CIPD chief executive to invite people professionals to help create a shared understanding of the future of work – and our profession’s role in shaping it
At the CIPD’s CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition today, Chief Executive Peter Cheese will invite people professionals to join us in creating a shared understanding of the future of work and our profession’s role in shaping it.
Thousands of people professionals from all around the world will gather in Manchester over the next two days to network, learn and share practical ideas to help them deliver measurable impact for people and organisations. As well as debating the evolving role of the people profession, we’ll be exploring the most pressing issues facing people and organisations – including AI, skills and productivity, leadership through change, employee engagement and the latest in employment legislation.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry – a conference ticket gives you online access to 55+hours of content on demand, available from 7 November 2025 to 6 May 2026.
“A shared commitment to professionalism – at the heart of which is being curious, learning continuously, and recognising codes of practice – will give confidence to those we need to influence.”
In his opening remarks, Peter Cheese will reflect on the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental pressures that are transforming how we work.
He’ll explore what these trends mean for the people professionals who dedicate their careers to ensuring work delivers value for everyone. Acknowledging the reputational challenges our profession faces, he’ll stress the importance of building the confidence, competence and credibility to drive change.
Peter will emphasise how we can better demonstrate our value and impact as a profession, by raising awareness of the principles-led, evidence-based people practices that not only drive business outcomes, but also ensure work lives up to its promise of enriching lives and communities. He’ll reaffirm the CIPD’s commitment to feeding people professionals’ insights and expertise into government consultations on important areas of policy including employment rights, skills development and welfare reform. And he’ll highlight the ways in which we’re supporting members to raise their impact and influence through continuing professional development.
“Looking ahead, how we support responsible adoption of new technologies, shape roles and operating models of the future, and upskill and reskill the workforce will further stretch us all.”
To help people professionals embrace the future with confidence, Peter will also announce that work is underway for a ‘CIPD Future of Work’ series - exploring the trends that are transforming work and the opportunities for our profession to shape them.
Over the coming months, you can expect to see structured research, open calls for insight and opportunities to engage with us through live events and online networks.
Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of how forces such as technology, demographics and sustainability are reshaping the workplace.
And we’ll provide practical guidance and tools to help you drive positive outcomes for people and business.
Conference ticket holders can join us for Peter’s opening remarks live at 9:15 in Manchester Central’s Exchange Hall.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry – a conference ticket gives you online access to 55+hours of content on demand, available from 7 November 2025 to 6 May 2026. Be sure to buy your ticket before 16:00 on 6 November.
You can also hear from Peter at the following sessions:
Remember to visit the CIPD stand at our Annual Conference and Exhibition, to explore how we support you as your trusted career partner and how we can shape the future of the profession together.
We’ll be gathering your views on the future of people practice and how we can best support your ongoing development. Your insights will help us continue creating the tools, resources and opportunities that support you throughout your career, including the CIPD Profession Map.
Our Employer Solutions team will also be showcasing the innovative ways we’re supporting organisations to professionalise their people functions and tackle challenges head-on.
Visitors to the stand will get exclusive offers, including no joining fee for new CIPD Affiliates.
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