The CIPD’s 2025 annual conference in Ireland delivered bright ideas and bold thinking as global experts and local leaders tackled big conversations about the people profession’s role in shaping the future of work
The CIPD's annual conference in Ireland on 15 May 2025 brought together over 500 people professionals, thought leaders and industry experts to address the most pressing challenges facing workplaces today. From artificial intelligence readiness to building trust in times of change, the conference delivered practical insights and strategic guidance to help Ireland's HR community navigate an increasingly complex world of work.
Our conference opened with broadcaster Colette Fitzpatrick and Mary Connaughton, our director for Ireland, unveiling the results of the HR Practices in Ireland 2025 survey.
The research found that readiness for AI is low among many employers in Ireland with scope to improve employee guidance and training as well as organisational leadership. Many are strengthening line manager capability, inclusive practices and implementing domestic abuse policies – particularly since new leave legislation came into effect in 2023. Flexible and remote work continues to be a priority for talent retention.
Professor Peter Cappelli made a compelling case for why human capital needs to be better valued in our accounting and business models. With change everywhere, he urged HR leaders to help senior teams understand the real worth of their people.
The CEO panel – featuring Eamonn Crowley (PTSB), Bernard Gloster (HSE) and Gillian Chamberlain (Capita Experience), and chaired by Professor Gina Quin (NCI) – opened up about leading with transparency and trust in the face of digital disruption and societal change.
Menno Van Doorn challenged assumptions about artificial intelligence and explored the implications of AI for trust in the workplace. Marie Toft led an interactive session on how people felt about AI – with responses ranging from “scared” and “exciting” to “helpful” and “brilliant”. Her advice was simple: embrace AI, or risk falling behind.
We heard from winners of this year’s CIPD HR awards in Ireland. Rosie Leonard and Denise Hayes from DigitalWell shared how they positioned HR as a dynamic system, earning them the top spot in the HR Success in SMEs award category.
An Post’s Eleanor Nash and Gareth McLaughlin presented their transformation journey, winning in both the Strategic Transformation and Change and Learning and Development (Large) award categories.
“Thank you to our speakers, panellists, award winners and all attendees for making this a truly unforgettable day. We look forward to what’s next!”
Our closing panel, chaired by Peter Cheese, CIPD Chief Executive, brought a global view on the HR profession’s evolving impact, with contributions from:
We proudly joined the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and Minister Jack Chambers for the launch of the Civil Service People Standards Framework.
Endorsed by the CIPD and shaped by 350+ HR professionals, this framework is a career development tool for the HR community in the civil service, and defines the core knowledge, core behaviours and specialist knowledge required for HR professionals to be successful in their roles.
We ended the day celebrating International HR Day in true HR style, with music, connection and well-earned ice cream!
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