Resource and Talent Planning /Capability
Past event
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Birmingham
Past event
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Birmingham
HR is embracing a new era of workforce intelligence to redesign work or close critical capability gaps.
Why Traditional Workforce Planning Isn't Working?
Traditional workforce planning focuses on roles, vacancies and headcount. But with skills shortages, AI, demographic change and evolving employee expectations, our session considers why the traditional role of workforce planning no longer works.
Drawing on current research and practical organisational examples, this workshop will equip HR professionals with the knowledge and tools to think differently about talent, capability and workforce strategy.
Join Loates HR consultancy founder Sarah Loates as we explore how forward-thinking organisations are moving beyond annual headcount plans to build agile, skills-based workforce strategies that anticipate future capability needs before they become business-critical problems.
Welcome and Introduction
Why traditional workforce planning isn’t working?
Discussion: Are we planning for jobs or planning for capabilities?
What workforce intelligence looks like:
Scenario stress testing – Workshop Activity
We explore what would happen if? scenarios.
By the end of this session, delegates will be able to:
Network and share experiences with fellow HR professionals facing similar challenges.
Guest speaker's profile: Sarah Loates
Sarah is the Founding Director and HR/Training Consultant at Loates.
A proud alumna of the University of Derby, Sarah’s love affair with HR began during Sarah’s studies. Sarah went on to build a broad range of HR experience, working both internally and externally across a variety of sectors. Sarah’s experience includes advising SMEs as an HR Consultant at Cooper Parry and leading the HR service for a heavily unionised E.ON UK.
After many years of dreaming about running a business, Sarah finally took the leap in 2011, setting up Loates HR Consultancy. Sarah soon realised that many of the issues clients were facing could have been ‘nipped in the bud’ by upskilling managers and boosting their confidence. And so, Loates Management Training was born.
Sarah continues to be an active practitioner in the field, regularly delivering hands-on, strategic HR support and management training. Sarah’s practical experience and passion for developing people remain at the heart of everything Sarah does.
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.
Participating in the session (only if on-line)
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 (only if on-line 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.
Tue 13 Oct 2026, 09:30-12:00
The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD
Mon 19 Oct 2026, 09:30-11:30
Meteor Centre Mansfield Road, Derby, DE24 1SY
Mon 02 Nov 2026, 10:00-12:00
Online
Fri 06 Nov 2026, 10:00-12:00
Park Gardens, Spetchley, WR5 1RS
Wed 11 Nov 2026, 10:00-14:30
995 Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3SE