People Consultants Network: Focus on marketing & building sustainability

About this event

Great client work is only part of the challenge. How do you consistently attract, win and retain the right clients?

For many independent people consultants, balancing client delivery with business development can be one of the most difficult aspects of running a successful consultancy. Whether you're newly independent or looking to grow an established practice, finding a steady pipeline of opportunities is critical for long-term success.

In this interactive session, we'll explore practical approaches to marketing your services, building your reputation and winning new clients in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Through discussion, shared experiences and peer learning, you'll hear what's working for fellow consultants and leave with ideas you can apply immediately to your own business.

We'll explore:

• Building a personal brand that attracts the right clients
• Creating a consistent pipeline of new business opportunities
• Using your network, referrals and partnerships effectively
• Developing a marketing approach that feels authentic and sustainable
• Standing out in a crowded consulting market
• Converting conversations into client opportunities
• Building long-term client relationships that drive repeat business

You'll gain:

• Practical ideas to help grow your consulting practice
• Insights from fellow independent consultants
• An opportunity to discuss common business development challenges
• Fresh perspectives on marketing and client acquisition
• New connections within the CIPD People Consultant Network

Whether you're looking to secure your first client, increase your visibility, or take your consultancy to the next level, join us for a practical discussion focused on helping you win more of the work you want to do.

People consultants network

Our People Consultants Network is a dedicated space for CIPD members working independently or within consultancy firms, supporting a variety of client organisations.

Designed for people professionals who aren’t embedded in a single employer, this network brings together consultants delivering strategic or operational expertise across multiple clients. Whether you specialise in OD&D, EDI, reward, wellbeing, employee relations or other areas, this is your community to connect, collaborate and share insight.

Members benefit from opportunities to exchange experiences, explore client challenges, and build trusted professional relationships nationally. The network also provides a platform to contribute to CIPD’s research and policy work, ensuring the voice of consultants helps shape the future of the profession.

If your work supports organisations on a flexible, project-based or advisory basis, joining this network gives you access to a vibrant professional community where you can grow your impact and strengthen the role of consultancy within the wider people profession.

Key Information

Network membership eligibility

Important: These events are exclusively for CIPD members who have successfully joined the relevant People Professional Network. Our network events are designed as member-only spaces where professionals can connect with peers, share experiences and discuss challenges in a trusted environment.

To register for this event, you will need a network member access code.

All approved network members receive this code:

• In their network welcome email.
• In subsequent communications relating to the network.
• In invitations to network events.

You will be asked to enter this code on Eventbrite to access tickets for this session.

If you cannot locate your code, please contact operationsdelivery@cipd.co.uk before registering.

Not yet a network member?

If you are a CIPD member but have not yet joined the network, you'll need to apply before registering for this event.

You can apply to join the network here: networkapplication.co.uk

Once your application has been approved, you'll receive a welcome email containing your network access code, which you'll need to register for future network events.

Please note that event registration cannot be completed without a valid network member access code.

Participating in the session

This is a member discussion session, not a webinar.

Our People Professional Network events are designed to help network members connect, collaborate and learn from one another through active participation and peer-to-peer discussion.

Throughout the session, attendees will participate in breakout room discussions with fellow network members, sharing experiences, challenges, ideas and practical solutions.

To get the most from the session, please come prepared to contribute to conversations and engage with your peers. You do not need to be an expert; the value comes from members learning together.

Joining instructions

You'll receive your joining instructions again before the event, along with a reminder shortly before the session starts.

Guest speakers

Some events may include external speakers. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CIPD.

Participating in the session

We encourage attendees to make the most of the discussion by using the chat, Q&A and other interactive features during the event. We ask that attendees participate directly and do not use AI bots or automated tools during the session as these will be removed.

Joining the event

To help us start on time and ensure a smooth check-in process, please join a few minutes before the scheduled start time. Where possible, use the name you registered with on Eventbrite.

Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Please note:

1. Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder 15 minutes before the session begins.

2. The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.

3. The chat function will be used to engage with participants.

4. If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.

5. If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.