Influential leaders unite to shape Northern Ireland’s workforce of the future

A range of inspiring leaders have been announced in the speaker line-up for the CIPD Northern Ireland Annual Conference which will focus on how employers can create a more future-ready workforce by bolstering the skills and capabilities of their employees.

Taking place on 8 May 2025 at the ICC Belfast, the opening keynote for the conference, hosted by the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, is Dr Lollie Mancey,  a TV Presenter, Anthropologist and Futurist in Innovation. She will explore how an organisation can identify and address challenges and opportunities for change to create more engaged and inspired teams and boost productivity.

Other influential speakers joining the line-up include senior leaders from top organisations such as Dankse Bank, Hastings Hotels, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Leprino Foods, NI Fire and Rescue, Kainos and Eakin Healthcare.

Together, they will deliver interactive sessions, workshops and master classes in keeping with the conference theme - shaping the capabilities of your workforce to be future-ready - to help people managers, HR professionals and employers future-proof their work force.

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.
• Using AI in your organisation - Explore how you can practically use AI to streamline workflows and improve recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Shaping workplace culture to support wellbeing – Learn how to embed wellbeing into everyday working practices to drive a resilient, motivated, and high-performing workforce.

A panel discussion on redefining work will address workplace trends that can help shape a better future of work for both organisations and their people.  It will be led by Roger Wilson, Chief Executive, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, along with Catherine Shannon, Deputy Secretary at Northern Ireland Civil Service Human Resources and Donal Laverty, Partner – Consulting at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.

Roger Wilson OBE FCIPD - who has served as the Chief Executive of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since its inception in 2014 – commented:

“The pandemic was the catalyst for employers to explore new ways of working and prioritise the wellbeing of workers. But since the pandemic, other significant issues have arisen including the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and skills shortages.

“I’m delighted to be joining the conference to discuss how organisations can embrace change and new approaches to working that can redefine a better future of work, empower their employees and boost productivity.”

CIPD Chief Executive, Peter Cheese, one of the most sought-after speakers on the future world of work will also join the conference as a keynote speaker. His address will focus on how the future of work must be good for all people, as well as business and our wider society.

Peter said: 

 “We are really looking forward to bringing together such a wide range of influential speakers and employers to explore how we can build a more future-ready workforce in Northern Ireland.

“Businesses are facing a range of challenges, including changes to employment rights, and rising employment costs. This event provides a great opportunity for employers to explore how they can adapt for challenges ahead and shape the capabilities of their people to future-proof their workforce.” 

The event will be brought to a close by Neil Mullarkey, author of In the Moment: Build your Confidence, Communication and Creativity at work will consider the ‘improv mindset’ and how this can increase connection, confidence, communication and creativity.
 
The full agenda and tickets to attend the conference – sponsored by nijobfinder - on 8 May at the ICC in Belfast (09:30-16:30) are available to purchase here and at: www.events.cipd.co.uk/northern-ireland-annual-conference. If you're interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities e: northernireland@cipd.co.uk