The CIPD has announced a full programme of influential HR leaders and inspirational speakers for its annual Scottish conference, taking place in Edinburgh on 20 March. The action-packed event will focus on building a better future world of work in Scotland, through a more productive, motivated and digitally skilled workforce. 

People managers, HR professionals and employers are invited to attend the one-day event to experience interactive sessions, workshops and talks led by a panel of inspirational guests and CIPD experts. It’s all designed to help you improve your working practices and develop a skilled and inclusive workforce for the future. 

What can visitors expect at the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference? 

Colin MacLachlan, a former SAS soldier and best known for his role in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins, will open the event with a session on developing a resilient mindset. Colin will draw on his own fascinating experiences to help visitors understand how they can drive high-performance cultures, teamwork and communication. 

Other notable celebrity speakers include author Nick Robinson and Scottish comedian, Fern Brady. Fern, who was diagnosed as autistic in 2021, will share how she’s navigated challenges to break down barriers, as well as the importance of being your authentic self in the workplace. 

“The event is a great opportunity for businesses to explore how they can adapt to common challenges such as recruitment, skills and productivity, advances in technology and changes to employment regulation, and create workplaces fit for the future.” 

Peter Cheese, CIPD chief executive

Influential HR leaders from top Scottish organisations will complete the line up, including the City of Edinburgh Council, DC Thomson, City Facilities Management, Registers of Scotland, Scottish Government, and NHS Lanarkshire. They’ll be covering topical subjects that HR and people managers are facing today, such as: 

  • Upskilling for a future-focused workforce: How to combat skills gaps and train and evolve your workforce. 
  • Dealing with conflict at work: Strategies to address conflict and challenging behaviours and combat toxic cultures. 
  • Championing neurodiversity in the workplace: The strengths of neurodiverse employees and how these can increase innovation and productivity.  

Mervyn Dinnen, a talent analyst, author and HR influencer, will also be running an interactive session on successfully using AI in recruitment. 

Check out the full agenda and book your space at the conference.




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    Championing better work and working lives

    At the CIPD, we champion better work and working lives. We help organisations to thrive by focusing on their people, supporting economies and society for the future. We lead debate as the voice for everyone wanting a better world of work. 

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