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

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow Music City Tours
Napier Uni
Napier Uni
Glasgow Blythswood Festival
WSS Media Scotland

Latest Glasgow News

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard

Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard

Award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!

READ MORE
Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow

Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow

The 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.

READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

READ MORE
Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs

Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs

The Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders

Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders

Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.

READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Connect Choir
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Pawrade
Cancer Research UK
Glasgow City Council
Hostelworld

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Glasgow Music City Tours
Napier Uni
Napier Uni
Glasgow Blythswood Festival
WSS Media Scotland
Fayre Play
Connect Choir
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Pawrade
Cancer Research UK
Glasgow City Council
Hostelworld

Popular Events

Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Get Up Close with 100,000 Buzzing Bees at Skypark!
Ready for a truly un-bee-lievable experience? Step into the world of beekeeping and get hands-on with Britain’s busiest little workers - the honeybees at Skypark!
Summer Nights on The Southside
Del Amitri, The Saw Doctors, Echo & The Bunnymen and Ocean Colour Scene will all headline The Big Top Tent in Queens Park when Summer Nights on the Southside returns in 2025!
Killswitch Engage
GRAMMY Award-nominated Killswitch Engage have announced a tour of the UK including a night at the O2 Academy Glasgow on October 15th with support from Hatebreed, Fit for an Autopsy & Decapitated!
Girlypop Live
The ultimate pop festival, Girlypop Live, featuring incredible tributes to Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Chappell Roan, Beyonce and Olivia Rodrigo heads to SWG3 Glasgow on Sunday 10th August!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro