HR is embracing a new era of workforce intelligence to redesign work or close critical capability gaps.

About this event

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

  • Introduction to Loates HR
  • Session overview

Why traditional workforce planning isn’t working?

  • Current state of play
  • Global workforce challenges

Discussion: Are we planning for jobs or planning for capabilities?


What workforce intelligence looks like:

  • Strategic Workforce Planning
  • Why skills velocity matters

Scenario stress testing – Workshop Activity

We explore what would happen if? scenarios.


By the end of this session, delegates will be able to:

  • Explain the difference between traditional workforce planning and workforce intelligence.
  • Identify the major workforce trends shaping organisations over the next five years.
  • Understand the principles of Strategic Workforce Planning and how they support organisational growth and resilience.
  • Recognise the importance of skills-based workforce planning and "skills velocity".
  • Use scenario planning techniques to identify future workforce risks.
  • Identify practical actions they can take to improve workforce intelligence within their own organisations.

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.

Other events by this branch

13 Oct
AI and Employment Law

Tue 13 Oct 2026, 09:30-12:00
The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD

Branch event
AI and Employment Law
19 Oct
Employment Law Update

Mon 19 Oct 2026, 09:30-11:30
Meteor Centre Mansfield Road, Derby, DE24 1SY

Branch event
Employment Law Update
Branch event
Ready for 2027? The Employment  Law changes HR professionals need to know
6 Nov
Independents Networking Event

Fri 06 Nov 2026, 10:00-12:00
Park Gardens, Spetchley, WR5 1RS

Branch event
Independents Networking Event
11 Nov
Mediation in the workplace - How to navigate employment disputes in 2027

Wed 11 Nov 2026, 10:00-14:30
995 Doddington Road, Lincoln, LN6 3SE

Branch event
Mediation in the workplace - How to navigate employment disputes in 2027