About this event
Aimed at aspiring HR, L&D or OD leaders, this event will focus on the leadership competencies needed for success in the people profession.
You are warmly invited to the next session of our Personal Development Special Interest Group.
This group isn’t about technical HR, L&D or OD knowledge and skills – instead it’s all about you. We’ll be focusing on strategies to enhance your growth, your confidence, and your future as a modern people professional.
The group is exclusively for CIPD members living or working in Greater Manchester and in their early- to mid‑career. If this sounds like you and you’re eager to understand yourself better, boost your impact, and build key transferable skills and core behaviours aligned to the CIPD Profession Map, this is the perfect community for you!
What to expect at this session
In this session, we’ll explore one big question: “What is the perfect mix of competencies required by a successful leader in the people profession?”
Is it the drive to innovate and stay ahead of the digital curve… balanced with compassionate leadership in an increasingly technological world?
Or having a bold and strategic vision for the future… paired with the agility to pivot fast in a market that never stops shifting?
Maybe a data‑driven, evidence‑based mindset… paired with deep intuition about human behaviour and organisational culture?
Spoiler alert: there’s no single, universal formula. The “perfect mix” of competencies will always depend on factors like organisational culture and priorities – and your personal style. But our aim is to leave you with a practical HR leadership blueprint — one you can shape to fit your organisation and approach, and use to develop the capabilities needed to lead with confidence and impact.
We’ll be joined by Neal Chamberlain, learning and OD consultant and former HR leader, who works with organisations to strengthen their leadership development approach.
Alongside volunteers from the CIPD Manchester Branch, Neal will unpack the evidence and shine a light on the qualities and skills that help HR leaders stand out — and make a meaningful difference to their people and their organisations.
Speakers bio:
Neal Chamberlain has worked as a learning and OD consultant for the past eleven years, both in an external and internal capacity. Before becoming a consultant, Neal worked at director level in human resource management. He has experience in numerous sectors including higher education, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, R&D, and FMCG.
Neal has also worked as a Non-Executive Director with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and with the Manchester Camerata chamber orchestra.
Neal works with all levels, from individuals, teams, managers, leaders and senior leaders. Neal has worked with the University of Manchester as an internal consultant for eight years, and as an external consultant with AstraZeneca, Costain, and with client organisations for Investors in People.
Neal started his career in HR, culminating in director-level roles. He has worked in many sectors – pharmaceutical, FMCG, civil engineering, chemical manufacture – and with career communities including science and technology, IT, sales and marketing, manufacturing and engineering.
Neal made a career move into learning and OD consultancy, an area towards which he was increasingly motivated. This was achieved firstly through his own consulting business, and later as the lead partner in the L&OD team at the University of Manchester, before returning to independent consultancy.
Joining instructions
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.
Joining instructions
You'll receive your joining instructions again before the event, along with a reminder shortly before the session starts.
Recording
Some sessions may be recorded so that they can be shared with members who are unable to attend live. If a session is being recorded, we'll let you know at the start of the event.
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.
