The 2027 horizon: What senior HR leaders need to prepare for now

About this event

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

Economic uncertainty, evolving legislation, shifting workforce expectations and accelerating technological change are reshaping the landscape facing organisations. As businesses look for sustainable growth, the role of HR leaders has never been more critical.

Join fellow senior people leaders for a forward-looking discussion exploring the trends, risks and opportunities likely to shape the people agenda in 2027 and beyond.

We'll examine the economic, organisational and workforce challenges that are emerging on the horizon, and consider how HR leaders can position their organisations for long-term success through workforce capability, leadership, culture, organisational resilience and strategic people planning.

This session will provide an opportunity to step back from day-to-day priorities and explore what the future may demand of organisations, leaders and the people profession.

We'll explore:

• The economic and business trends expected to influence organisations in 2027
• Emerging legislative and regulatory developments
• Workforce challenges and changing skills requirements
• Leadership priorities in an increasingly complex environment
• Organisational resilience, adaptability and growth
• The evolving role of HR in shaping business success

Further details and speakers will be announced soon.

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 profiles:

Neil Carberry

Chief Executive of the CIPD

Neil Carberry was appointed as Chief Executive of the CIPD in September 2026, after almost 30 years at the crossroads of business and human resources leadership. He was Chief Executive of The Recruitment & Employment Confederation for over eight years, representing the UK’s talent businesses. Neil began his career in recruitment in 1999, before doing a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the London School of Economics and specialising in employment relations. Joining the CBI in 2004, he stayed until 2018, ultimately leading UK domestic policy work for the organisation as Managing Director. Neil is a member of the Advisory Board of the Fair Work Agency, having also spent a decade as a member of the Council of the conciliation service ACAS and two terms as member of the Low Pay Commission. He was appointed an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List of 2025 for services to business and the economy. Neil is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the RSA and a member of the Company of HR Professionals. Neil is also on the board of a Multi-Academy Trust in England and the Professional Services Business Council, part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. He is an RFU-qualified rugby referee and coach and is one of the 8000 co-owners who made Heart of Midlothian the UK’s biggest fan-owned football club.

Tony Elliott

Executive Director of People at Robertson Group

Tony Elliott is Executive Director of People at Robertson Group, a member of the Group Executive and leads the development and implementation of organisational people strategy across one of the UK's largest privately owned infrastructure and construction businesses. Tony and his specialist People teams support a diverse population of almost 3,000 employees.

Tony is a highly respected HR leader with more than 25 years of senior HR experience. An award-winning Chartered Fellow of CIPD, Tony has built a reputation for aligning people strategy with business performance, creating high-performing cultures and leading large-scale organisational change.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, he serves on various Scottish Government working groups, and as an External Lay Member of the University of Glasgow's Court Committees and has held several governance and board roles with the Construction Industry Training Board, a UK government arm’s length body.

Tony is a passionate advocate for the People profession, and the unique business insight that HR professionals can add. He is currently developing how these professionals can demonstrate adding true strategic value by stepping up as leaders on developing capability, organisational productivity, and transformational change not only across his business but the wider profession.

Lisa Pearl

Executive Director - People & Change, CIPD

Lisa is responsible for developing and implementing our People and Change strategy. She has more than 30 years of experience in senior HR roles across multiple sectors and has been a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD since 2017. She has held several senior executive roles, including CHRO for Bestway Healthcare, Group People Director at Anchor, Executive Director of People at AQA, and most recently Group People Director for DFS. Lisa has a strong track record in shaping organisational culture, leading transformational change, and demonstrating the commercial impact of high-performing People functions. Lisa has also served as a Governor at a local high school for the past six years, contributing her expertise to support strategic leadership and positive student outcomes.

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.