The Boardroom mindset: How strategic HR Leaders influence decisions

About this event

Part of our senior leaders stream of monthly events for HR leaders delivering strategy for their organisation

Reaching board level requires more than technical expertise or functional leadership experience. Success in the boardroom depends on understanding governance, contributing to enterprise-wide decision-making and influencing outcomes that shape the future of the organisation.

For senior HR and people leaders, stepping into board-level conversations often means shifting from representing a function to thinking and acting as an organisational leader. The ability to balance people, performance, risk, culture and long-term strategy has never been more important.

This one-hour webinar explores what effective board-level leadership looks like in practice. We'll discuss how experienced HR leaders can strengthen their influence, contribute confidently to strategic discussions and navigate the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with operating at board level.

What we'll cover

• Maximising boardroom impact.
• Driving board effectiveness through governance and risk.
• Influencing enterprise decisions beyond HR.
• Constructively challenging and supporting executive teams.
• Building credibility, confidence and impact in boardroom discussions.
• Common mistakes senior leaders make when transitioning to board-level roles and how to avoid them.

What you'll take away

• A clearer understanding of what effective board-level leadership looks like.
• Practical insights into influencing board discussions and organisational strategy.
• Greater confidence in contributing beyond your HR expertise.
• Techniques for balancing challenge, support and governance responsibilities.
• Actions you can take to strengthen your board-level effectiveness and influence.

About the Senior Leaders series

Leading the people agenda has never been more challenging or more important. The Senior Leaders series is designed for experienced HR and people leaders who are shaping strategy, influencing organisational direction and driving business performance.

Exclusively for CIPD members, the series provides access to expert insight, emerging thinking and practical perspectives on the issues that matter most to senior leaders. Through thought-provoking discussions and real-world examples, members can step outside their organisations, challenge their thinking and gain fresh perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession.

As your professional body and career partner, the CIPD is here to support you throughout your leadership journey. Whether you're leading organisational transformation, influencing executive decision-making or preparing for your next career move, the Senior Leaders series provides the insight and support to help you maximise your impact and continue to grow as a leader.

Guest Speakers:

Terri Le Couteur FCG, MSc Governance is a governance specialist with over 30 years’ experience supporting boards, executives and senior HR leaders to strengthen decision‑making, clarify roles and build confident, effective governance practice.

Holding a Master’s degree in Corporate Governance and recognised as a former Company Secretary of the Year, Terri is known for her practical, down‑to‑earth approach to board effectiveness and executive–non‑executive role clarity.

She is the founder of TLC Governance Solutions and works across sectors to help leaders translate their expertise into credible board‑level contribution.

Caroline Stockman

Caroline has 30 years’ experience in senior finance, commercial and strategic roles at organisations including Novartis Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland), Cadbury Schweppes, Granada plc and Unilever/Bestfoods (Thailand, Netherlands and the UK). She was Chief Executive of the Association of Corporate Treasurers from 2017 to 2023, and prior to that she was Chief Financial Officer at both the British Council and Save the Children International.

Having sat on many Boards, Caroline is now pursuing a portfolio non-executive director career. She is currently on the boards of VIVID Housing, Guildhall School Trust and TreasurySpring. She is also an External Member of the Bank of England SONIA Oversight Committee and Chair of the SONIA Stakeholder Advisory Group.

Caroline is a Fellow of the ICAEW, with an ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting. She recently developed practical leadership courses for Durham University, the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship, and FutureLearn, and has run seminars around the world on leadership and strategic influencing, often with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Caroline Osler

Caroline has experience of what it takes to be listened to in a boardroom under pressure. As Chief People Officer for two British Airways subsidiaries she led through start-up, scaling and turnaround, sitting on boards as an executive. She influenced decisions on strategy, reward and risk, not only people, and challenged and supported chief executives and chairs.

Caroline now sits on the other side, as a Non-Executive Director at Great Places Housing Group, Now You're Talking, and as a board member at POWERful Women, and coaches senior executives to build boardroom credibility. Caroline is fascinated by this topic because she believes the shift from leading a function to thinking as an organisational leader and being impactful around the boardroom is one of the hardest transitions there is.

Through her company, Exec Potential, Caroline works as a Fractional Chief People Officer, executive coach and strategic adviser to founders, boards and leadership teams. She helps them build people strategies, strengthen leadership and prepare their organisations for growth, investment or sale. Caroline is a Fellow of the CIPD

Jacqui Jones

Jacqui Jones is Deputy Chief Executive and Director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She has held Director-level roles across NHS Scotland and local government, alongside senior positions within the civil service. With extensive expertise in workforce transformation, organisational change, and strategic people leadership, Jacqui has successfully led complex programmes and policy development involving diverse stakeholders. She is recognised for her ability to navigate major change, influence at the highest levels, and deliver sustainable improvements in organisational performance and workforce outcomes.

Sarah Dewar

Sarah is the Executive Director of People. Digital and Transformation at Everyturn – a national provider of mental health service, having previously worked in senior HR roles in community health services and social housing.

Sarah is passionate about supporting and valuing the workforce, creating opportunities for development, recognition, and empowerment in innovative and responsive ways.

Sarah also serves as Vice Chair of the Board for the arts venue Dance City (together with chairing the finance, governance and people committee), and is a Remuneration Committee Member for Housing Association, Thirteen. She has also been a mentor on the national CIPD Aspiring HR Directors programme.

A huge thanks to the CGI who are supporting this event.

The Chartered Governance Institute is the qualifying and membership body for governance with over 125 years’ experience of educating and supporting governance professionals. With a Royal Charter purpose of leading ‘effective and efficient governance and administration of commerce, industry and public affairs’, we provide professional development, guidance and thought leadership, working with regulators and policy makers to champion high standards.

Our members are recognised and influential professionals who help shape organisational culture and governance practices. They uphold a strong code of conduct and ethics and are committed to continuous professional development, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the governance profession.

Ultimately, we believe that better governance drives better decision-making, and better decision-making creates a better world.

Joining Instructions

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.