About this event
AI, HR strategy and career growth in one hybrid event - reflect, learn and future proof your practice.
This event is hybrid whereby you can join online (via MS Teams) or in-person, please select the appropriate ticket type when registering.
Join us either on campus at the University of Essex or online for our branch annual meeting. Those attending in person there will be plenty of opportunities for networking, informal discussion, and connecting with the local HR community.
Timings
09:30-10:00 - Arrival, registration and networking
A relaxed start to meet colleagues, make new connections, and settle in before the hybrid programme begins.
10:00 - 11:30 - Session 1: Has GenAI gone too far in HR?
Practical boundaries, real risks and employee use in grievances
(Online participants join at 10:00)
Led by employment lawyer Sarah Burke (Knights), this highly practical session explores how Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot are reshaping HR practice - both positively and negatively. With employees increasingly using AI to draft grievances, complaints and formal claims, and organisations using AI to respond, this session examines the ethical, legal and safe use of AI in HR.
Practical takeaways
- How to identify and manage AI-generated grievances
- Maintaining fairness, consistency and sound judgement
- Setting proportionate and realistic boundaries for AI use
- Understanding key legal and ethical risks, including UK GDPR
- Reducing time spent reviewing or correcting AI-generated content
Followed by the CIPD Branch in Essex and Ipswich's annual meeting.
11:45 - 12:45 - Session 2: Plan your HR career
Practical strategies for change, wellbeing and professional growth
A coaching-style, interactive session exploring how people professionals can stay confident, credible and future-focused in a context of constant change - from new legislation and restructures to AI adoption and shifting organisational priorities.
This session supports you to reflect on your own career direction, wellbeing and development needs, and to consider how you and your team can future-proof your practice.
Practical takeaways:
- Prioritising effectively in high-pressure environments
- Building resilience and protecting wellbeing
- Staying credible and confident through change
- Refocusing your career development for the future
- Immediate practical actions to take back into your role
12:45-13:00 - Closing reflections and next steps
(Online meeting will end at 13:00)
13:00-13:45 - Networking lunch (in person only)
- Informal discussions with peers
- Sharing insights and practical experiences
- Opportunities to build your local HR network
Hybrid event - we look forward to welcoming you in person or online.
About the speaker - Sarah Burke Knights
Please note
- Reminder emails (containing the online joining link) will be sent to you one day before the event, with a further reminder on the morning of the event.
- Photography and video production may take place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
- By attending the event, participants are giving their consent for their image to be used in CIPD promotional materials.
- If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place.
- If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
- If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.
