined by Chief People Officer at Effective Energy Group, Jo Carlin; Principal Consultant at Healix People Solutions, David Balls; and Founder and Managing Director at Campbell HR Consulting, Janet Campbell. Recorded: 8 October 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 33: Enabling high performance working: The organisation lens – with Matthew Syed (Episode 2)
Just how important are team dynamics and psychological safety in driving organisational performance? What behaviours do leaders need to model to create an environment of high performance? In the second and final episode, CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by best-selling author and broadcaster Matthew Syed to explore the role of organisations in driving and enabling high-performance.Recorded: 11 August 2025Listen back to the first episode with Matthew Syed here:https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/podcasts/hr-people-pod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 32: AI and conflict | Eye-rolling | 'Hire-to-retire'| Succession planning
Should AI be used to resolve conflict in the workplace? Are over-sensationalised stories of ‘eye-rolling’ leading to legal issues masking deeper problems in the workplace? Does ‘lifelong learning’ apply from hire-to-retire for employees? And what lessons can we take around succession planning from a messy football transfer saga? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Founder and Managing Director at Haylo HR and CEO of Resolution at Work, Trish Hewitt, and Chief People Officer at Lore Group, John Dawson. Recorded: 5 September 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 222: Improving organisational outcomes by tackling loneliness at work
Is loneliness at work the hidden crisis no one is talking about? The CIPD’s Good Work Index 2025 report revealed that more than a third of working adults say they sometimes, often, or always feel lonely at work — a feeling that carries serious consequences for organisations. But what can be done? Is it an inevitable by-product of modern working life, exacerbating feelings of isolation, or can organisations take meaningful action?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Caroline Woolland, Director of HR at The King’s Fund; Liggy Webb, award-winning author, consultant and wellbeing expert; and Stephanie Davies, Founder, CEO and Head of Happiness at Laughology – as we explore how to tackle workplace loneliness head-on. Could your culture or job design be exacerbating feelings of loneliness, and what are the signs you should be alert to? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 31: Merging HR/IT functions | Oversharing at work | Absence management | Accountability
Are we seeing a trend in the merging of HR and IT functions, and how could this reshape the role of the profession? Where’s the line between healthy openness and harmful oversharing in the workplace? Do we still need hard-and-fast, rigid rules for triggering absence management conversations? How do we make accountability a collective standard, rather than a top-down directive? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Advantage Smollan, and Mark Pavlika, Chief People and Purpose Officer at Bicycle London. Recorded: 22 August 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 30: Enabling high performance working: A growth mindset – with Matthew Syed
What are the enablers and barriers to high performance working? What factors should individuals and teams consider to improve and achieve better performance outcomes? In the first of two episodes exploring these questions, CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza investigates with best-selling author and broadcaster Matthew Syed the type of mindset that needs to be embraced and the kind of culture that supports people on that journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 221: Employee engagement and the evolving psychological contract
The psychological contract – those unwritten expectations between employer and employee, so fundamental to building trust and engagement at work – has dramatically shifted. Once based on the promises of security and long-term service, employees now expect the contract to more closely reflect their values, offer flexibility, and align with a deeper sense of purpose. Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Trish Hewitt, Founder and Managing Director at Haylo HR, and Nelli Rowsell, People Manager at Advantage Smollan – as we explore what happens when these evolving expectations go unmet, and how a breach, whether real or perceived, impacts employee engagement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 29: Unfair dismissal | Hybrid working | Graduate jobs
Would capping the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection at six months be a reasonable compromise for employers? With hybrid working perceived to have a negative impact on managers’ ability to lead teams effectively, what could organisations be doing differently? And what impact is AI having on the prospects of the latest wave of graduates entering the labour market for the first time?CIPD's Amy Crutchfield, is joined by Beth Samson, People Director at Investors in People; Garin Rouch, OD Consultant at Distinction Business Consulting; and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – CIPD Ireland.Recorded: 25 July 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 28: Hilary Scarlett special – Neuroscience for organisational change
When is the right time to communicate organisational change, and how can we strengthen people’s resilience to change? Can a better understanding of neuroscience help manage and implement the change process more effectively? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza, is joined by author, international speaker, and consultant in the field of neuroscience and change management, Hilary Scarlett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 220: Do leaders establish culture, or are they a product of it?
Is it chicken or egg – does leadership shape culture, or does culture shape leadership? The relationship between the two is complex and either one could be the critical ingredient in organisational success. But to what extent can leaders truly set the culture they want or will culture ultimately shape the kind of leadership an organisation produces. Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests – Beth Samson, People Director at Investors in People; and thought leader, entrepreneur and leadership adviser, Andy Ayim – as we investigate how leadership and culture relate to one another and what organisations can and should do to cultivate the best of both. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 27: Management span | People profession: perceptions, challenges, career prospects
What is the ideal ‘span of control’ for a manager and are there obvious warning signs that they might be overstretched? Also in this episode, we discuss results from a new CIPD survey revealing the current perceptions of and the challenges within the people profession, as well as what practitioners have said about their career development prospects. CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza, is joined by Janet Campbell, Director at Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority, and David Blackburn, Managing Director of David R. Blackburn Consulting.Recorded: 27 June 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 26: Getting Britain working - UK Employment Minister Alison McGovern
The Get Britain Working white paper outlines a bold vision to tackle economic inactivity and raise the UK employment rate to 80 per cent. But what does this mean for the people profession? In this episode of the HR People Pod, we put key questions from the CIPD Community to Alison McGovern, Minister for Employment. We explore the UK government's plans to transform Jobcentres, support people on long-term sick leave to return to work and deliver on the promise of a new ‘youth guarantee’.CIPD Director of Profession, David D’Souza, is joined by Alison McGovern, Minister for Employment.Recorded at CIPD Festival of Work: 12 June 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 219: Dealing with AI use in recruitment and job applications
A third of organisations are already using some form of AI or machine learning in recruitment and onboarding. As employers increasingly make use of AI to craft job specifications, screen candidates and streamline processes, what about job seekers? Is it unreasonable for job seekers to use the same technology to improve their chances?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Katie Noble, Talent Strategy Director at Omni RMS; Natalie Sheils, Founder and CEO at Talenaut; and Katie Obi, Chief People Officer at One Advanced — as we explore whether the growing number of organisations banning AI use by candidates are right to do so, or whether there is a more nuanced approach to consider? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 25: 'Tinkering with a system that doesn’t work' – Apprenticeships overhaul
How much should ‘policy compliance’ inform pay and bonuses? Apprenticeships are vital to building talent pipelines, but how welcome are upcoming reforms? Is rule breaking essential to breaking into new levels of performance? And how can you best manage the impact of long-term absences on the rest of your team? CIPD Head of Learning, Steve George, is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Smollan, Kevin Green, Chief People Officer at FirstGroup plc, and Francisca Beloso, Director of Inclusive Diversity at Alvarez & Marsal. Recorded: 30 May 2025---Renew your CIPD membership by 1 July 2025 and keep the power of membership working for you. Find further details here: https://www.cipd.org/en/membership/member-area/renewals/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 24: International HR Day special
What’s the state of AI adoption across different regions around the world, and how are people professionals reacting to it? Where does the onus lie when it comes to skills development? How can people professionals support and develop employee resilience? And finally, what should be done about the rising trend of ‘stress bragging’?CIPD Director of Profession, David D’Souza, is joined by Dr Adrian Waite, Head of Talent, Leadership and Organisation Effectiveness at Boehringer Ingelheim, in Dubai, and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – Ireland at CIPD.Recorded: 16 May 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 218: Bridging learning and organisational development
L&D and OD often operate in silos – one focused on individual learning, the other on strategic and cultural change. But is this separation intentional, and can they truly be effective apart if they share the same goals for organisational growth and adaptation?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Natal Dank, Author of Agile L&D and Executive Director and Principal Consultant at PXO Culture; Jaimini Lakhani, Director at Lumiere; and Steve George, Head of Learning at CIPD — as we explore how greater alignment between L&D and OD can enhance collaboration and help future-proof workforce capabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 23: Suggestion boxes | Managing voice | ‘Gamifying’ performance | ‘Job polygamy’
Could the humble suggestion box make a comeback as the key to acquiring honest, off-the-cuff feedback? What risks do organisations face by ignoring or mismanaging employee voice? Is a gamified approach to performance management the future? And are employees staying faithful or taking part in ‘job polygamy’?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Caroline Roberts, HR director at The King’s Fund and associate non-executive director at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University NHS Trust, and Sarah Mason, chief people officer at SThree.Recorded: 2 May 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 22: Ethical AI | Future skill requirements | Supporting change | ‘Pleasenteeism’
As we look ahead to some of the key themes for International HR Day 2025, this episode — recorded at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 — explores what organisations need to be doing in practical terms to ensure AI becomes a force for good. How are skill requirements expected to evolve over the medium to long term? What role should the profession play in helping organisations navigate change? And finally, is ‘pleasanteeism’ really a thing?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Roisin Walsh, Head of Workforce Capability and Inclusion at Civil Service in Ireland, Radha Barj, Co-Founder and CEO at Rythmik, David Ducheyne, Vice President of European Association for People Management (EAPM).Recorded: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, 7 November 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 21: Juggling core priorities | AI and progression | Communication | Body doubling
Change and uncertainty seem inevitable. As organisations navigate global tariffs imposed by the US president, what other priorities should the C-suite address? How might an overreliance on AI affect career progression? Is it time to rethink effective workplace communication? And should we consider adopting body doubling to boost productivity?CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Chief People Officer at One Advanced, Katie Obi, and Head of People and Culture at Hastings Hotels Group, Rob Rees.Recorded: 04 April 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 217: Willing and able: Unlocking opportunities for prison leavers
People with past criminal convictions are a proven source of loyal, capable employees. Yet despite clear benefits, stigma – within business and society – continues to prevent many from finding meaningful work. Our research shows only 17% of prison leavers can secure a job within a year of release. So, what can employers do to offer a second chance and bring more prison leavers safely into our workplaces?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Jacob Hill, Managing Director and Founder of Offploy; Alison Bell, People and Communications Director at Project Leaders Ltd; and Sally Eley, Head of CIPD Trust—as we explore how employers can rethink recruitment, reduce bias, and focus on skills and potential over past mistakes. ---Download the CIPD Trust guide to hiring people with convictions:cipdtrust.org/recruiting-employing-and-retaining-people-with-convictions/Asses your organisation's current readiness to employ individuals with criminal convictions with Offploy's quiz for employers:www.offploy.org/employ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 20: Lockdown: five years on | Media scrutiny | ‘Coachbots’ | Gentle leadership
Five years after the first UK Covid-19 lockdown, many employers are still adapting to the knock-on effects of the pandemic but what has been the lasting impact on the HR profession? Meanwhile, how can you best manage the internal narrative in the face of public and media scrutiny? Can a ‘coachbot’ really offer mentorship? And what do our panel think of the concept of gentle leadership? CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Group People and Culture Director at KYN, Emma Jayne, and Head of HR at Crimson Hotels Limited, Gareth Neale.Recorded: 21 March 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 19: Curiosity to learn | Right to switch off | Toxic cultures | Career catfishing
With plans to introduce a ‘right to switch off’ facing the axe in the UK, do we need formal legislation, or could boundaries be better managed by employers? What role should people professionals play in shifting the culture of toxic workplaces? How can we maintain that curiosity and hunger for learning? Finally, how big of an issue is ‘career catfishing’?In this episode, CIPD People and Transformation Director Amanda Arrowsmith is joined by three recent CIPD People Management Outstanding Student award winners: Jamila Lecky, People Transformation and Change Manager at Group M; Victoria Keith, Global Talent, Learning and Development Manager at Total Marketing Support Limited; and Rose Watkins-Jones, People Partner at Impression Digital.Recorded: 7 March 2025---Keep up to date with latest amends to the Employment Rights Bill and developments to the government's Make Work Pay plan:https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/employment-law/proposed-changes-under-labour-government/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 216: Why and how people professionals should prioritise their wellbeing
HR professionals play a unique role within organisations but often find themselves in morally challenging or conflicting situations. These challenges may include balancing business needs—such as managing large-scale redundancies—while also supporting individuals through deeply personal difficulties and absorbing the emotional weight that entails. Over time, this toll can increase the risk of exhaustion, ultimately leading to burnout.Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests—Amy McKeown, an award-winning health, mental health, and wellbeing strategist and consultant, and Rachel Suff, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser for Employee Relations at the CIPD—as we explore the often-hidden emotional burden of working in HR and why setting boundaries is essential for maintaining wellbeing in the profession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod – Ep 18: Labour Market Outlook | Managing redundancy | Mini-retirement
Times are tough; is there an alternative to headcount reductions and hiring freezes? With redundancy intentions at their highest level in a decade, how can HR professionals manage the mental load of implementing redundancies and can there ever be a ‘best’ way to deliver news about job losses? Finally, is there such a thing as a ‘mini-retirement’?In this episode CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Mel Steel, former HR director and interim people and transformation leader; and David Blackburn, Managing Director of David R. Blackburn Consulting.Recorded: 21 February 2025---CIPD HR30 NominationsTime to recognise excellence in HR! The CIPD HR30 celebrates the top 30 HR leaders driving innovation, shaping workplace culture and making real impact. Do you know someone who’s making a difference, leading change and driving the profession forward? This is your chance to highlight their achievements and contribution. Visit cipdhr30.co.uk before 26 March to find out more and submit your nomination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HR People Pod - Ep 17: Dry promotions | Determining job value | Work ethic | Intelligent failure
Workers are being afforded more responsibility with no uplift in pay - but how commonplace are ‘dry promotions’? How do we decide the value of a job and therefore how much an employee gets paid? Does the UK have a work ethic crisis? And can you fail ‘intelligently’ or do mistakes always carry a risk? In this episode CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Head of HR, UK Functions at HSBC, Elizabeth Harvey; and Senior VP HR Europe and Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Firstsource, Jo Carlin.Recorded: 7 February 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast 215: Are apprenticeships the forgotten key to building talent pipelines?
If employers were offered a way to meet their skills and workforce needs while also addressing long-term engagement and retention challenges, wouldn’t most, if not all, jump at the chance? Statistically, apprenticeships offer exactly that. Yet only 6% of young people are undertaking an apprenticeship. So, is it time for employers to reacquaint themselves with the benefits apprenticeship routes can bring to their business?Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests: Karen Handley, Virgin Media O2 Head of Future Careers; Sinead Trudgill, Director of Learning and Organisation Development at Network Rail; and Andrea Gordon, HR Consultant, as we explore whether apprenticeships are the key to tackling some of your organisation’s primary workforce challenges.---A reminder if you're a Student member, bookings are now open for the CIPD Student Conference 2025 taking place on 8 March. This virtual half-day event is included as part of your membership and is a great opportunity to explore future-focused HR topics, gain career insights, and connect with people professionals and your peers. Don't miss out, claim your free ticket at cipd.org/studentconf2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.