Agenda

packed with insights from over 250 expert speakers across six specialised topic stages and a main stage, featuring cutting-edge case studies and discussions on the latest trends.

3000+ ATTENDEES

250+ PRESENTERS

6 TOPIC STAGES

MAIN STAGE

Dates:

Wednesday 20 May 2026

08:55 - 09:00

Main Stage

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

The Talent Agenda: Stability, Risk & Workforce Planning

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Charlotte welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s HR and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, she’ll set out what you can expect from the Main Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Charlotte Dahl

7 Seas Culture Consultancy

Managing Director

Charlotte is Managing Director of Woodreed, a consultancy that works with impact across Culture, Change, Communications and Coaching. An accomplished culture and communications consultant, speaker, writer, podcast host and facilitator, Charlotte has a unique view on culture, engagement and internal communications, having spent equal parts of her career in consumer, then employee communications. Having worked for clients spanning every industry sector, she brings the insight and quality from the world of advertising into organisational culture and communication. She is passionate about raising the profile, standards and effectiveness of internal communication and employee experience, believing employees deserve the same care, consideration, and creativity in communication as customers.

09:00 - 09:25

Main Stage

The Talent Agenda and the Trust Imperative: Why the Workplace Matters More Than Ever

Opening Keynote

The Talent Agenda: Stability, Risk & Workforce Planning

As political and social divides continue to widen, Edelman's latest Trust Barometer research reveals a powerful and timely insight: the workplace remains one of the few institutions capable of building trust across difference.

In this exclusive session, Francesca Woodhouse unveils the latest findings from the newly released research, exploring what they mean for today’s talent agenda. From leadership credibility and employee expectations to organisational responsibility in an increasingly polarised world, this keynote will challenge HR and business leaders to rethink the role of work in creating connection and stability.

This is more than a research reveal. It’s a strategic lens on why trust is now central to attracting, retaining and engaging talent - and why organisations that get this right will be better placed to thrive in the years ahead.

Speaker:

Francesca Woodhouse

Edelman

Managing Director - UK Workplace Advisory

Proven communications leader with over 15 years’ experience building and protecting reputations from fast-growth startups to Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies, as well as the public sector, to drive value.

Commercially-astute, I work seamlessly across the US, UK and Europe, speaking four European languages. I build a culture of collaboration with the teams I lead and support. I provide strategic counsel for business leaders and boards to navigate change and deliver clear strategies. My career has seen me work with brands dealing with reputational issues, legislative change, and various crises across banking, defence, FMCG and automotive.

09:50 - 10:20

Main Stage

Building a Workforce Ready for What’s Next

Panel Discussion

The Talent Agenda: Stability, Risk & Workforce Planning

With static hiring, restructures and uneven global talent markets creating ongoing pressure, workforce planning has become one of the most critical elements of the talent agenda. Leaders must manage short-term risk while still preparing for long-term capability.

In this panel, senior leaders will share how they are responding to constrained hiring environments, shifting structures and evolving business priorities. From addressing skills gaps and strengthening succession plans to navigating workforce risk with greater confidence, this session will explore how organisations are building talent strategies that remain steady under pressure yet adaptable for the future.

What you’ll gain:

Insight into responding to static or constrained hiring markets
Practical approaches to managing workforce risk and organisational change
Clearer strategies for closing skills gaps and planning future capability
Real examples of balancing short-term pressures with long-term talent priorities

Speakers:

Dawn Moore

Murphy Group

Group People and Communications Director

Dawn is Group Director of People and Communications for Murphy, overseeing the People and Communications strategy and activities for all of Murphy operations across the UK, Ireland and North America. Dawn has 30 years of professional experience and is also an experienced non-executive director, having held roles in the public, private and third sectors.

Dawn has received numerous awards over the last 5 years for her work on culture change, people strategy, learning and development and diversity and inclusion – work which has made a tangible difference to the organisations she has worked for and which others have learned from. In 2024, Murphy won numerous awards for its People strategy, including the CIPD’s Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and the Investors in People Award for Learning and Development.

Outside of work Dawn enjoys time with her two young daughters and mentoring aspiring executives from a variety of backgrounds to help them achieve their potential.

Mathew James Dutton

Space NK

Chief People Officer

Mathew Dutton is the Chief People Officer at Space NK. After supporting Space NK through their high-profile acquisition by US powerhouse Ulta Beauty in 2025, Mathew was appointed to a permanent executive role in 2026 and is responsible for leading the People and Culture Strategy for the business during its sustained high growth across the UK and IRE. Mathew has extensive experience as a HR practitioner in PE backed high growth consumer businesses (retail and tech), spending a number of years with Charlotte Tilbury Beauty during its rapid global expansion and majority stake acquisition by Puig, a multi-brand international retail portfolio holder. He has also worked with other brands such as Stella McCartney, Superdrug and Gumtree & Motors/Cazoo.

Since joining Space NK in early 2025, Mathew has developed a new scalable people agenda to support commercial aims, growth and performance, with a targeted investment on people growth and development, people technology and employee experience.

Kaylee Darkins

AXA XL

Chief Human Resources Officer, UK & Lloyds

An accomplished HR leader with a proven track record in driving business results through people strategies. Has gained extensive experience in multiple sectors and large global, matrix organisations. With a proven ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives to drive growth, enhance employee engagement, and foster a high-performance culture in complex and fast-paced environments. Adept at leading transformative organisational changes and developing global talent strategies.

Has a deep understanding of HR practices, including; talent management, organisational design and effectiveness, HR technology integration, leadership development, business and cultural transformation. Known for driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while championing employee wellness and career development across diverse geographies.

A trusted advisor to the CEO, Leadership team and the Board. A member of the global HR Leadership team, and multiple executive committees, including the UK executive committee and the governance committee.

A results orientated, strategic thinker, with the ability to flex into operational focus. Has strong interpersonal skills, high self-awareness, and the ability to motivate and influence teams. Adaptable to the ever-changing business landscape, ensuring the organisation's human resources are positioned to drive success.

10:20 - 11:00

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Step away from the Main Stage and make the most of our exhibition space.

This break is your opportunity to engage with sponsors, explore new tools and services, and exchange insights with fellow attendees. Whether you’re looking for solutions, inspiration or new connections, the exhibition floor is where conversations come to life.

Top Tip: Use the Event App to pre-book meetings with those partners and peers that matter most.

11:00 - 11:25

Main Stage

Scaling AI Capability Across 67,000 Colleagues: In Conversation with Stuart Martin, Human Resources Director: Business & Commercial Banking, Lloyds Banking Group

Interview

Connection in Complex Workplaces

As AI continues to reshape how organisations operate, the challenge for leaders is ensuring technology drives capability and connection - not confusion - especially in complex, large-scale environments.

In this interview, Stuart will share how Lloyds Banking Group has approached embedding AI capability across 67,000 colleagues through its AI Academy. The discussion will explore how the initiative was designed, how engagement was built at scale, and what it takes to bring people with you through digital transformation.

Expect practical insight into aligning technology with people strategy, building confidence in new tools, and creating meaningful adoption across a large and diverse workforce.

Speaker:

Stuart Martin

Lloyds Banking Group

Human Resources Director: Business and Commercial Banking

An international expert in Cloud enabled Business Transformation, Agile Organisation Strategy, Digital HR, Shared Services and Operations and leveraging GEN AI enabled HR solutions.

With extensive experience in the successful deployment of large scale business transformation programmes, based on SuccessFactors, Workday and Salesforce.com I have lived and worked in the UK, South Africa, India, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey and Poland. My areas of focus include the integration of AI and automation in the workforce, HR Op models enabling GenAI and employee experience.

11:50 - 12:20

Main Stage

Beyond the Town Hall – Building Real Connection Across Dispersed Workforces

Panel Discussion

Connection in Complex Workplaces

Building genuine connection across hybrid teams and dispersed workforces is increasingly complex. Leaders must navigate information overload, operational pressure and shifting priorities - while ensuring communication remains clear, human and trust-building.

This panel will explore how organisations are making connection land at scale, including within frontline environments where access, time and context look very different. From strengthening leadership visibility to aligning messaging across diverse teams, panellists will share practical approaches to cutting through noise and embedding meaningful engagement across the whole workforce.

What you’ll gain:

Insight into driving connection across hybrid and disperssed teams
Practical strategies for keeping communication clear, consistent and relevant
Real examples of engagement approaches that work across complex operating models

Speakers:

Jane Garnsey

Skipton Building Society

People Chief Operating Officer

With a career spanning more than 20 years and centred entirely on people, I’m as energetic and passionate now as I was on day one. Achieving my first HR Director role in 2014 for a 800- employee business unit gave me experience of truly partnering with the senior leadership team at a strategic level, taking time to understand the commercial objectives of the business and the people strategy associated to deliver these.

Since then, I have adopted roles that have a Group focus (2000 employees), partnering with the CEO and Executive team to troubleshoot strategic people requirements to achieve commercial success – evidenced in multi-million-pound cost savings. I utilise my innate flair for effectively building strong personal relationships at this level to achieve these strong results.

I have significant experience and success in overseeing end-to-end change projects across all aspects of the employee lifecycle and at times of significant business change.

As a qualified coach, I adopt a coaching approach to leadership, thriving on galvanising teams and individuals to deliver commercially, whilst achieving their full potential personally.

Nicola Marshall

Welcome Break

People Director

People Director at Welcome Break and member of the Applegreen Senior Leadership Team, Nicola has forged an award-winning career in People Development and HR spanning two decades – bringing her expertise to the UK’s leading hospitality organisations in senior leadership roles across Whitbread, Greene King, and Travelodge.

Nicola currently leads the global People functions across Welcome Break in the UK, ROI, and US – meticulously crafting the People strategy and vision to deliver impactful results that support over 6,000 team members. As Chair of the Welcome Break Charitable Fund, Nicola’s direction helped raise £1 million in 2024 to support its charity partners and local communities.

At home, Nicola leads the charge as a dedicated mum to Harriett (16) and Cockapoo Woody, and wife to Pete. She’s often found running, cycling, or swimming, and loves to challenge herself with athletic events – enjoying some well-deserved cake and prosecco as a reward!

12:20 - 12:40

Main Stage

The HR Reality Check – What’s Really Keeping Leaders Awake at Night?

Q&A

An open and candid conversation designed for senior HR and engagement leaders navigating complex and fast-moving environments.

This interactive session invites you to bring your biggest strategic challenges to the room - from workforce risk and AI adoption to leadership credibility, performance pressure and sustaining culture in hybrid organisations.

Through live poll questions, we’ll surface the issues resonating most strongly across the audience before opening the floor for direct interaction and discussion. Rather than a traditional panel, this is a dynamic exchange shaped by your questions, priorities and perspectives.

Expect honest reflection, shared experience and practical insight grounded in today’s organisational realities.

Speaker:

Charlotte Dahl

7 Seas Culture Consultancy

Managing Director

12:40 - 14:00

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

14:00 - 14:25

Main Stage

Beyond Policy: How Culture Really Shows up for Women: In Conversation with: Carly Stanley, Chief People Officer at JCDecaux

Interview

Wellbeing & a Human-Centred Approach

What does it really look like when an organisation backs women with more than words and policies? In this session, Carly Stanley, Chief People Officer, shares her personal story of being promoted to the C suite while on maternity leave - and what it revealed about culture, leadership and trust.

She will unpack the concrete cultural practices, leadership behaviours and people processes that made this possible, and contrast them with the subtle barriers that typically stall women’s careers at key life stages. Expect a candid, practical conversation about designing cultures where women don’t have to choose between progression and parenthood.

Speaker:

Carly Stanley

JCDecaux

Chief People Officer

Carly is the Chief People Officer at JCDecaux UK Ltd, leading the company's people strategy, culture, and talent agenda. Since joining JCDecaux UK Ltd in 2017 as Head of People - Business Partnering and Operations, she has rapidly ascended through the ranks, becoming People Director within a year and now holding the Chief People Officer role. A relentless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and a thriving workplace culture, Carly is driven by a deep commitment to empowering colleagues. She champions bold strategies that elevate employee engagement, well-being, and professional growth, ensuring that people remain at the heart of the company's success.

14:50 - 15:20

Main Stage

Performance Without Burnout: Building Sustainable, Human-Centred Leadership

Panel Discussion

Wellbeing & a Human-Centred Approach

Sustained pace and high expectations mean senior teams must think differently about how performance and wellbeing coexist. This panel will explore how organisations are preventing burnout, strengthening manager capability and embedding inclusion and belonging into everyday leadership practice.

Expect a practical and commercially grounded discussion on building environments where people can perform at their best without compromising wellbeing.

What you’ll gain:

Practical approaches to supporting wellbeing while maintaining performance
Stronger manager capability and confidence
Clearer links between wellbeing, inclusion and belonging
Real examples of people-centred leadership in action

Speakers:

Lowri Williams FCIPD

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Chief People Officer

A Chief People and Culture Officer of 25 years, Lowri joined Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2024 to lead the University’s change and progression programme. In what continues to be difficult and challenging times for the Sector, at the heart of all endeavours is her continued commitment, alongside Executive Group colleagues, to ensure that the Cardiff Met community - staff and students – progresses a culture of high performance and an active voice, in stewardship of its future. An accomplished, result-driven leader, Lowri has held a number of Chief Officer, Director and transformation roles to good effect across all areas of the public sector, most recently within Senedd Cymru (the Welsh Parliament), and the NHS in England. Always inquisitive, and as a mother of two, Lowri augments her executive roles with a series of non-executive and trustee positions, mainly with charity organisations focussed on advancing the education of young people. A fluent Welsh-speaker, Lowri loves the business of business, is enthusiastic about people, her profession and all its touchpoints, and likes nothing more than the co-creation of a bright idea.

Annisha Taylor

Ofcom

Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Annisha is a pioneering culture and change strategist with a career spanning 15+ years across the public, private and voluntary sectors. She brings a wealth of experience in embedding equity and fairness into large, complex organisations. With leadership roles at the BBC, Ofcom, and the John Lewis Partnership, she helps shape inclusive behaviours and systems that work across media, regulatory, retail and community spaces.

Annisha’s approach is grounded in collaboration, accountability and real-world impact. Whether supporting teams, advising boards, or working with grassroots organisations, she helps businesses move beyond statements and into sustainable, sector-wide change. Outside of her professional roles, Annisha is a dedicated community leader, trustee and advocate for inclusive education, culture and business.

15:20- 15:45

Main Stage

Leading with Purpose: Culture, Inclusion and the Role of Modern Leadership: In Conversation with: Joyce Idoniboye, Chief People Officer, Oxfam

Interview

Wellbeing & a Human-Centred Approach

Leadership today demands more than operational oversight - it requires clarity of purpose, cultural stewardship and a genuine commitment to inclusion.

In this conversation, Joyce will explore her perspective on modern leadership, the realities of shaping organisational culture and the responsibility senior leaders carry in creating inclusive environments where people feel they belong. The discussion will provide space for thoughtful reflection on values-led leadership and the behaviours that shape culture over time.

Speaker:

Joyce Idoniboye

Oxfam

Chief People Officer

Joyce Idoniboye is a seasoned HR professional with a diverse industry background in the field. She has held leadership roles in a variety of organisations including Oxfam where she is currently Chief People Officer, DDB part of the Omnicom Group, CBRE, HarperCollins Publishers, Pearson International, News UK, and Charles Russell LLP. In these roles, Joyce has been responsible for driving the people and culture agenda, employee engagement, talent management and organisational design and development.

Outside of work Joyce enjoys time spent with friends and family, travel, keeping fit especially Spin, watching basketball and roller skating.

15:45 - 16:05

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

16:05 - 16:30

Main Stage

KFC UK & Ireland Case Study: Making Employer Brand Real: How KFC Built an EVP Framework Teams Actually Feel

Case Study

Talent & Culture & Employee Expectations

Employer brand only drives engagement when it moves off the slide deck and into daily experience. In this session, Sam Westwood shares how KFC UK&I built For Real Ones not as a marketing campaign, but as a practical framework that shapes how teams are hired, led, developed and recognised. You’ll hear how anchoring EVP in authenticity, potential and community has created consistency across leadership behaviours, people programmes and frontline moments, and why this has translated into stronger engagement, pride and progression at scale. Expect honest lessons on what it really takes to make employer brand stick, and how to turn EVP intent into impact that teams can actually feel.

Speaker:

Sam Westwood

KFC UK & Ireland

People Experience Director

Sam is People Experience Director for KFC UK & Ireland, taking responsibility for the experience of their 38,000 employees and directly leading on areas such as Learning & Development, Internal Comms, Engagement, Reward, Wellbeing and Employer Brand. Sam has 20 years’ experience in the People space and holds both a BA and an MA in Human Resource Management. Throughout his career, Sam has worked for a number of large brands within the retail and hospitality industries including McDonald’s, Topshop Topman, Whitbread and The White Company. His passion centres on optimising employee experience to drive engagement and business performance.

16:30 - 16:55

Main Stage

Clarity Environmental Case Study: Inside an Award-Winning Culture: How Clarity Environmental Became a Great Place to Work

Case Study

Talent & Culture & Employee Expectations

Winning the top Great Place to Work award at the Engage Awards is no small achievement — especially in a climate where employee expectations continue to rise.

In this case study, Natalie shares the real story behind Clarity Environmental’s cultural journey. From leadership mindset and values alignment to everyday behaviours and accountability, she’ll unpack what genuinely made the difference.

This session goes beyond surface-level culture initiatives. It’s an honest look at the choices, standards and leadership commitment required to build a workplace where people feel proud to work - and choose to stay.

Speaker:

Natalie Rea

Clarity Environmental

Chief Executive Officer

Natalie is CEO of Clarity Environmental, a well established and rapidly growing business providing award winning customer service. Named in the FEBE growth 100 list 2 years in a row, an annual ranking highlighting the 100 fastest growing founder led and privately owned businesses in the UK, Clarity Environmental celebrates an enviable 99.6% customer retention within a highly competitive sector. The Clarity team are proud winners of one of the most highly entered and prestigious award categories, securing the award for The Best Customer Service Team at the Engage Awards 2024.

Natalie brings her wealth of experience in leadership, customer engagement and employee engagement to share the fundamental and futuristic principles of transforming past approaches to customer engagement into meaningful, purposeful and pioneering solutions.

Learn from the Clarity journey and how revolutionary talent development shapes market leading customer engagement.

16:55 - 17:25

Main Stage

Building a Culture That Delivers: From Intent to Impact

Panel Discussion

Talent & Culture & Employee Expectations

As employee expectations continue to evolve, organisations must move beyond aspiration and ensure their culture is actively shaped by behaviour, leadership and everyday experience.

This panel will explore what it takes to build a culture that delivers real impact - from aligning leadership actions with stated values to embedding accountability across teams and translating strategy into lived experience. Panellists will share practical examples of how they are responding to rising expectations around development, flexibility, inclusion and transparency while keeping performance and purpose connected.

We'll discuss:

Practical approaches to turning cultural intent into tangible action
Insight into aligning leadership behaviour with organisational values
Real examples of embedding culture into operations and performance
Perspective on making culture a collective responsibility

Speaker:

Charlotte Grant

Samsung Electronics UK Ltd

Head of People Experience DEIB

Engagement & Inclusion for Europe - Passionate about LIFE - and all it has to offer. Working with HR Business Partners, Talent Managers & Acquisition teams, ED&I specialists and other extraordinary people across the region at Samsung, to help drive positive change, push for equality and ensure everyone has the same rights, opportunities and WORK-LIFE experience.

Founding member of Samsung's Global D&I Task Force
Founding member of #changetheface
Ally to - #women@samsung #trueability@samsung #blackprofessionals@samsung
10 years experience in Engagement and Inclusion, following a career in television & film - in varying roles.

17:25 - 17:30

Main Stage

Closing Remarks

Wellbeing & a Human-Centred Approach

Speaker:

Charlotte Dahl

7 Seas Culture Consultancy

Managing Director

17:30

Main Stage

Summit After-Party at The Engage Inn

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Values & Employee Voice

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Nick welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s HR and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, he’ll set out what you can expect from the Organisational Culture & HR Leadership Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Nick Brice

Soul Corporations

CEO

I help leaders and teams unlock their potential by transforming communication, developing soulful leadership, and driving measurable organisational success. As the CEO of Soul Corporations and White Room Theatre/Bite-Size Plays™, I create innovative, engaging programmes and coaching with my Soul Corporations' associates that inspire individuals to thrive in today’s dynamic, AI-powered world.

With a certification in Neuroscience in Business Leadership from MIT Sloan School of Management and a background in psychology, theatre, and TV production, I bring a unique blend of science, creativity, and practicality to my work. My approach combines cutting-edge insights with real-world applications, delivering lasting behavioural change for leaders and teams.

09:00 - 09:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Designing Work for Real Lives: Building Cultures Where People Flourish

Opening Keynote

Values & Employee Voice

As expectations of work continue to shift, organisations can no longer rely on policies that look good on paper but fail real people in real life. In this opening keynote, Jane will explore what it actually takes to build a workplace culture where everyone can thrive – from working parents and carers to every employee navigating complex lives. She will share a CEO’s view on why family‑friendly, inclusive practices are now central to culture, reputation and performance, and set the challenge for HR leaders for the year ahead.

Speaker:

Jane van Zyl

Working Families

CEO

Jane joined Working Families as CEO in September 2018. She has held senior leadership positions at a number of UK charities, including Samaritans and Sands. She believes in the value of a fulfilling, balanced working life and its transformative power to create social connections, build self-esteem, and impact the wider community. She is a passionate advocate of equity of opportunity for all.

She spent her childhood in the UK (Norfolk) and South Africa (Cape Town & Johannesburg) and is a University of Cape Town graduate (Industrial Sociology and Industrial Psychology).

09:50 - 10:20

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Living Your Values & Turning Employee Voice into Everyday Culture

Panel Discussion

Values & Employee Voice

Many organisations have well-crafted values on the wall, but employees’ day‑to‑day experiences tell a different story. This panel brings together leaders who are working to close that gap by treating employee voice as a strategic asset, not a survey result. They will explore how to listen in smarter ways, respond with transparency, and ensure that values are visible in decisions, behaviours and leadership accountability.

What to expect:

Practical examples of how organisations are turning employee feedback into concrete culture and policy changes.
Honest lessons on where values and reality have clashed – and how leaders responded.
Ideas for strengthening employee voice mechanisms beyond the annual survey, including continuous listening and two‑way dialogue.
Strategies to ensure values are consistently role‑modelled by leaders and understood at every level of the organisation.

Speakers:

Shane Ashby-Roche

The White Company

Head of Organisational Development & Culture

Shane is Head of Org Development and Culture for The White Company, taking responsibility for shaping company culture and driving performance through leading the Learning and Development and Communication and Engagement teams. In 2024 Shane and the team were recognised as the ‘People Development Team of The Year’ at the Retail Bulletin’s People in Retail Awards, recognising their dedication to nurturing talent and leadership. A qualified Executive Coach, Shane specialises in Leadership Development, People Strategy, and Project Management. His focuses include illustrating how strong leaders are integral to shaping business direction, championing leadership development and succession planning with a core focus on individuals ‘Leadership Shadow’ and promoting inclusive and diverse cultures, through adopting a ‘Purpose First’ philosophy.

Caroline Abercrombie

proSapient

Chief People Officer

Caroline has 20+ years of People & Talent experience working for various international businesses both large and small.

Today, she specialises in building high-performance environments in rapid growth, tech-enabled scale-ups.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Caroline is passionate about innovation, creativity and people-first company cultures.

In 2024, she joined proSapient, a digital expert network that's revolutionizing the industry through their cutting-edge AI technology. As part of the Executive Team, she works directly with the CEO to drive success through exceptional people strategies.

10:20 - 11:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

11:00 - 11:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

HM Revenue & Customs Case Study: Making Employee Experience ‘How We Do Things Here'

Case Study

Culture, Trust & Engagement in Real Time

HMRC embarked on an insight-led approach to how it delivers HR in 2020, with the acquisition of an employee experience platform central to how we capture insight from nearly 70,000 colleagues. This has begun to transform how HMRC drives change that really impacts our colleagues, utilising moments that matter and regular pulse surveys to capture numerous data points to identify how we improve employee experience. This is not done in a vacuum either, as the link to productivity and effectiveness of our colleagues is a driving force in why employee experience matters, especially as we recruit significant volumes of new colleagues and look to make them as engaged and contributing as soon as possible. This session will highlight the steps taken by HMRC to drive employee experience throughout the organisation, explaining how this has led to the People Analytics & Insight directorate being identified as a top quartile performer globally in its vision and execution of employee experience.

Speaker:

Ian Wallis

HM Revenue & Customs

People Analytics & Insight Director

Ian Wallis joined HMRC six years ago to create the People Analytics & Insight directorate. Having worked in data and analytics for his entire career across 20 organisations in both the private and public sector, Ian has extensive experience in how to deliver value and deliver transformation through the effective use of data to solve business problems. Leading an insight-led approach to employee experience, Ian has driven a shift in HMRC from a focus on employee engagement to track moments that matter and key drivers of change.

Ian started his career in marketing analytics and brings many of the concepts of marketing to his work, including data storytelling, building information capability and focusing on the goal to ensure that analytics is delivering optimal value. Having worked in analytics functions in a dozen industry sectors, Ian is also aware of the impact of culture and the importance to drive change holistically within the organisation for colleagues to be able to see the shift in focus and drive to become more responsive to employee feedback. Using an employee framework of listen-learn-act-communicate, Ian is enabling HMRC to ensure it closes the loop on identifying the key areas for focus but also to drive through to be seen to act and communicate to deliver employee-led change.

11:50 - 12:20

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Using Data to Drive Culture & Leadership

Panel Discussion

Culture, Trust & Engagement in Real Time

This panel explores how organisations are moving beyond annual surveys to use real-time data, listening and insight to understand trust, engagement and cultural health - and how leaders are turning that intelligence into sharper decisions, stronger performance and improved retention. Our panellists will share how they combine qualitative stories with quantitative metrics, what they track (and what they ignore), and how they communicate insight in a way that inspires action rather than defensiveness.

What to expect:

Real examples of how data on trust, engagement and culture is shaping leadership decisions and investment.
Insight into the tools and listening approaches organisations are using beyond the annual engagement survey.
Practical ideas for combining data with narrative so colleagues feel seen as people, not just numbers.
Advice on using culture and engagement data responsibly, including transparency, privacy and building confidence in the process.

Speakers:

Janina Norton

AXA

Global Head of Culture

Janina Norton is the Global Head of Culture at AXA, where she leads the strategy for organisational culture, employee experience, hybrid working, and global employee listening. With extensive HR leadership experience across financial services, mining, arts and film, and water management services, Janina focuses on building purpose-driven, high-performance cultures that enable people to thrive. She brings a practical, evidence-based approach, helping organisations connect culture with business outcomes.

Amber Panting

Wolf & Badger

Head of People

Amber is a people-centric leader passionate about attracting, growing, and retaining high-performing teams that help businesses scale. She is Head of People at Wolf & Badger, a fast-paced, mission-driven business connecting conscious consumers with 2,000 independent fashion and lifestyle brands through its online marketplace and flagship stores. Amber partners closely with senior leaders to ensure the company’s values and B Corp commitments are reflected across all people practices, relationships, and processes. With a proven track record of driving engagement and performance, she is dedicated to building workplaces that enable every team member to thrive.

12:20 - 13:40

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

13:40 - 14:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Interactive Q&A: Who Owns Engagement?

Q&A

This interactive Q&A and live debate will tackle a deceptively simple question at the heart of the summit: who really owns engagement? HR may design frameworks and programmes, but day‑to‑day experience is shaped by line managers, senior leaders and colleagues – and increasingly by how work itself is designed. In this session, we will surface different positions on ownership, from “HR as architect and custodian” to “leaders and managers first” to “shared, distributed responsibility”, and explore what each stance means in practice for culture, accountability and results. Expect a fast‑paced conversation that tests assumptions, invites audience challenges and aims to leave you with a clearer, bolder view on who should own engagement in your organisation – and what needs to change to make that real.

Speaker:

Nick Brice

Soul Corporations

CEO

14:00 - 14:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Culture, Confidence and Change in Retail HR: In Conversation with Maxine Granville, Head of HR UK & Ireland at KIKO MILANO

Interview

Leading Through Change, Uncertainty & Transformation

In an environment of economic uncertainty, shifting customer expectations and ongoing transformation, HR is being asked to provide both stability and momentum. In this interview, Maxine, will share how she’s leading people through continuous change while protecting culture, performance and wellbeing. Expect practical insight on balancing head office decisions with frontline reality, supporting managers through ambiguity, and keeping employees focused on opportunity rather than fear when the future isn’t fully clear.

Speaker:

Maxine Granville

KIKO MILANO

Head of HR UK & Ireland

Experienced Head of HR with a demonstrated history of working in the retail, e-commerce and manufacturing industry.

14:50 - 15:20

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

From Turbulence to Traction: HR Leadership in Times of Change

Panel Discussion

Leading Through Change, Uncertainty & Transformation

Change used to be a project; now it is the backdrop to everyday work. In this panel, our experts will explore what it really takes to lead through ongoing uncertainty and transformation while keeping employees informed, confident and engaged. They will discuss how they balance difficult messages with honesty and hope, how they equip managers to support teams through ambiguity, and how they sustain culture and performance when the goalposts keep moving.

What to expect:

Real‑world examples of how leaders are communicating and role‑modelling through prolonged change and uncertainty.
Practical ideas for supporting managers who are under pressure to “make it make sense” for their teams.
Approaches to maintaining trust, culture and engagement when transformation is continuous rather than one‑off.
Honest reflections on missteps, surprises and the lessons leaders have learned about people during change.

Speakers:

Deniz Aydin Wober

Sony Electronics

Strategic HR Business Partner Europe

Deniz is a Senior HR Business Partner at Sony Electronics Europe, working closely with senior leaders to align people strategy with business priorities across European markets. With 17 years of international HR experience, she has supported organizational transformations, workforce planning initiatives, and leadership development in complex, fast changing environments.

She believes in practical, business focused HR that creates clarity during change and supports both performance and people.

Deniz values authentic leadership and building teams where individuals feel trusted, supported, and empowered to grow.

Natalie Rea

Clarity Environmental

Chief Executive Officer

15:45 - 16:05

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

16:05 - 16:30

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Santander Bank Case Study: Total Experience - When Employee Experience Drives Customer Satisfaction

Case Study

Why People are the Engine of Culture

Total Experience (TX) is a comprehensive business strategy and big global trend. This approach means successful management of three interdependent experience areas in one systemic way: customer experience, employee experience and potential customer experience.

The case study will present – with a strong focus on the people & culture dimension – a multi year journey of designing and implementing TX direction, along with the key insights that helped us build one of the strongest EX models in the country as well as one of the most recommended banks in Poland.

Speaker:

Łukasz Peliksza

Santander Bank Poland

Chief Employee Experience Officer

Łukasz serves as Chief Employee Experience Officer at Santander Bank Poland, where he co-leads the organization’s Total Experience strategy – connecting EX-, CX-, brand- experience and organizational transformation. With extensive international experience he has driven large-scale transformations & change programs across over 25 global markets, covering HR strategies, experience management, new operating models, culture & digital transformations.

Łukasz specializes in building EX/CX strategies, designing end to end solutions, and accelerating innovations across financial sector.

A certified PROSCI Change Manager. He is also a coach and mentor supporting young talent and international innovation programs.

16:30 - 16:55

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Diversity By Design Case Study: Diversity is about impact not lanyards

Case Study

Why People are the Engine of Culture

Diversity and inclusion are nothing without a purpose. They are not something that we do, but the way we do something. We don’t need a business case for diversity; we need a diversity case for business. Investing in diversity and inclusion is about investing in talent. It’s a way of increasing fairness and opportunity.

And yet, it has become divisive. For too many colleagues, “EDI” has either the damaged brand of lanyards, Pride, and perceived unfairness through positive discrimination on the basis of identity, or for others, it has become a sacrament, imbuing the fight against oppression with an unchallengeable nobility – “the right thing to do.”

In this session, Simon will provide you with practical ways to root your diversity work in your organisation’s purpose, so that you avoid that divisiveness and maximise its impact on performance and collaboration.

Speaker:

Simon Fanshawe OBE

Diversity By Design

Co-Founder

Simon Fanshawe OBE is one of the UK's most respected voices on diversity, inclusion and organisational change. He co-founded Diversity by Design who support organisations to create ‘a diversity case for their business’ with clarity, confidence and change.

He hosts the top ten business podcast Fearless Diversity with Rachel Cashman.

In 1989, Simon was one of six co-founders of Stonewall, the equality campaign that helped shape the legal journey towards equal marriage. His 2021 book The Power of Difference was named the Chartered Institute of Management's Book of the Year in 2023, and HR Magazine inducted him into their Hall of Fame that same year. His 2024 report Flying Flags and Ticking Boxes. What Went Wrong With EDI. And How Leaders Can Fix It offers an examination of where EDI has stalled and what genuine progress requires.

He currently serves as Rector of the University of Edinburgh, Chairman of Hexagon Housing Association and on the Board of Powerful Women. He holds an OBE for services to Higher Education and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sussex for services to diversity and human rights.

16:55 - 17:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Culture Powered by Everyday Behaviour

Panel Discussion

Why People are the Engine of Culture

Many organisations invest in frameworks, values statements and culture programmes – but it’s the everyday choices of leaders and managers that people actually feel. This panel explores why culture is ultimately shaped by behaviours on the ground rather than slides or slogans. Panellists will discuss how the capability, confidence and consistency of HR and people managers directly influence engagement, trust and performance, and what organisations are doing to build this capability at scale.

What to expect:

Lived examples of how managers’ day‑to‑day behaviour has strengthened or undermined the culture leaders wanted.
Practical approaches to building people-manager capability and confidence at scale, not just in pockets.
Ideas for aligning HR processes (hiring, performance, development) with the culture you’re trying to create.
Honest reflections on where frameworks and values statements fell short – and how behaviour change closed the gap.

Speakers:

Tanu Anand

Medivet

Colleague Experience and Engagement Lead

Tanu Anand is an internal communications and employee engagement leader with over 17 years of global experience designing communication strategies that sticks, especially when organisations are growing and changing fast. She is currently Colleague Experience and Engagement Lead at Medivet, a role she stepped into after several years embedded in the organisation as a consultant. Her work focuses on introducing business partnering models for a predominantly frontline workforce, evolving communication channels, and creating structures that support colleagues through large-scale transformation across a 4,000-strong organisation. Previously, Tanu led global communications at The&Partnership, where she built the agency’s first integrated communications strategy and led PR and digital communications, strengthening leadership visibility and driving measurable engagement growth. Earlier in her career at Save the Children International, she helped launch large-scale global campaigns across 90+ countries and supported major international advocacy moments, including UN summits, contributing to global efforts to advance child rights. Her earlier roles at Which?, Infosys and Oracle laid the foundations of her approach - combining impactful employee engagement tactics, large-scale workforce communications, strong stakeholder management and a willingness to experiment with storytelling to drive results. She is also the founder of Star Storycrafters, a consultancy helping organisations simplify complexity and communicate with clarity. Tanu is known for her people-first approach, practical storytelling and ability to turn strategy into action.

Chris Lincoln

Vagabond

People Director

I’m a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and experienced People Director with over 15 years leading culture, transformation and workforce strategy across fast-growth and complex organisations. I care deeply about building environments where people can do their best work and where culture is felt in the everyday experience, not just described in values statements. In recent roles I’ve led significant engagement and retention improvements, while supporting large-scale growth and organisational change. I’ve also been fortunate to contribute to community impact initiatives, including programmes that helped over 2,000 people into sustainable employment. I’m motivated by purpose-led leadership, high standards delivered with humanity, and ensuring that as organisations scale, they do so without losing their integrity or heart.

17:25 - 17:30

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Closing Remarks

Why People are the Engine of Culture

Speaker:

Nick Brice

Soul Corporations

CEO

17:30

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Mental Health, Resilience & Sustainable Work–Life Balance

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Chrissie welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s HR and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, she’ll set out what you can expect from the Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Christina Lewis

Herizon

Trainer, Speaker and Coach

Chrissie is an inclusivity and retention trainer, speaker and career coach. Chrissie has a decade of experience leading teams in fast-growth start-ups, including as an early-stage team member at Deliveroo and heading up Global Operations at Bolt. Passionate about Gender Equity and people-orientated leadership, Chrissie previously led the Gender Equity efforts at Deliveroo, spearheading the first woman-focused mentoring scheme, as well as introducing Accelerate, Deliveroo's programme for high-potential women. Chrissie was recently featured as a 'Women to Watch' in Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure by WIHTL.

09:00 - 09:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

The Brain Was Designed for a World That No Longer Exists

Opening Keynote

Mental Health, Resilience & Sustainable Work–Life Balance

Our brains evolved for threat, tribe and survival – not for notifications, back‑to‑back meetings and always‑on work. In this provocative opening keynote, Sean will explore the growing gap between how human brains are wired and how modern workplaces operate, and what that means for wellbeing, inclusion and performance. Drawing on neuroscience and real organisational experience, the session will unpack why so many “resilience” efforts miss the point, and what needs to change in how we design work, leadership and culture if we want people to think clearly, feel safe and truly thrive at scale.

You’ll gain:

A fresh, science‑based perspective on why current ways of working are burning people out
Insight into how HSBC is rethinking wellbeing and inclusion through the lens of how the brain actually functions
Practical ideas to take back into your own organisation to better align workload, expectations and environments with human limits and strengths

Speaker:

Sean Tolram

HSBC

Head of Mindfulness

Sean is a mindfulness teacher with a difference. He combines his corporate experience with principles of mindfulness and neuroscience to help people succeed in the modern workplace. He is currently the Head of Mindfulness at HSBC and the Founder of My Trained Mind. He is also a certified mindfulness teacher and has an ICF accreditation in brain-based coaching. Sean’s mission is to change the way we think about work. He believes that by understanding more about our brains, we can create the conditions where we can be at our best, and more effectively achieve our goals and ambitions.

09:50 - 10:20

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Beyond Burnout – Rethinking Resilience and Balance

Panel Discussion

Mental Health, Resilience & Sustainable Work–Life Balance

Employees are asking for more than one‑off initiatives; they want work that is sustainable, human and mentally healthy over the long term. This panel explores how organisations are rethinking mental health, resilience and work–life balance in the face of ongoing pressure, change and complexity. Panellists will share how they are moving beyond reactive support to redesign work, build psychological safety and equip leaders to have better conversations about capacity and boundaries. Expect a practical, honest discussion about what’s really working, what isn’t, and how to support different needs across your workforce.

What to expect:

Examples of how organisations are redesigning work, roles or rhythms to make wellbeing more sustainable.
Practical ideas for building resilience without slipping into “cope better” narratives that ignore workload and pressure.
Approaches to helping leaders and managers talk about mental health and boundaries in a confident, respectful way.
Reflections on balancing individual support (benefits, tools, services) with systemic change to how work gets done.

Speakers:

Stella Gavinho

Entain

Group Head of Wellbeing

Stella has a decade of experience designing and implementing well-being strategies and training programmes for large, complex, global enterprises. She is passionate about helping organisations unlock the full potential of their workforce through holistic well-being approaches, ensuring healthier, happier, and more productive employees. She believes that prioritizing employee wellbeing directly contributes to business success.

Jake Sanders

Diageo

Global Health and Wellbeing Manager

With more and more scrutiny on health and wellbeing efforts within organisations I want to support wellbeing strategies that really work for all in the organisation. Delivering an evidence based framework which encompasses the full wellbeing accountability across an organisation. Individuals through health optimisation, teams & leaders through our ways of working and leadership behaviours, and the organisation by delivering sustained high performance.

I draw on my experience from professional sport, as well as my expertise in behavioural change, employee wellbeing consulting, and digital technology to create an inclusive wellbeing culture that empowers employees to thrive and perform at their best. While also consistently bringing innovation, and measurement to support increased participation in wellbeing practice. Where performance comes from enriching people, not at the expense of them.

My current role is to develop and implement a data-informed wellbeing strategy that aligns with the company's growth ambition & people strategies to deliver sunstained high performance, and supports the wellbeing of over 35000 employees worldwide.

In my time working with workplace wellbeing I have has the privilege of presenting to over 200 companies and since 2021 I have spoken at multiple national & international events, on Mental Wellbeing, Engaging in Wellbeing, and Psychological Safety.

I have project led the creation and deployment of a Wellbeing Maturity assessment, interviewing the MDs and leadership teams of 15 affiliates and reviewing the dimensions, design, delivery, and drivers of wellbeing in each country.

I am always eager to connect and collaborate with others who share my vision of creating a healthier and happier work environment for all.

10:20 - 11:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Mental Health, Resilience & Sustainable Work–Life Balance

11:00 - 11:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Leveling the Playing Field with Generative AI: In Conversation with Ori Chandler, Group Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Aviva

Interview

Wellbeing, Security & Confidence at Work

Generative AI is often discussed in terms of efficiency and productivity, but it also has the potential to reduce barriers that many employees face at work. In this 25‑minute interview, Ori Chandler, Group Head of D&I at Aviva, will share how the organisation is piloting generative AI to better support colleagues such as part‑time workers and neurodivergent staff. The conversation will explore the principles behind the pilot, the safeguards in place, and what Aviva is learning about inclusion, access and equity in an AI‑enabled workplace – offering a candid view of both the opportunities and the risks.

Speaker:

Ori Chandler

Aviva

Group Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A leader and strategist with a passion for inclusion, equality and human rights. Track record in shaping and implementing high-impact inclusion strategies and interventions for corporate clients. A motivational leader who brings passion, energy and people skills to every role. Adept at delivering innovative inclusion programmes to support organisational transformation and impact. Speaker, storyteller and presenter. Committed mentor who feels passionately about human rights and social justice.

11:50 - 12:20

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Women’s Health in the Workplace – From Taboo Topic to Business Imperative

Panel Discussion

Wellbeing, Security & Confidence at Work

Women’s health remains one of the last workplace taboos, yet it has a direct impact on absence, productivity, progression and retention – and therefore on business performance and risk. From menstrual health and fertility to miscarriage, baby loss, menopause and longer-term conditions, many women are managing significant health issues in silence or stepping back from roles they could otherwise thrive in. As new legislation from 2027 will require large employers (250+ employees) to have Menopause Action Plans in place, “best in class” menopause policies and practice are rapidly shifting from differentiator to baseline expectation. This panel will explore how leading organisations are treating women’s health as both a business and employee imperative: measuring impact, co-designing support with employees, and building menopause approaches that are robust enough for future regulatory requirements while still human, practical and lived.

We’ll explore:

Business impact: how women’s health and menopause support (or the lack of it) shows up in absence, performance, progression, retention and employer brand – and how to measure it credibly.
Employee impact: what women actually say they need across different life stages, how safe they feel to speak up, and where the biggest gaps are between policy and lived experience.
What “best in class” menopause policy and practice look like in 2026 – governance, training, adjustments, data, and co‑creation with colleagues.
How large employers can prepare now for the 2027 requirement to have Menopause Action Plans, using it as a catalyst for a broader, joined‑up women’s health strategy rather than a tick‑box exercise.

Speakers:

Bethany Heesom

bet365

Senior Engagement Manager

Bethany Heesom is a passionate Employee Engagement professional with extensive experience in HR and a focus on building positive, people-centred workplace cultures. As Senior Engagement Manager at bet365, she leads initiatives that enhance employee experience, wellbeing, and engagement, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported. Bethany combines strategic insight with a hands-on approach, creating inclusive, collaborative environments where employees can thrive. She leverages strong communication and relationship-building skills to connect with teams across all levels, driving meaningful change and fostering a sense of belonging. Throughout her career, Bethany has championed programmes that boost satisfaction, retention, and performance, blending data-driven decision-making with empathy and creativity. Committed to human-centred leadership, she helps organisations grow while ensuring employees feel inspired, motivated, and empowered. Outside work, she advocates for wellbeing and professional development, sharing insights to help others cultivate supportive, high-performing workplaces.

Ellie McCluskey

VML

Head Of People, VML UK.

Ellie is Head of People at VML UK, and a qualified coach and Menopause coach, with a deep belief in reinvention at work and in life. She brings a human, compassionate lens to HR, creating environments where people and businesses can truly thrive. In her coaching, Ellie supports women navigating midlife, menopause, and moments of change, helping them reconnect with themselves and step into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and intention.

12:20 - 12:40

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Interactive Q&A: Mandates, Flexibility and What Really Works: Rethinking the Return to the Office

Q&A

Wellbeing, Security & Confidence at Work

This interactive audience Q&A will explore how organisations are really handling the tension between mandated five‑day office returns and more flexible models. Rather than debating ideology, the focus will be on what different approaches are doing to wellbeing, inclusion, performance and talent – and how leaders are listening, adjusting and supporting managers on the ground. Expect a candid conversation that surfaces how policies are landing for different groups, where unintended consequences are showing up, and what organisations are learning about designing work patterns that feel fair, sustainable and effective.

Speaker:

Christina Lewis

Herizon

Trainer, Speaker and Coach

12:40 - 14:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Wellbeing, Security & Confidence at Work

14:00 - 14:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

The HEINEKEN Company Case Study: Building a Neuroinclusive Culture for Performance

Case Study

Inclusion in Practice: Equity, Identity & Lived Experience

Many organisations say they value “different ways of thinking,” but far fewer redesign how work happens so that different brains can genuinely thrive. Neurodivergent colleagues are more likely to bring strengths in pattern recognition, problem‑solving and future skills like systems thinking and AI use, and teams that harness that cognitive diversity see measurable lifts in innovation, quality and risk management.

In this case study, Jemime will share how HEINEKEN is moving from one‑off adjustments to a deliberately neuroinclusive culture – linking inclusion of different minds directly to business performance. The session will explore what has changed in practice, from workspace design and sensory environment to hiring, feedback and leadership behaviours, and how neurodivergent colleagues have been involved in shaping the journey. Attendees will come away with practical ideas to reduce friction for neurodivergent talent, embrace their strengths, and build teams where cognitive difference is treated as a strategic asset rather than an exception to be managed.

Speaker:

Jemima Bradbury-Wade

The HEINEKEN Company

Head of Togetherness and Wellbeing UK

Meet Jem. A straight-talking force for inclusion in FMCG.

She leads EDI and Wellbeing at HEINEKEN UK, sits on the UK Steering Committee for ‘D&I in Grocery’, and previously chaired LEAD, CPG's largest gender equity body across the UK and Europe, whilst leading at PepsiCo Europe.

As a trained anthropologist, shaping culture is her driver, care is her compass, and performance through inclusion is her outcome.

Known for sharp storytelling and system de-biasing at scale, she designs programmes that spark honest conversation and shift mindsets.

An award-recognised speaker and European Diversity Awards honouree, Jem focuses on removing barriers to togetherness. As a parent, neurodiverse and bi-sexual woman, she brings lived experience to her work and leads through many lenses.

14:50 - 15:20

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

From Words to Reality: Making Equity and Lived Experience Count at Work

Panel Discussion

Inclusion in Practice: Equity, Identity & Lived Experience

Most organisations now talk confidently about inclusion, but many employees still experience a gap between public promises and everyday reality.

This panel focuses on how equity, identity and lived experience are reshaping decisions about who is heard, who progresses and who feels they truly belong. Our panellists will share what it takes to move beyond statements and campaigns into deeper structural change – redesigning processes, power and behaviours so that colleagues with different identities and experiences can succeed on their own terms.

We’ll explore:

How equity differs from equality in practice, and what that means for recruitment, performance, promotion and pay
The role of identity and intersectionality in shaping people’s day‑to‑day experience of culture, beyond headline diversity stats
How to centre lived experience safely (employee voice, storytelling, ERGs) without over‑burdening or tokenising colleagues
Practical moves that shift power and opportunity – sponsorship, decision‑making, data and leadership behaviour – and how to know if they’re working

Speakers:

Claire Maydew

Bupa

Group Head of Inclusion

Claire Maydew is Group Head of Inclusion at Bupa, leading global strategy on accessibility, gender equity and inclusive cultures. She has driven major inclusion initiatives, securing significant investment and embedding governance, advocacy and learning across international markets. Prior to Bupa, Claire shaped the D&I agenda at Marks & Spencer, where she established the organisational framework, developed cross-industry employment programmes for under-represented groups, and led pioneering research on inclusive culture and intersectionality.

Rebecca Ormond

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

EMEA Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing

Rebecca Ormond is the currently EMEA Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing for SMBC, a Japanese heritage financial services organisation with over 140,000 employees worldwide. She is responsible for driving progress across the EMEA region and responding to the increasing demand and focus on these areas from regulators. talent and clients. Prior to joining SMBC, Rebecca worked for PwC, leading work on culture change, inclusion and organisational and leadership development. An effective influencer and changemaker, Rebecca's focus is on driving the creation of a health-promoting workplace and true culture of belonging, were everyone feels they are able to fulfil their potential and thrive at work.

15:45 - 16:05

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Inclusion in Practice: Equity, Identity & Lived Experience

16:05 - 16:30

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Entain Group Case Study: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Return on Value

Case Study

Measuring What Matters: Wellbeing, Inclusion & Return on Value

Most organisations say people are their greatest asset, but still measure success mainly through cost and short-term productivity. In this case study, Stella will share how Entain Group is reframing wellbeing and inclusion as value creators, not cost centres – and backing that up with the right data. The session will walk through how Entain has defined “what matters” in human terms (health, safety, belonging, opportunity) and linked those measures to hard outcomes such as retention, performance, customer experience and risk.

Speaker:

Stella Gavinho

Entain

Group Head of Wellbeing

16:55 - 17:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Proving the Impact of Wellbeing and Inclusion

Panel Discussion

Measuring What Matters: Wellbeing, Inclusion & Return on Value

Many organisations now invest in wellbeing and inclusion, but struggle to prove impact beyond engagement scores and anecdote. This panel will explore how leading employers are defining “what matters” in human terms – health, psychological safety, belonging, progression – and connecting those measures to hard outcomes such as retention, performance, customer experience and risk. Panellists will share how they are building simple, credible people value scorecards, what they report to the Board, and how they balance humanity with hard metrics so people don’t become just numbers.

We’ll explore

How to move from activity metrics (events, logins, attendance) to outcome metrics that matter for people and the business
Ways to link wellbeing and inclusion data to retention, performance, customer outcomes and risk reduction
How to combine quantitative measures with lived experience and colleague voice without over‑surveying or tokenising
Practical approaches to engaging Finance and the C‑suite so people metrics are taken as seriously as financial ones

Speakers:

Jake Sanders

Diageo

Global Health and Wellbeing Manager

Susan Gee

Yorkshire Water

Group Occupational Health and Wellbeing Manager

I am a highly innovative thinker and a collaborative leader ,I enjoy inspiring teams to work collectively toward exceptional outcomes, whilst managing risk and developing a culture of continual improvement.

Passionate about advancing workplace health and wellbeing in complex environments, I lead Yorkshire Water’s Occupational Health team to deliver evidence-driven, high-impact strategies that put people first. Recognised for straight-talking, practical leadership, I have pioneered innovative initiatives that have measurably reduced long-term absence, enhanced psychological safety, and shaped a resilient, engaged workforce. My approach is founded on collaboration working with HR, business leaders, and external partners to foster a culture where occupational health underpins business success.

I am regularly invited to speak at national forums and industry summits, sharing insights on mental health, strategic absence management, and the future of occupational health. I thrive on influencing policy and best practice whether it’s supporting return to work strategies, championing health promotion, or driving sector innovation alongside my colleagues and stakeholders. Specialties: Occupational Health, Health care law, sickness absence management, stress management, workplace wellbeing.

17:25 - 17:30

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Closing Remarks

Measuring What Matters: Wellbeing, Inclusion & Return on Value

Speaker:

Christina Lewis

Herizon

Trainer, Speaker and Coach

17:30

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Creating a Culture of Appreciation and Connection

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Martin welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s HR and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, he'll set out what you can expect from the Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Martin Hill-Wilson

Brainfood Training

Co-Founder

Martin Hill-Wilson is a long-standing member of the Customer Engagement community. Over his career, he has launched a series of change initiatives using the dynamic of action-based learning – most recently AI for Non Technical Minds. All are designed to disrupt and reset the ‘art of the possible’ using new operating models re-imagined through foundation user education.

09:00 - 09:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

It’s Not Just What We Offer, It’s What It Signals: Why Recognition Is Vital to Meaningful Employee Engagement

Opening Keynote

Creating a Culture of Appreciation and Connection

Employees are not just looking at what you're offering, but what those offers say about their value, their work, and their place in the organisation.

This session explores how recognition, both formal and informal, acts as a powerful signal. When employees feel their contributions are seen and their work is rewarded, engagement increases. When they are absent, or not delivered in a meaningful way, engagement plummets.

Drawing on insights from the 2026 Engage for Success Annual Engagement Survey, join me to discuss why rewards and recognition matter.

Speaker:

Dr Sarah Pass

Engage for Success

Engage for Success Board Member and Senior Lecturer NTU

Dr Sarah Pass is an academic specialising in employee engagement. She works with organisations to translate policy into practice and drive meaningful change. Sarah works at Nottingham Business School (NTU), sits on the Engage for Success Advisory Board, and leads its annual UK engagement survey. She is a Fellow of the RSA, a CIPD Academic Associate, a member of the Involvement and Participation Association Working Insights Group, and was ranked as an Influential Thinker in HR in 2023.

09:50 - 10:20

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Beyond Kudus: Why Appreciation as a Cultural Foundation is the Catalyst for Engagement

Panel Discussion

Creating a Culture of Appreciation and Connection

This panel explores how a genuine culture of appreciation – rooted in everyday behaviours, meaningful recognition and real human connection – can transform engagement far more effectively than one-off awards. Panellists will share what they’ve changed in how leaders communicate, how teams celebrate progress, and how recognition links to values and performance, so that appreciation becomes part of the fabric of work rather than a quarterly campaign.

We’ll explore:

Why traditional recognition schemes often fail to move the dial on engagement – and what a culture of appreciation does differently
How to hardwire appreciation into daily conversations, rituals and leadership behaviours across hybrid and frontline teams
The link between feeling valued, speaking up and choosing to stay – and how appreciation supports performance and retention
Practical steps to align your recognition approach with your values, EVP and overall reward strategy so it feels consistent and credible

Speakers:

Michelle Elsworth

Jet2.com

General Manager - Reward & Benefits

I head up the Reward & Benefits function at Jet2.com, where I'm focused on delivering an amazing colleague experience through our reward and benefits offering; supporting colleagues to thrive, inside and outside of work.

Having been in the wonderful world of reward for over a decade, I am extremely passionate about the role reward and benefits play in helping employees be their best selves. I have experience across the reward remit, from benefits management to pay strategies, and recognition schemes to share plans – and I love the variety this brings to my role and each and every working day!

Laura Haskins

CitNow Group

Chief People Officer

Laura Haskins is Chief People Officer for the market leading automotive software provider, CitNOW Group. With a career spanning over 16 years in human resources, Laura has built a reputation as a strategic and commercial leader who is committed to driving people-focused initiatives that align with the company’s vision, and growth objectives. Throughout her career, Laura has successfully led a number of cultural initiatives that drive employee retention and engagement and works passionately to ensure that every individual has the tools, support, and opportunity to make a difference.

10:20 - 11:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Creating a Culture of Appreciation and Connection

11:00 - 11:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

BDO UK LLP Case Study: Embracing the Power of Thank You - Empowering Everyone to Recognise Anyone

Case Study

Engagement, Motivation and Recognition

A look at how BDO transformed their recognition programme to ensure that 'in the moment' recognition was timely, impactful and empowering for all.

As part of a refreshed people proposition and culture strategy (known as The Feel and The Deal), BDO recognised the importance of ensuring appreciation, gratitude, collaboration and empowerment were fundamental to the organisations values and purpose. Moving from an administrative heavy and hierarchical awards system to a fully empowered, technology-led approach ensured that not only were people recognised in the moment, it also had operational excellence at its heart.

Speaker:

Tom Pridmore

BDO UK LLP

Director of Reward, Benefits and Wellbeing

With over 20 years in HR, Tom began his career in finance before developing as a HR generalist in a number of organisations. Over the last 9 years Tom’s focus has been total rewards and wellbeing. Tom is passionate about supporting mental health in the workplace, an advocate of men's mental health, and recognising the commercial advantages of linking reward, benefits and wellbeing agendas. Outside of work, Tom enjoys attempting to play football, visiting theme parks, and spending time with his wife and two children.

11:50 - 12:20

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

What Really Drives People to Go the Extra Mile?

Panel Discussion

Engagement, Motivation and Recognition

In a labour market where skills are scarce and expectations are rising, pay alone is no longer enough to keep people committed and performing at their best. This panel will explore how smart organisations are weaving engagement, motivation and recognition together into a coherent experience – one where people understand the impact of their work, feel trusted with autonomy, and are recognised in ways that actually matter to them. Panellists will share how they are equipping managers, refreshing reward and recognition approaches, and listening to their people so that motivation is sustained, not just sparked by the latest initiative.

We’ll explore

The real drivers of motivation today and how they link to engagement, not just compensation
How to design recognition that feels fair, inclusive and connected to purpose and performance
The role of managers and leaders in turning values and EVP promises into day-to-day reality
Practical steps to align engagement, motivation and recognition so they reinforce each other rather than sit in silos

Speaker:

Lewis Rooke

Gymshark

Head of Reward & People Operations

Lewis Rooke is an experienced reward and people operations leader, currently serving as Head of Reward & People Operations at Gymshark, a global fitness apparel brand. Since joining Gymshark in 2021, Lewis has played a key role in shaping total reward strategies that support business growth and employee engagement. Prior to Gymshark, he gained broad reward management experience at Bibby Financial Services, progressing from Graduate Trainee to Reward Manager. Lewis holds a First Class BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Keele University, bringing both analytical rigor and practical insight to his work in reward, compensation, and organisational development.

12:20 - 12:40

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Interactive Q&A: More Than Money? Why Salary Isn’t the #1 Reward

Q&A

Engagement, Motivation and Recognition

This interactive Q&A session explores a big question for reward leaders: if salary is no longer the main reason people join and stay, what is? You’ll unpack how different groups – from Gen Z to mid‑career and late‑career employees – weigh up flexibility, wellbeing, time, learning and purpose alongside pay, and what that means for your future reward strategy. Expect a fast‑paced discussion that surfaces where organisations are over‑ or under‑investing, how the “deal” is really experienced on the ground, and which changes would have the biggest impact on motivation and retention over the next 12–24 months.

12:40 - 14:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Engagement, Motivation and Recognition

14:00 - 14:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Beyond Travel Perks: Flight Centre’s Whole‑Person Approach to Financial Wellbeing and Benefits

Interview

Reward & Benefits Beyond Pay: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole Person Offer

Flight Centre Travel Group has built a reputation for a “whole‑person” approach to wellbeing that goes well beyond staff travel discounts. In this interview, Elizabeth will share how Flight Centre think about reward and benefits beyond pay – from financial wellbeing support and share plans to mental health, flexible wellness packages and purpose‑led initiatives like the Flight Centre Foundation. She will discuss how they tailor benefits for a globally mobile workforce, what they have learned about supporting employees’ financial and emotional health through disruption, and how they balance much‑loved travel perks with deeper, whole‑person support that helps people thrive at work and at home.

Speaker:

Elizabeth Stewart

Flight Centre Travel Group

Benefits & Wellbeing Executive

Liz Stewart is Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Executive at Flight Centre Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel retailers. With nearly seven years at FCTG, Liz has worked across multiple areas of the business and internationally, giving her a deep understanding of culture and what truly drives employee engagement. Passionate about physical, financial and mental wellbeing, she leads the design, implementation and day to day operations of UK & EU benefits programs with one clear goal - to ensure our people feel supported, valued and able to thrive at work.

14:50 - 15:20

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Beyond the Payslip: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole‑Person Deal

Panel Discussion

Reward & Benefits Beyond Pay: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole Person Offer

Pay rises alone are no longer enough to protect employees from sustained financial pressure or to show that employers genuinely care about people’s lives beyond work. This panel will explore how organisations are building financial wellbeing into a broader whole‑person offer – one that connects money, mental health, physical health and life‑stage support into a coherent strategy rather than scattered perks. Panellists will share how they are responding to cost‑of‑living and policy shifts, which forms of financial support and wellbeing benefits employees actually use and value, and how they are balancing affordability with impact, fairness and clear outcomes.

We'll expore:

How employers are moving from isolated financial perks to integrated financial wellbeing support that actually helps people feel more secure.
Which elements of the “whole‑person” offer (financial, mental, physical, social, life‑stage) employees are using most, and what they say makes the biggest difference.
How to design reward and benefits that balance affordability with impact, fairness and clear outcomes for both people and the business.
The practical steps leaders are taking over the next 12–24 months to evolve their reward and benefits offer beyond pay without over‑promising.

Speakers:

Ross Marshall

London Borough of Havering

HR Wellbeing Consultant

Ross Marshall is a dedicated Wellbeing Reward and Recognition Lead at the London Borough of Havering, where he plays a pivotal role in the Human Resources & Organisational Development department. With a strong background in administration, employment & training, social enterprise, and PMO, Ross brings a wealth of experience to his current role. He is a certified Mental Health First Aider, known for his exceptional communication and listening skills.

In his role, Ross is responsible for delivering a professional wellbeing service that aligns with 4 strategic pillars of wellbeing (Physical, Psychological, Social and Financial) and positively influences the employee experience. He leads the wellbeing aspects of the total reward approach, including recognition, wellbeing and health, staff forums, and engagement.

Kelly Games

dryrobe Ltd

HR Manager

With over a decade of experience navigating the complex landscape of human resources, Kelly serves as a lead HR voice at Dryrobe. A Level 7 qualified professional and former HR consultant, Kelly has spent the last four years helping scale one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor brands. Kelly thrives in the 'beautiful chaos' of HR, where no two days are ever the same. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and dedicated animal advocate, having rescued two dogs from Cyprus. Whether she is fundraising for animal shelters, cultivating her extensive plant collection, or engaging in local art and writing groups, Kelly brings a passion for growth and community to everything she does.

15:20 - 15:45

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

The Motivation Machine: Designing Recognition Programmes For Maximum Impact

Presentation

Reward & Benefits Beyond Pay: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole Person Offer

What truly motivates employees to perform at their best? Organisational psychologist Sarah Marrs will share new research exploring this critical question. As organisations navigate hybrid working and the growing role of technology, HR leaders are being called to adopt a more human-centred approach—one that supports autonomy, allows for experimentation, and meets the increasingly individualised expectations of today’s workforce. This session unpacks key motivation archetypes and behavioural responses, offering practical insight into how leaders can scale recognition through technology while maintaining a personal, meaningful experience.

Speaker:

Sarah Marrs

Awardco

Organisational Behaviour Scientist & Evidence-Based HR Practitioner

Sarah is a global lead on Awardco’s center of excellence team, advising organizations on managing and evolving their reward & recognition programs. As part of her work, Sarah designs and conducts research on the impact of recognition on employee behavior and subsequent organizational outcomes. Before joining Awardco, Sarah spent nine years at Qualtrics, leading EX solution design and delivery for some of their biggest global customers. As an organizational psychologist, Sarah understands the principles of successfully motivating people at work. As a business leader, she understands the challenges associated with putting these principles into practice. Her work attempts to bridge this gap through well-designed solutions that find a balance between science and practicality. Sarah has over 15 years of experience in organizational research, with employee insights roles at Tesco, Hay Group and Kenexa. She is a member of the British Psychological Society. Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Work and Organizational Behavior from Dublin City University and is completing her doctoral thesis in Evidence-Based HR at Birkbeck University, London.

15:45 - 16:05

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Reward & Benefits Beyond Pay: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole Person Offer

16:05 - 16:30

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

From Numbers to Moments: How British Airways Bring Total Reward and Recognition to Life: In Conversation With Josephina Smith, Director of Reward at British Airways

Interview

Proving Value and Impact: Better Benefits, Smarter Spend

British Airways has been rethinking how it shows colleagues the true value of working for the airline – not just in base pay, but in benefits, recognition and the moments that matter. In this interview, Josephina will share how BA has evolved its total reward statements, including more personalised, digital ways of showing the full package, and how this links to their Above & Beyond recognition programme. She’ll discuss what they have learned about communicating reward to a diverse, global workforce, the impact of recognition on engagement and retention, and how she uses data and storytelling together to shape BA’s future reward strategy.

Speaker:

Josephina Smith

British Airways

Director of Reward

Future-focused strategist and workplace innovator with significant experience working in partnership with Board level colleagues to reenergise and revitalise Human Resources, consistently leaping fearlessly into the art of the possible to create a top class resource that fits with the modern business team.

My background in Reward management, Employee Relations and Employment Law has enabled me to ground HR in business reality; inspiring teams to achieve extraordinary results at pace. I can create concepts, bring ideas, and implement structures that do not yet exist or rarely thought of, to deliver solutions that drive value.

My greatest strength is finding the space to identify all the outdated HR strategies and processes that aren't working, and seamlessly implement new, creative, modern systems that help build people to their best, resulting in increased productivity.

I've found new ways to energise teams to achieve a vision and identify innovative ways to enable business growth, taking businesses to new heights.

I am passionate about personal growth and look for work environments where I can influence HR thinking significantly.

16:55 - 17:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Doing More With Less: The Key to Enhanced Benefits with Smarter Spend

Panel Discussion

Proving Value and Impact: Better Benefits, Smarter Spend

Reward and benefits budgets are under more scrutiny than ever, yet many organisations still struggle to show whether their benefits are genuinely improving wellbeing, engagement and retention – or just adding cost. This panel will explore how leading employers are reshaping their benefits offer and using data, insight and technology to prove value and impact. Panellists will share how they decide where to cut and where to invest, how they measure outcomes such as utilisation, inclusion, financial wellbeing and health, and how they make the business case for smarter spend rather than simply more spend.

We’ll explore:

How to move from a long list of benefits to a focused portfolio that aligns with workforce needs and business priorities.
How technology, platforms and data analytics are helping reward teams optimise spend and evidence ROI.
Real examples of where employers have reduced or redirected benefits spend and actually increased perceived value.

17:25 - 17:30

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Closing Remarks

Proving Value and Impact: Better Benefits, Smarter Spend

Speaker:

Martin Hill-Wilson

Brainfood Training

Co-Founder

17:30

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Communicating Through Constant Change

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Jo welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s internal communication and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, she'll set out what you can expect from the Internal Communication & Employee Voice Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success

Partnerships & Strategy Director

Jo has been a volunteer with the Engage for Success movement since its launch. As Partnerships & Strategy Director she sits on the Advisory Board and co-hosts the weekly Engage for Success radio show, interviewing guests from across the engagement world. The EFS agenda is absolutely aligned with Jo’s vision ‘to make workplaces better places to be’. As passionate about brands and their power to move people as she is about employee engagement and its vital role in delivering a high performing organisation, Jo put the disciplines together as founder of a leading creative consultancy, leveraging the creative and insight led approach of the advertising world to engage employees inside organisations. Jo becomes almost evangelical about the power a well-positioned and consistently delivered brand has as a catalyst for employee engagement and business success - creating cultures that make workplaces work, for employees as well as shareholders and stakeholders.

09:00 - 09:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Research Reveal: The Reality Gap: What the IC Index 2026 Reveals About Communication Today

Opening Keynote

Communicating Through Constant Change

The IC Index 2026 offers a clear employee perspective on how internal communication is really landing inside organisations. This session shares key findings across trust, change, leadership and manager communication, AI adoption, strategy and channels, revealing where misalignment is growing and where organisational risk is increasing. Jennifer will explore what these insights mean for organisations seeking to deliver performance and resilience, and for internal communicators who are being asked to play a more strategic role in enabling trust, alignment and meaningful outcomes in challenging times.

Speaker:

Jennifer Sproul

IoIC

Chief Executive

Jennifer Sproul is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), the only professional body solely dedicated to internal communication. She leads IoIC's efforts in setting standards and advancing the profession through qualifications, career development, thought leadership, and best practices.

A passionate advocate for the value of internal communication, Jennifer is a regular speaker and co-hosts the podcast ‘The Future of Internal Communication’.

09:50 - 10:20

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Communicating Through Constant Change: From Noise to Meaning

Panel Discussion

Communicating Through Constant Change

Change has become the backdrop, not the exception – restructures, strategy shifts, tech rollouts and new ways of working often land on top of one another. In this environment, internal communication and employee voice are critical to helping people understand what’s happening, feel safe enough to ask questions, and stay focused on what matters. This panel will explore how organisations are communicating through constant change in a more honest, two‑way and human way – from involving comms early in shaping the narrative, to equipping managers, creating feedback loops and using insight to adapt messages over time. Panellists will share how they balance transparency with uncertainty, avoid sugar‑coating, and make sure employees feel heard rather than just “told at”.

We’ll explore:

The shift from one‑off announcements to ongoing, phased change communication that supports people before, during and after change.
How to move from broadcast updates to genuine dialogue and employee voice during change, including feedback channels and listening tactics.
The role of leaders and line managers in creating psychological safety, acknowledging uncertainty and making sense of decisions.
How IC teams are using insight and sentiment data to adapt messages, spot risk early and prove impact.

Speakers:

Juliet Green

RAC

Head of Internal Communication, Engagement & Culture

Juliet Green is an experienced communications leader with over 15 years’ expertise spanning internal and external communications. She has worked with UK-based and global organisations across diverse sectors, including retail, financial services, technology, and construction.

Juliet specialises in driving impactful communication strategies that support transformation and change, organisational restructures, cultural evolution, and employee engagement. Her work has included leading values design and rollout, shaping company strategy, managing crisis communications, and introducing or evolving communications channels such as intranets and employee experience platforms.

Passionate about the role of internal communications in building trust, enhancing employee experience, and driving culture change, Juliet is also an active mentor with the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC), helping professionals grow their careers. As an IoIC Ambassador, shechampions internal communications as a rewarding and influential profession.

Linzi Elder-Gibbins

Shoosmiths

Head of Internal Communications

Linzi Elder‑Gibbins is an experienced Head of Internal Communications, leading communication strategy across major programmes including digital transformation, AI adoption and cultural engagement. She specialises in clear, authentic storytelling and works closely with senior leaders to shape impactful messaging and deliver campaigns that connect people to the strategy and vision of their organisation to drive engagement.

10:20 - 11:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Communicating Through Constant Change

11:00 - 11:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

ACAMS Case Study: Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action at ACAMS

Case Study

Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action

Too many organisations collect feedback and then stall at the “listening” stage. In this case study, ACAMS will share how it has built practical channels for employee voice and, crucially, how it turns what people say into visible action. The session will explore how ACAMS listens across its global workforce, how insight is fed into decisions on culture, ways of working and development, and how it closes the loop so employees can see where their input has shaped change – and where it hasn’t, and why. This is a candid look at what has worked, what’s been harder, and how ACAMS is strengthening trust by treating employee voice as mission‑critical, not a nice‑to‑have.

Speakers:

Aleksandra Kucza

ACAMS

Senior HR Director

Aleksandra is Senior HR Director at ACAMS, where she has worked since September 2018. Her truly global career spans across various industries, from financial services and education to e-commerce. Before joining ACAMS, Aleksandra has held senior HR/Talent positions at Laureate International Universities and at Vistaprint (Cimpress). She started her career in HR consultancy. Currently based between Barcelona and London.

Rose Dahlan

ACAMS

Global Communications Manager

A seasoned communications professional dedicated to making a difference. With 20 years of expertise in strategic communications and media relations, I specialise in amplifying the voices of mission-driven organisations.

My passion for positive impact fuels my commitment to working with purpose-driven brands, leveraging my marketing and communication skills to expand their reach and deepen their influence.

In my current role as a communications specialist at ACAMS, a prominent global membership organisation for anti-financial crime (AFC) professionals, I am dedicated to amplifying the organisation's message and mission to end financial crime to a broader audience.

I find it utterly rewarding to contribute to raising awareness of the intricate links between money laundering and predicate offenses and to work with thought leaders in the industry to support their work in combating this issue.

Passionate, impactful, and driven, my professional story is one of relentless pursuit – the pursuit of a world where communication sparks a revolution and brands become beacons of change. Let’s connect and create change together!

11:50 - 12:20

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Beyond the Survey: Turning Employee Voice into Actions

Panel Discussion

Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action

Surveys, town halls and listening sessions are everywhere, yet many employees still feel nothing really changes when they speak up. This panel will focus on what it actually takes to move from collecting feedback to acting on it in a visible, credible way. Panellists will share how they prioritise what they hear, feed insight into real decisions on work, culture and reward, and then close the loop so people can see what’s changed – and where it hasn’t, and why. The discussion will explore how to join up HR, internal communication and leadership so employee voice becomes a core part of how the organisation runs, rather than an annual exercise or a one‑off campaign.

We’ll explore:

Practical ways to gather employee voice (surveys, forums, digital channels, unions/ERGs, manager conversations) that surface real issues, not just noise.
How to turn insight into decisions and actions, including how to prioritise and avoid over‑promising.
Techniques for “closing the loop” so employees see the link between what they said and what happened next.
The roles of leaders, managers, HR and internal comms in making employee voice part of everyday ways of working.

Speakers:

Charlotte Grant

Samsung Electronics UK Ltd

Head of People Experience DEIB

Founding member of Samsung's Global D&I Task Force
Founding member of #changetheface
Ally to - #women@samsung #trueability@samsung #blackprofessionals@samsung
10 years experience in Engagement and Inclusion, following a career in television & film - in varying roles.

Kelly Newman

Ampa Group

Head of Internal Communication & Engagement

Kelly Newman is a strategic internal communications and engagement leader with over a decade of experience in the public and private sectors. Passionate about connecting people with purpose, she specialises in high-impact communications that drive engagement, alignment, and cultural change.

As head of internal communication and engagement at Ampa Group, Kelly has led innovate strategies that unite employees across multiple brands and locations. A champion of smart, scalable communication, Kelly is experienced in coaching leaders, embedding organisational values, and making complex change feel simple. She has been recognised for her work in digital transformation, employee advocacy, and brand engagement.

12:20 - 13:40

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action

13:40 - 14:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Interactive Q&A: Is AI Enhancing or Replacing Internal Comms?

Q&A

Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action

This interactive Q&A will pit two live positions against each other: AI as a powerful enhancer of internal communications versus AI as a quiet replacement for human voice and connection. The session will explore where AI genuinely adds value – from drafting and personalisation to insight and targeting – and where handing over too much risks eroding trust, nuance and authenticity. Expect a fast‑moving debate with audience challenges, live voting and real examples of where AI has helped comms teams raise their game, and where it has gone too far or felt uncomfortable for employees.

14:00 - 14:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Betfred Case Study: You Probably Shouldn’t Bother Coming Along to This One

Case Study

Cutting Through the Noise: Making Communication Land

Do you think anyone actually cares about your bloody internal comms message? There’s always something more interesting or more important to do, so let’s stop wasting everyone’s time and start asking why.

This is a light-hearted look at how the volume of digital communication in organisations can take us away from the real purpose: to give
people useful information they can actually do something with.

So how do we grab people’s attention to improve the chances of our messages landing? Have we forgotten some of the most important principles of human communication?

There’s no magic or secret formula in this talk. You probably shouldn’t bother coming along.

Speaker:

Joel Turner

Betfred

Head of Internal Communication

Joel Turner has somehow spent 25 years in Betting & Gaming – an industry defined by relentless change, regulation and an unlimited supply of people who think their communication is more important than anyone else’s... Along the way, he’s worked across most of the major UK gambling brands in senior communications roles, including the esoterically titled “Head Storyteller” at Flutter (Sky Bet, Paddy Power, Betfair).

Now happily based in the North of England at Betfred, Joel is helping the 58-year-old independent business evolve from familiar High Street fixture into digital challenger snapping at the heels of much bigger online brands.

A strong believer that attention is earned, not broadcast, Joel spends much of his time asking why, challenging unnecessary comms, and reminding leaders that the most powerful communication will always remain a candid conversation.

14:25 - 14:50

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

How To Turn Your Listening Strategy Into A Two-Way Conversation.

Presentation

Cutting Through the Noise: Making Communication Land

In this session, Nick Court explores how to turn your employee listening strategy into a genuine two‑way conversation. He’ll break down the core elements behind an effective listening strategy and show how communication before, during and after each listening activity drives trust, clarity and meaningful action. With practical insights on reaching deskless teams, overcoming email fatigue and keeping feedback continuous, not just survey‑based, Nick will demonstrate how organisations can create listening approaches that truly connect with their people.

Speaker:

Nick Court

The People Experience Hub

CEO

Nick Court is CEO of The People Experience Hub and has built his career at the intersection of People and Operations, spanning reward and recognition, colleague voice, HR systems and people analytics. He specialises in turning employee listening into meaningful action: asking the right questions, reaching people effectively, and transforming insight into measurable change. Nick has worked with brands including Tesco, Carlsberg and Associated British Foods, and partnered with organisations such as Wagamama, Thomas Cook, Kier, the Post Office and Welcome Break to strengthen employee experience and performance.

14:50 - 15:20

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

From Inbox to Impact: Comms That Actually Land

Panel Discussion

Cutting Through the Noise: Making Communication Land

Employees are drowning in messages, channels and change – which means even the most important updates can get lost, ignored or misunderstood. This panel explores how internal communication and HR teams are simplifying, targeting and humanising communication so it actually lands and drives action. Panellists will share how they prioritise what really needs saying, design comms for different audiences and attention spans, and work with leaders and managers to keep messages consistent without becoming corporate wallpaper.

We’ll explore:

How to decide what truly matters in a crowded communications landscape, and what to stop or strip back.
Practical ways to design messages that are clear, concise and relevant for different roles, locations and channels.
The role of leaders and managers in amplifying key messages in a human, credible way.
How to use data and feedback (opens, clicks, comments, questions) to learn what’s landing and adjust in real time.

Speakers:

Vicky Hicks

Openreach

Head of Internal Comms

Vicky has spent 20 years across the public and private sector, with a varied career leading large operational teams, steering large scale transformation programmes across the UK and owning corporate affairs and communication strategies.

An award winning inclusive and trusted leader, who people depend on to get the job done in the most effective way, Vicky is now Head of Internal Comms at Openreach.

Sarah Fox

Evri

Corporate Communications Lead - Internal

Dynamic, passionate , able to communicate at all levels within an organisation and to its stakeholders, employees, customers and potential customers.

With the benefit of internal and external communications experience, my objective is to exceed expectations in my role and bring a fresh, creative approach to my work. I firmly believe in the importance of communication within an organisation and to its customers across a variety of channels, both internal and external. An experienced line manager, I understand the benefit clear, consistent communication brings to an organisation and its people. Communication is more than words, it shapes culture and encourages engagement.

An ex-journalist, I have strong storytelling skills, including website and intranet content, case studies and writing press releases. I also enjoy event management and working with the media. I have a good understanding of creating collateral from idea to output.

Having worked with suppliers from print to PR, video and design, I can turn a concept into a piece of high quality communication based on collaborative insight and linked to strategic intent.

15:45 - 16:05

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Cutting Through the Noise: Making Communication Land

16:05 - 16:30

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Visa Case Study: Proving the Impact of the “CMS Cares” Campaign

Case Study

Measurement & Insight: Proving What’s Working

Visa’s volunteering programme was consistently missing its 35% participation target, despite offering 16 hours of paid volunteering leave a year and a “$10 for Doers” donation for every hour volunteered. In this case study, Katie will share how the “CMS Cares” campaign used insight, targeted tactics and clear measures of success to more than close that gap – taking participation from 18% to 15 percentage points above target. She will explore how Visa identified time and lack of perceived priority as the core barriers, designed on‑site, time‑efficient volunteering events across global hubs, and combined them with senior‑leader career panels to meet multiple employee needs at once. Delegates will hear how personalised outreach to non‑volunteers, simple participation metrics and clear before‑and‑after comparisons helped Visa prove what was working, secure “CMS Cares” as a permanent branded programme, and build the case for replicating the approach globally.

Speaker:

Katie Klimaytys

Visa

Director, Global Internal Communications, Commercial and Money Movement Solutions

Katie serves as the Global Director of Internal Communications for Commercial and Money Movement Solutions (CMS) at Visa, based in London. A seasoned senior leader, she boasts a proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies for global corporations and household names.

Katie has worked across diverse industries, including automotive, telecommunications, transport, and energy, excelling in multichannel strategies that engage and inform tens of thousands of employees globally.

Noted for her innovative and forward-thinking approach, Katie provides strategic counsel to executives and senior leadership teams, ensuring alignment and effective communication at all organizational levels.

Most recently, Katie spearheaded Visa's internal communications campaign for the firm's 2025 Product Drop, successfully launching industry-first AI and stablecoin products.

16:55 - 17:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Proof Over Perception: Cracking the ROI of Internal Comms

Panel Discussion

Measurement & Insight: Proving What’s Working

Senior leaders are asking a simple question: what commercial value does internal comms really create? This panel explores how teams are moving beyond activity metrics to prove clear links between communications, employee behaviour and business results. Panellists will share how they define ROI up front, choose the few measures that matter, and build evidence‑based stories that win trust, protect budgets and influence decisions.

We’ll explore:

How to define ROI for internal comms in commercial terms (productivity, retention, customer experience, risk reduction), not just engagement scores.
Practical ways to connect comms activity to behaviour change and business outcomes using a small, focused set of metrics.
How to build simple ROI narratives and visuals that resonate with boards, FDs and non‑comms leaders.
The skills, data and partnerships internal comms teams need to embed ROI thinking into everyday planning and reporting.

Speakers:

Sue Lewis

British Red Cross

Head of People Strategy

Sue Lewis is the Head of People Strategy and a senior leader dedicated to shaping organisational culture, enhancing employee experience, and building future‑ready people strategies. She has a strong track record in leading transformational HR and organisational development initiatives, modernising ways of working, and cultivating high‑performing, inclusive teams.

Now in her 11th year with the British Red Cross, Sue leads on creating the conditions for the organisation to achieve its People Strategy. Her work focuses on enabling all People functions to progress critical capabilities, embedding strategic planning and performance, and supporting the evolution of the organisation as it moves towards realising Strategy 2030.

Sue has also played a central role in shaping the organisation’s values and behaviours, providing leadership in embedding these across the British Red Cross to strengthen culture, connection, and shared purpose.

Alongside her professional work, Sue brings a vibrant personal energy to everything she does. A budding stand‑up comic, she’s at her happiest finding humour in the everyday and sharing it with others. Outside of work, she loves climbing mountains, seeking out adventures by the sea, and embracing her passion for music — often found dancing in a field with strangers during her downtime.

Throughout her career, Sue has championed people‑centred approaches that align culture, capability, and organisational ambition. She is known for her thoughtful leadership, collaborative style, and passion for enabling people and teams to reach their full potential.

At this conference, Sue will share insights drawn from her experience developing people‑centric strategies, leading organisational change, and shaping the future of work.

Jonathan Elliott

Sky

Head of Internal Communications, Leadership & Business Partnering

Jonathan Elliott is the Head of Leadership Communications at Sky; overseeing the engagement strategy for Sky’s CEO and Executive Management Team. Jonathan joined Sky in December 2024 to lead the delivery of a new company narrative, growing clarity and confidence in the organisation’s direction, whilst transforming to ensure Sky is fit for the future. Prior to Sky, Jonathan spent almost a decade with the BBC, initially to develop the response to the Dame Janet Smith report, before leading the communications for the launch of BBC Studios as a commercial entity, the merger with BBC Worldwide, and the company’s Covid communications plan. Jonathan also led the internal communications for the launch of A BBC For The Future vision and Value for All strategy work. Jonathan also spent seven years with Santander, starting with the bank during the global financial crisis in 2008, and working on the acquisitions of and mergers with Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley. Across his career, Jonathan has gained experience in internal and external communications, marketing, and CSR.

Hanna Blad

Hive Streaming

Product Manager

Hanna began her career in HR before transitioning into product development, giving her a unique perspective on how internal communications and live video impact employee engagement at scale. As a Product Manager at Hive Streaming, Hanna is a key part of shaping the future of internal communications and Hive’s communication intelligence products.

17:25 - 17:30

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Closing Remarks

Measurement & Insight: Proving What’s Working

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success

Partnerships & Strategy Director

17:30

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

The Digital Workplace Experience

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Jo welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s internal communication and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, she'll set out what you can expect from the Internal Communication & Connected Workplace Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Jo Dodds

Engage for Success

Co-Strategy Director

As co-Strategy Director of Engage for Success, Jo is focused on spreading the word about employee engagement and shining a light on good practise, inspiring people and workplaces to thrive. She also co-hosts the long running weekly Engage for Success radio podcast talking all things employee engagement with a wide range of guests from all over the world. Her corporate background is in regional and national HR and training roles within large retail and leisure organisations. She started her own business in 2005 and has since worked with people and organisations to take advantage of the digital and social media opportunities to create engagement with customers, employees and other stakeholders.

09:00 - 09:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Inside the IC Index: What a Connected Workplace Now Demands from Internal Comms

Opening Keynote

The Digital Workplace Experience

Drawing on the latest findings from the IC Index, this opening keynote explores what a genuinely connected, digital workplace now looks like – and what that means for internal communication leaders. It will unpack how new platforms, AI and hybrid work patterns are changing where and how employees get information, feel part of a culture and get work done, and where internal comms needs to evolve to keep up. Delegates will gain practical insight into designing human‑centred digital experiences, using data and AI to reduce noise rather than add to it, and putting connection, inclusion and trust at the heart of their digital workplace plans.

Speaker:

Dominic Walters

Institute of Internal Communication

President

Dominic Walters - has specialised in internal communication and learning and development for over 30 years. He has worked in senior in-house roles and as a coach and consultant in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, supporting leadership teams across a range of sectors.

Dominic has featured in print, TV and audio promoting effective communication and is the co-host of the Future of Internal Communication podcast. He is also author of the IoIC audiobook ‘Leading Inside Out’.

Dominic is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and Fellow and President of the Institute of Internal Communication.

09:50 - 10:20

Communication & The Connected Workplace

The Digital Workplace Experience – How Internal Comms Creates Connections

Panel Discussion

The Digital Workplace Experience

In a hybrid, always‑on world, the digital workplace is where most employees now experience your organisation – for information, collaboration and culture. This panel explores how internal comms can turn that environment from a noisy collection of tools into a connected experience that helps people feel informed, included and able to do their best work. Panellists will share how they are shaping journeys, content and governance across platforms so employees know where to go, what to trust and how to have a voice.

We’ll explore:

How employees actually move through the digital workplace today, and where internal comms can remove friction and confusion.
The role of internal comms in creating clear “front doors”, navigation and content standards across intranets, chat, video and social tools.
Practical ways internal comms can use campaigns, storytelling and community-building to create connection, not just push messages.
How feedback, analytics and experimentation can continuously improve the digital workplace experience over time.

Speakers:

Rebecca Marks

Commonwealth Sport

Head of People

I’m a strategic HR leader and trusted advisor to senior leadership, with a strong track record of shaping people strategy that enables business performance and long-term growth.

I work closely with executive leadership teams to build organisational capability, develop high-performing cultures, and align workforce strategy with commercial objectives. I’ve led the design and delivery of end-to-end HR functions, scaling people operations, strengthening governance, and transforming existing models to be more efficient, data-driven, and impactful.

My experience includes operating in senior standalone and leadership roles across complex, multi-site organisations, where I’ve partnered at enterprise level while remaining pragmatic and people-centred in execution.

I bring a strong governance and risk lens, holding Mental Health First Aider and Health & Safety Responsible Person qualifications, with extensive experience leading H&S frameworks to ensure compliance, risk mitigation, and employee wellbeing. I also hold a Finance for Non-Finance Managers qualification, enabling me to contribute effectively at Board and executive levels.

I’m passionate about leadership capability and culture, and I’m qualified to design and deliver management and executive development programmes. Championing inclusive, values-led organisations is central to my approach, and I’ve led meaningful Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategies that foster belonging, engagement, and sustainable performance.

Sarah Fox

Evri

Corporate Communications Lead - Internal

10:20 - 11:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

The Digital Workplace Experience

11:00 - 11:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

easyJet Case Study: Rethinking Employee Listening for a Frontline Workforce

Case Study

Reaching Deskless, Frontline & Dispersed Teams

With more than 80% of its people working on the frontline as cabin crew and pilots, easyJet needed a different approach to understanding and improving employee experience than periodic engagement surveys could offer. In this case study, Kate will share how the airline is shifting to a “listening and trust” model that connects head office with the frontline, encourages more open feedback and shows clearly how that feedback turns into action. She will explore how the team is starting to link employee voice to key business outcomes such as customer satisfaction and on‑time performance, and what’s been learned so far from re‑designing listening with trust, transparency and a connected workforce in mind.

Key themes:

Connecting head office with an 80% frontline workforce
Moving from traditional engagement surveys to a listening-and-trust model
Showing “you said, we did” to build confidence in speaking up
Linking employee engagement and listening to customer satisfaction and on‑time performance

Speaker:

Kate Marks

easyJet

Head of People Insight and Employee Listening

Kate Marks is Head of People Insight and Analytics at easyJet, where she leads the development and delivery of people‑analytics and workforce‑data strategies that support organisational design, capability uplift, and evidence‑based decision making.

With a strong interest in bridging HR and data, Kate specialises in turning complex analytics into actionable insight, helping shape people strategy, inform change management and enable teams to make evidence‑driven decisions.

Kate is recognised for her ability to democratise data across functions, ensuring that insights serve both operational needs and strategic goals.

11:50 - 12:20

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Beyond Head Office: Rethinking Communication for Frontline & Dispersed Workers

Panel Discussion

Reaching Deskless, Frontline & Dispersed Teams

For organisations with large frontline and dispersed workforces, reaching people is no longer about adding more channels – it’s about designing communication around how, where and when they actually work. This panel explores how internal comms, HR and operations leaders are tackling the challenge of engaging employees with no desk, limited corporate tech and varied shift patterns. Panellists will share practical approaches for making communication accessible, relevant and timely, and for ensuring frontline voices shape decisions rather than sit at the edges.

We’ll explore:

How to design communication for people without regular email or intranet access.
Blending digital, physical and leader-led channels to fit different frontline contexts.
Equipping managers and supervisors as critical communication conduits, not bottlenecks.
Turning frontline feedback into visible action to build trust and sustained engagement.

Speakers:

Elyse Senior-Wadsworth

Sheffield City Council

Assistant Director - People Team / Assistant Programme Director

Elyse Senior-Wadsworth is a human resources leader with extensive experience in people strategy and organisational development within local government. She currently works at Sheffield City Council, where she plays a senior role in the council’s Human Resources and organisational leadership functions, contributing to people policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, and supporting culture and workforce initiatives.

Elyse brings deep experience in strategic HR work that strengthens organisational culture, supports inclusive practices and enables teams to thrive. Her leadership focuses on embedding values across the workforce and supporting leaders and colleagues through change and growth.

Tim Prince

Network Rail

Head of Internal Communications

An experienced and outcome-focused leader. Specialist in helping organisations ensure their priorities land with frontline teams in a way that builds clarity, trust and high performance.

Shabri Lakhani

ScreenCloud

Chief Revenue Officer

Shabri Lakhani is the Chief Revenue Officer at ScreenCloud, the enterprise digital signage platform trusted by over 10,000 organisations globally to power workplace communication at scale. With over 15 years leading revenue and go-to-market strategy across tech, Shabri has spent the last two years immersed in the world of enterprise workplace communication — working closely with comms and IT leaders to understand what it actually takes to reach a deskless, distributed workforce, and where most internal communication strategies fall short. At ScreenCloud, she partners with some of the world's largest manufacturers, logistics providers, and healthcare organisations — helping them close the gap between the communication leaders think is happening and what frontline workers actually experience, and what that means for the future of employee engagement.

12:20 - 13:40

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Reaching Deskless, Frontline & Dispersed Teams

13:40 - 14:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Interactive Q&A

Q&A

Reaching Deskless, Frontline & Dispersed Teams

In a world of overflowing channels, hybrid teams and fast‑evolving digital tools, internal communicators are asking a hard question: are we genuinely connecting people, or just adding to the noise? This interactive Q&A will take the temperature of the room on the biggest pressures facing internal comms leaders today – from channel overload and low trust to reaching frontline colleagues and proving impact. Together, we’ll explore where teams feel most stuck, where they’re making progress, and what needs to change in how we design, deliver and measure digital‑age communication so employees can actually find, trust and use what they receive.

14:00 - 14:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

National Crime Agency Case Study: Behind the Scenes at the National Crime Agency’s Officer and Family Days

Case Study

Staying Connected in Busy, Distributed Workplaces

Discover how the National Crime Agency celebrated their 10 year anniversary by opening their doors to officers and staff to showcase the agencies work. These award-winning events boosted morale, facilitated networking and increased knowledge sharing across the agency. Senior leaders advocated for the events and in particular wanted an opportunity to thank officers and their families. In this case study, Katy will explore how the team worked with stakeholders across the agency to overcome health and safety and security challenges, recruited volunteers, designed interactive and creative content and ran a ballot for tickets. Katy will share how a comprehensive evaluation demonstrated the success of the events and facilitated recommendations for future improvements.

Speaker:

Katy Busby

National Crime Agency

Head of Leadership Communication

Katy is a CIPR Chartered internal communications professional with experience across the public sector including local government, policing and the Civil Service.

She helps leaders to be visible as a trusted advisor – embedding change and simplifying complex language. She has a collaborative leadership style, building strong relationships with stakeholders, colleagues and influencers.

Career highlights include: a hard hitting Met Police safeguarding campaign to help colleagues understand that safeguarding adults and children is everyone’s responsibility. The campaign led to performance improvements, including increased reporting across related crime types and a 50% increase in awareness. As well as multi-award winning National Crime Agency Officer and Family Days at secure sites with the aim of boosting morale and increasing engagement. Feedback was 100% positive and 92% of volunteers said that the events gave them the opportunity to network with colleagues.

She lives with her husband and two teenage sons in south London and enjoys keeping fit and London food tours.

14:25 - 14:50

Communication & The Connected Workplace

The Overlooked Majority: Building a Brand for Your Frontline Workforce

Presentation

Staying Connected in Busy, Distributed Workplaces

In today’s distributed workplaces, frontline employees often feel the most disconnected from employer branding efforts—yet they are the living expression of your brand to customers and the wider community. This highly practical workshop will explore how organizations are closing that gap by meeting frontline workers where they are: on their mobile devices and in moments that matter.

Participants will learn how to implement mobile-first communication and engagement tools to create a seamless brand experience for non-desk employees—from onboarding to advocacy. We’ll also dive into the growing power of recognition-based strategies to drive motivation, belonging, and brand alignment. Whether it’s peer-to-peer kudos or leadership shoutouts, recognition is becoming a cornerstone of employee experience and brand storytelling.

The session will include breakout activities and peer-to-peer discussions where participants will explore real-world challenges, share experiences, and co-create solutions. These interactive components are designed to deepen learning, spark new ideas, and build a stronger global network of employer brand practitioners.

Key Focus Areas:

Discover how to use mobile-first tools to connect, engage, and activate your frontline workforce in meaningful ways.
Learn how recognition—both structured and spontaneous—can drive deeper brand alignment and employee pride.
Participate in peer-led discussions to explore practical challenges and co-create solutions tailored to your frontline audience.

Speaker:

Laura Whitworth

Sociabble

Chief Customer Officer

Laura Whitworth leads the Global Customer Success team at Sociabble, where she collaborates with prominent international clients such as AXA, L'Occitane en Provence, Primark, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to enhance employee engagement. With extensive experience in marketing and communication, and with a special focus on connecting frontline teams, she has spearheaded and managed high-impact engagement programs that reach hundreds of thousands of global users. Laura has been instrumental in guiding clients on employee engagement and aligning their company objectives with their communication tools, for the head office and the factory floor alike.

14:50 - 15:20

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Time‑Poor, Connection‑Rich: Rethinking Communication in Busy & Distributed Workplaces

Panel Discussion

Staying Connected in Busy, Distributed Workplaces

In organisations where teams are stretched, locations are many and days are packed, staying genuinely connected can feel harder than ever. This panel explores how internal comms and people leaders are creating connection in the flow of busy, distributed work – making it easier for employees to feel informed, aligned and part of something bigger, wherever they are. Panellists will share how they simplify messages, use digital and human touchpoints wisely, and protect space for meaningful two-way conversations rather than adding to the noise.

We’ll explore:

What “feeling connected” really means for employees in busy, distributed environments (beyond just receiving information).
How to design lighter, smarter communication rhythms that respect time pressures but still build alignment and belonging.
The role of leaders and managers as connection-makers, and how to equip them without overloading them.
Practical ways to keep listening loops open so dispersed teams can influence decisions and share what’s really happening on the ground.

Speakers:

Natasha Liedl-McDowall

LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

Senior Manager Internal Communications

Customers will only love a company when their employees love it first.

Natasha believes in a corporate world where employees feel inspired at work and uses internal communication as a vehicle to achieve that. In doing so, internal communication plays a vital role in protecting and elevating a company’s reputation through culture. It starts from the inside.

Originally trained as a television journalist in live breakfast TV and owning a wellness business herself, Natasha has worked across a variety of large organisations from technology, data & analytics, to the refuse collectors at Veolia.

Natasha has worked with global audiences across 190 countries and those in the disparate UK frontline - she has observed how technology developed in the Chief Operating Office, impacts the reality of the frontline. Most of Natasha's career has involved filling brand new internal communications roles, building teams from the ground up, bringing new ideas to the table to create a function that’s not just ‘taking orders’ but a valuable, trusted advisor to the organisation it serves.

Leo Morgan

Welcome Break

Internal Communications and Engagement Manager

I’m a driven internal communications manager with experience managing strategic communications and employee engagement activities in the workplace technology and retail industries across EMEA.

15:20 - 15:45

Communication & The Connected Workplace

The Employee Attention Recession: When Attention Is the Scarcest Resource in the Room

Presentation

Staying Connected in Busy, Distributed Workplaces

We've spent years optimising the digital workplace for productivity - better tools, smarter platforms, frictionless experiences. But there's a problem we haven't designed for yet: we're running out of attention.

Employees are navigating more systems, more notifications, and more competing priorities than ever before. And as AI steps in to interpret, summarise, and surface content on their behalf, organisations face a new and underappreciated risk...losing clarity, priority, and intent, even when the original message was sound.

This session covers the concept of the Employee Attention Recession and asks: are we designing digital environments that protect focus and preserve meaning, or are we just adding more noise?

David will challenge digital leaders to move beyond tool adoption and start treating employee attention as the finite, valuable organisational asset that it really is.

Speaker:

David Bowman

Fresh, Advania UK

Product Director

David Bowman is Product Director at Fresh, where he’s spent two decades helping organisations build digital workplaces that work for real people, not just tech specialists. As a technology evangelist grounded in practicality, he delivers strategic consulting on Microsoft 365 and SharePoint-native intranets that focus on clear communication, genuine collaboration, and an employee experience people enjoy.

15:45 - 16:05

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Staying Connected in Busy, Distributed Workplaces

16:55 - 17:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

From Notifications to Engagement: Using storytelling to Support Change, Culture and Leadership Visibility

Panel Discussion

The Role of Storytelling in Communications

This panel explores how storytelling can turn strategy, change and culture into narratives people understand, remember and act on. Panellists will discuss how they find and frame stories from across the business, balance honesty with inspiration, and use stories to give employees a sense of meaning, momentum and belonging.

We’ll explore:

Why stories cut through more effectively than information alone in internal and leadership communication.
How to source real stories from across the organisation and shape them into clear, credible narratives.
Using storytelling to support change, culture and leadership visibility without slipping into spin.
Practical tools and habits that help leaders and IC teams build storytelling into everyday communication.

Speakers:

Monika Holliday

British Airways Euroflyer

Head of People

Monika Holliday is the Head of People at British Airways Euroflyer, leading the organisation’s people strategy and shaping a culture that drives performance and long‑term success. As a trusted member of the Executive Team, she aligns people priorities with business goals, strengthening leadership capability and organisational effectiveness. Monika is known for her strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and commitment to building an engaged, high‑performing workforce. She champions initiatives that enhance colleague experience, foster inclusion, and equip the organisation to thrive through change.

Laura Colantuono

Starbucks

Employee Communications, EMEA

Laura is a communications leader with over 15 years of experience in global organisations. Originally from Italy, she has lived abroad for most of her life. She began her career as a journalist before joining Unilever Italy in 2010, where she discovered her passion for Internal Communications and employee engagement. In 2014, Laura moved to Fendi to lead the global internal communications function, and in 2019 she relocated to London to join Harrods as Internal Communications Manager. In 2020, she returned to the FMCG sector as Head of Internal Communications, International at The Kraft Heinz Company. Since then, she has continued to champion engagement and internal communications across fintech and media, and today she leads Internal Communications for Starbucks EMEA. Laura recently completed an Executive master’s in strategic marketing at IE Business School.

17:25 - 17:30

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Closing Remarks

The Role of Storytelling in Communications

Speaker:

Jo Dodds

Engage for Success

Co-Strategy Director

17:30

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Skills, Roles & Hiring Decisions in Today’s Market

As we open the Engage Employee Summit, Annisha welcomes you to two days dedicated to the real challenges and opportunities facing today’s internal communication and engagement leaders.

In this opening address, she'll set out what you can expect from the Talent & Workforce Evolution Stage and across the summit - the themes shaping the agenda, the conversations that matter most right now, and how you can make the most of your time with us.

Whether you’re here to strengthen culture, sharpen leadership communication or rethink how engagement supports performance, this session will provide context, clarity and a strong start to the days ahead.

Speaker:

Annisha Taylor

Ofcom

Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

09:00 - 09:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Building an AI‑Ready Workforce: Lessons from PwC’s 360,000‑Person Upskilling Journey

Opening Keynote

Skills, Roles & Hiring Decisions in Today’s Market

PwC has put itself forward as “client zero” for AI, undertaking the challenge of upskilling 360,000 people worldwide while reshaping roles, skills and workforce design. In this Opening Keynote, Rob & Nicole will share fresh insights from its global Hopes and Fears survey, unpack employee sentiment around AI at scale, and reveal the practical strategies they and their clients are using to communicate change, build confidence and turn anxiety into adoption.

Speakers:

Rob McCargow

PwC UK

Technology Impact Leader

Rob is a leading voice in the field of AI, a TEDx and keynote speaker, industry commentator, and an evangelist for the responsible and ethical adoption of technology and its impact upon society. He plays an active role in shaping national and industry dialogue on AI through his work with policymakers, trade bodies, academia, and business leaders. He’s a Senior Visiting Fellow at Bayes Business School, and a founding board member of the UK's Parliamentary Group on AI. HR Magazine ranks him as an ‘HR Most Influential Thinker’, Onalytica cites him as a ‘Who’s Who in AI’, Favikon ranks him as one of the World’s Most Influential Voices in AI, and he was voted ‘Tech Community Leader of the Year’ at the CogX Festival. He won Editor’s Choice at the TechWomen100 Awards in recognition of his championing of the women in tech agenda.

Nicole Knott

PwC UK

Partner

Nicole brings 20 years’ experience leading people and technology transformations, combining deep functional and technical expertise to help organisations modernise workforce services and deliver sustainable change. She spent 10 years working in Financial Services and has most recently supported clients across Defence, Energy and Industrials. She is passionate about technology innovation and the future of work, and is a proud sponsor and advocate of women in technology. Nicole has been recognised by Women of the Future and WeAreTheCity Women in Technology awards. Based in London and originally from the United States, Nicole is also a mum to Ada (4). Outside of work, they love swimming, dancing and cooking together.

09:50 - 10:20

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

From Headcount to Skill Sets: Rethinking Hiring, Roles and Career Paths in an AI-Driven World

Panel Discussion

Skills, Roles & Hiring Decisions in Today’s Market

This panel brings together senior HR, talent and business leaders to explore how demographic shifts, new employee expectations, hybrid work and emerging technologies are reshaping what organisations need from their people. Panellists will discuss how role profiles, skills frameworks and hiring decisions are evolving in response to societal change – from multigenerational workforces and wellbeing demands to AI, automation and new models of flexibility.

What to expect:

Concrete examples of how organisations are updating roles, skills matrices and competency models in response to social, technological and economic change.
Real-world stories on where employers are choosing to reskill, redeploy or recruit, and how those choices affect engagement, inclusion and trust.
Practical ideas for designing career paths, learning journeys and internal mobility that work for multigenerational, diverse and hybrid workforces.
Honest discussion about workforce sentiment, psychological safety and communication when roles, expectations and required skills are all moving at pace.

Speakers:

Ian Wallis

HM Revenue & Customs

People Analytics & Insight Director

Richard Rowley

Working Chance

Deputy Chief Executive

Richard is the Deputy Chief Executive of Working Chance, the UK’s only employment charity for women with convictions. He provides strategic leadership with a strong emphasis on employer engagement, helping organisations adopt inclusive hiring practices and build the confidence, capability, and culture needed to recruit and retain talent with convictions. Richard oversees Working Chance’s service delivery team, which prepares women for sustainable, fulfilling employment.

With over 25 years’ experience across the voluntary, public, and private sectors, including frontline roles in prisons and probation, Richard brings deep insight into the criminal justice system, and the barriers people face when accessing work. This practical expertise enables him to support employers in designing fair and inclusive recruitment approaches that are both socially impactful and commercially effective.

His career spans programme design, policy influence, and one‑to‑one mentoring, all rooted in the belief that inclusive employment is a powerful driver of social and economic change. With an extensive UK and international network built over decades of collaboration, Richard continues to open doors, shift perceptions, and champion fairer hiring practices across sectors.

Richard’s mission is simple and ambitious: to make employment not only accessible, but truly transformative for individuals, employers, and society.

10:20 - 11:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Skills, Roles & Hiring Decisions in Today’s Market

11:00 - 11:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

From Friction to Fuel: Making Multigenerational Teams Thrive: In Conversation With Monika Holliday, Head of People at British Airways Euroflyer

Interview

Developing Existing Talent

Today’s workplace is unprecedented; five generations working side by side, all bringing different expectations, experiences and ways of working, and sometimes elbowing for space. This session dives into the power of that mix: how generational diversity can become a genuine business superpower, driving sharper thinking, stronger collaboration and outstanding performance. We’ll explore how to harness what each generation brings, without falling into stereotypes, and shine a light on the common pitfalls to watch out for; from friction and bias to outdated policies that quietly hold teams back. Practical and honest, this session is about turning generational difference into a competitive advantage, not a challenge to manage.

Speaker:

Monika Holliday

British Airways Euroflyer

Head of People

11:25 - 11:50

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Built to Last: Creating a Hiring System That Performs and Evolves

Presentation

Developing Existing Talent

Most organisations treat ATS implementation as a milestone. In reality, go-live is only the beginning.

In a market shaped by slower hiring growth, AI-driven change, and increasing regulatory expectations, the real question is not whether your ATS is live; it is whether your hiring system performs and adapts.

This session reframes implementation as the design of a hiring operating model. Learn how senior TA and HR leaders can improve hiring velocity, build adaptable workflows, and ensure accountable decision-making in an AI-enabled world.

Speaker:

Adam Nichols

Teamtailor

Talent Acquisition Strategy Partner | Customer Success Manager

Adam is a UK Talent Acquisition leader with over 14 years of experience transforming hiring across enterprise organisations. Now at Teamtailor, he works closely with TA leaders to improve hiring velocity, redesign recruitment processes and prepare teams for AI enabled hiring. Adam is known for his practical, straight talking approach to modernising hiring infrastructure and bridging the gap between strategy and reality.

11:50 - 12:20

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Growing from Within: Upskilling & Developing Future Leaders

Panel Discussion

Developing Existing Talent

This panel brings together senior HR, Talent and L&D leaders to explore how organisations are investing in the skills and potential of their existing people. Alongside building day-to-day capability, panellists will discuss how they are identifying future leaders early, giving them the development, exposure and support needed to thrive in a world shaped by societal change, hybrid work and new technologies such as AI. You’ll hear honest reflections on what it takes to move from one-off programmes to ongoing development that feels relevant, inclusive and clearly linked to progression and leadership opportunities.

What to expect:

Practical examples of development strategies that go beyond courses, from on-the-job learning to internal mobility, talent pipelines and emerging-leader pathways.
Insight into how organisations are helping people build confidence with AI and digital tools as part of everyday work, while also nurturing leadership mindsets and behaviours.
Lessons on creating development offers that work for different life stages, roles and working patterns, without losing focus on future leadership needs.
Tips for linking development to engagement, retention, succession planning and a stronger, more diverse leadership bench.

Speakers:

Melanie Dickinson

Hollywood Bowl Group

Chief People Officer

Melanie Dickinson is Chief People Officer at Hollywood Bowl Group Plc. She joined the organisation in 2012 and has held a number of senior people leadership roles during her time with the Group, contributing to the development and delivery of its people strategy.

Melanie has over two decades of experience in human resources, having worked across a range of sectors including leisure, hospitality and retail. Prior to joining Hollywood Bowl Group, she held senior HR roles at organisations such as Zizzi Restaurants, Virgin Active Health Clubs Ltd and Azzurri Restaurants Ltd.

Her experience spans core areas of people management, including organisational development, employee relations, leadership capability and workforce planning. As a speaker, Melanie draws on her practical experience of leading HR functions within growing, customer-focused businesses and navigating change in complex operational environments.

Rachel Dale

MSCI Inc.

Global Head of Talent Development

Rachel has led Talent, Development, Culture, Leadership and Performance teams in Sky, Nationwide, PA Consulting and at now at MSCI. She started her career in commercial and marketing roles, retraining as a business psychologist 20 years ago. Her work always starts with specifying the investments in people that will deliver the business strategy, and she uses evidence-based approaches to deliver. She has a strong interest in joining up activity across the employee lifecycle to create a coherent picture for employees and accelerate delivery as well as applying customer focused innovation methods to her work. In her current role she leads Talent Development, Performance and Progression for MSCI and is putting in place the talent engine that will drive the organisation’s huge growth ambitions.

12:20 - 13:40

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Developing Existing Talent

13:40 - 14:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Interactive Q&A: Connected or Cut Off? Engaging Deskless and Dispersed Talent

Q&A

Developing Existing Talent

This audience debate will tackle a growing tension: organisations say everyone is part of the same culture, but many frontline, deskless and dispersed employees still feel out of the loop and under‑heard. The session will explore whether current talent strategies are designed around office‑based knowledge workers, and what it would look like to truly design “frontline‑first”. Expect a fast‑paced conversation on channels, manager capability, tech access, time pressure, and trust, with live audience input on where the biggest gaps are – and what needs to change in how we listen, communicate and involve people who rarely sit at a desk.

14:00 - 14:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Philip Morris International Case Study: Reinventing Talent and Building the Workforce of the Future

Case Study

Recruitment, Employer Brand & Trust

As Philip Morris International continues its transformation journey, the company has redefined its approach to talent through a new “build, borrow, buy” model that puts internal capability development at its core. In this session, Paul and Hannah share how PMI is reshaping its people strategy to create a more agile, future-ready workforce - balancing the cultivation of in-house skills with strategic partnerships and targeted external recruitment. Attendees will gain insights into how this model not only supports business growth but also strengthens employee engagement and career mobility across the organisation.

Speakers:

Paul Bennun

Philip Morris International

People Engagement Manager

A progressive HR leader focused on using culture and behaviour to deliver business success. Strong track record of delivering change at at organisational level across various industries and organisation shapes and sizes (business turnaround, scale-up, customer centricity / culture change, global expansion etc.) with a highly commercial focus.

I like lean HR and building practices into the business infrastructure rather than into the headcount, and am a big fan of identifying the key things to deliver results and being disciplined about pausing the rest - "intentionality" is a key word for me right now.

Hannah Cheal

Philip Morris International

Senior Manager Integrated Talent

Hannah has wide-ranging experience across Philip Morris, with almost 20 years in various teams and functions. She has worked at all levels, and bring s a commercial focus to People and Culture activities. Hannah is leading the UK's progressive approach to talent management - investing in high-quality recruitment and fast-tracking talent through the business. Paul brings experience from multiple sectors and organisations, and focuses on how PMI can drive engagement across all employee audiences and in key strategic priorities. Working together with Hannah, he is supporting on the new approach to talent management in the UK

14:50 - 15:20

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Recruitment, Employer Brand and the New Trust Contract

Panel Discussion

Recruitment, Employer Brand & Trust

As candidates become more discerning and employees more vocal, recruitment and employer brand have become the front line of a new trust contract between organisations and their people. This panel explores how leaders are re‑setting expectations on flexibility, AI, career growth and culture from the very first touchpoint – and what happens when the reality on the inside does not match the promise on the outside. Panellists will discuss how they are making employer branding more honest, joining up corporate and employer brand, and using real employee experience to build credibility in a noisy market. You will hear practical examples of how organisations are redesigning recruitment journeys, talking transparently about trade‑offs, and rebuilding trust after moments where that contract has been stretched or broken.

We'll cover:

How recruitment, employer brand and internal culture now combine to form a lived “deal” with talent, not just a marketing message.
Being explicit about flexibility, AI and ways of working in job stories, so candidates understand the reality of the role.
Using current employees’ voices and data to keep employer branding honest and aligned with the day‑to‑day experience.
Rebuilding trust when promises and reality diverge, including how to communicate changes in work models or expectations.

Speakers:

Jordan Moore

GAIL's

Head of Talent / People Partner

Jordan is a people-focused leader with a genuine passion for helping others grow. Believing that great teams are built on trust, development and open conversations, Jordan cares deeply about leadership, team culture and creating environments where people feel heard, encouraged and supported to be their best.

Andrea Cook

Total Fitness

Head of People

Andrea Cook is an accomplished Human Resources leader with over 26 years of experience across the retail, aviation, and fitness industries. As Head of People at Total Fitness which consists of 15 health & fitness clubs, 2 Women’s gyms and over 720 team members, she leads the organisation’s people strategy, driving initiatives that enhance engagement, development, and wellbeing while fostering a culture of inclusion and performance.

Before joining Total Fitness, Andrea held senior HR roles at John Lewis and Emirates, where she gained extensive experience in people management across complex, customer focused environments.

Her career is defined by a commitment to aligning business strategy with people-focused leadership, ensuring that colleagues are supported, motivated, and equipped to deliver exceptional results.

Andrea has been recognised for working collaboratively in creating an award winning ‘Future Leaders’ development program, winning UK Company Culture award.

She is passionate about creating workplaces where individuals can grow, succeed, and feel genuinely valued for their contributions.

15:45 - 16:05

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Recruitment, Employer Brand & Trust

16:05 - 16:30

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

The Human Advantage: Retention, Resilience and Real Leadership at Total Fitness: In Conversation With Andrea Cook, Head of People at Total Fitness

Interview

Retention Under Pressure: Supporting Talent

This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to retain people when an organisation is under pressure. Rather than polished theories or clichés, it focuses on what genuinely works at Total Fitness: clear communication, consistent honesty, listening even when it’s uncomfortable, and making sure people always know where they stand.

It explores the recruitment pressures we face – from a competitive talent market to the pace and specialisation required in our industry – and how those pressures shape the way we communicate and support our teams.

As Head of People, Andrea speaks openly about why mental health support isn’t just a benefit at Total Fitness – it’s a responsibility. When people are under pressure, the smallest human moments matter the most.

There’s practical advice for emerging HR leaders too: stay grounded in your values, don’t shy away from difficult conversations, and remember that trust is built in the moments when things aren’t easy.

Andrea also shares a real example of how Total Fitness navigated a period of pressure, focusing on how engagement was maintained by showing vulnerability, involving people early, and keeping the focus on the experience of those who work here.

At its core, this is a conversation about staying human in the moments when organisations are most tested – and why that’s exactly when great retention happens.

Speaker:

Andrea Cook

Total Fitness

Head of People

16:30 - 16:55

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

The 2026 AI Talent Map: High-Velocity Sourcing Beyond the M25

Presentation

Retention Under Pressure: Supporting Talent

UK tech hiring has hit a breaking point. With increasing demand for specialized AI skills and London’s housing crisis pricing out talent, HR leaders must pivot. This session reveals how to bypass local bottlenecks by targeting high-density AI clusters beyond UK borders, e.g. in Southern Europe or Egypt. Learn to transition from administration to "Workforce Orchestration," leveraging remote, borderless hiring to secure the best AI talent for 2026.

Speaker:

Ryan Cross

WorkMotion

Global Onboarding Advisor

Ryan is a global talent strategist and specialist in workforce design, helping organisations rethink how and where they hire in an increasingly borderless world. With deep expertise in international talent acquisition and high-growth tech hiring, Ryan partners with HR leaders to move beyond traditional recruitment models and build distributed, high-performance global teams. At Engage Employee 2026, he’ll share insights from the frontlines of global AI hiring, showing how organisations can bypass local talent bottlenecks and adopt a “Workforce Orchestration” approach to secure the skills they need for the future.

16:55 - 17:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Staying Power Under Pressure: Support That Keeps Your Best People

Panel Discussion

Retention Under Pressure: Supporting Talent

With budgets tight, workloads heavy and expectations rising, retaining great people has become a strategic risk rather than just an HR metric. This panel looks at how senior leaders are supporting talent when stress, burnout and financial pressure are all in the mix, without defaulting to pay as the only lever. Panellists will explore how they are combining wellbeing, flexibility, development and recognition to keep critical talent engaged – and what they are doing differently for high‑demand or hard‑to‑replace roles. You will hear practical examples of how organisations are reshaping roles, strengthening manager support and using listening data to spot flight risks early and intervene in a human, sustainable way.

We'll cover:

How financial stress, workload and hybrid work are changing what “support” needs to look like if you want people to stay.
The role of managers in day‑to‑day retention: coaching, boundaries, flexibility and conversations about career and wellbeing.
Practical ways to support talent beyond pay and bonuses – from recognition and benefits to internal mobility and growth.
Using listening, data and honest dialogue to understand who is under pressure, what they need and whether your actions are working.

Speakers:

Marc Molloy

The Metropolitan Police

Assistant Director Leadership Academy

I lead the Metropolitan Police Leadership Academy as Assistant Director, with responsibility for building the leadership capability required to deliver A New Met for London.

My work focuses on strengthening leadership depth at every level - so that trust, standards and performance are lived day-to-day, not just stated as intent.

I specialise in delivering leadership and culture change at pace and scale in complex organisations. That means designing practical, evidence-led programmes rooted in real operational pressures; testing and iterating what works; and holding ourselves accountable for impact, not activity.

Jacy Stanhope

B&Q

Head of Talent & Learning

I’m a people-focused, commercially minded Talent & Learning leader with over 19 years’ experience helping organisations build leadership capability, strengthen succession and improve performance at scale.

With a background in Occupational Psychology, I currently lead Talent & Learning for a large, multi-site retail organisation, setting the strategic direction for leadership, learning and talent development. My work spans leadership and management capability, succession and internal mobility, culture and change, and the foundations of learning governance.

I’m known for taking a pragmatic approach to learning innovation, blending technology and AI with real-world learning experiences, coaching and meaningful workplace conversations, so capability building translates into measurable performance and customer outcomes.

At my core, I believe people do their best work when expectations are clear, development is taken seriously, and individuals feel trusted, challenged and supported. I’m motivated by building environments where leaders make better decisions, talent is developed intentionally, and learning has a tangible impact on both colleagues and the business.

17:25 - 17:30

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Closing Remarks

Retention Under Pressure: Supporting Talent

17:30

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Summit After-Party

The Night Summit

Thursday 21 May 2026

08:55 - 09:00

Main Stage

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

AI-Redesigned Work & Organisational Transformation

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Charlotte will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Charlotte Dahl

7 Seas Culture Consultancy

Managing Director

09:00 - 09:25

Main Stage

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

AI-Redesigned Work & Organisational Transformation

09:50 - 10:20

Main Stage

AI-Redesigned Work: What Must Change - and What Must Not?

Panel Discussion

AI-Redesigned Work & Organisational Transformation

Technology is reshaping how organisations operate, collaborate and deliver value — and AI is accelerating that shift.

In this main stage panel, leaders will explore how they are redesigning work in a people-centred way, from embedding AI into workflows to supporting employees through large-scale change. The discussion will examine how to drive meaningful adoption, build digital confidence and ensure transformation strengthens both organisational performance and employee experience.

What to Expect:

How organisations are moving from AI experimentation to structural redesign
Practical approaches to driving adoption and reducing resistance
Building digital capability and confidence at every level
Ensuring AI enhances performance without compromising culture and trust

Speaker:

Abi Goodwin

Sky

Group Director for Strategic Workforce Planning and People Services

Abi Goodwin is Sky’s Group Director for Strategic Workforce Planning and People Services. Her wide-ranging role spans leading Sky’s people strategy and strategic workforce plan, people analytics, driving people transformation particularly through technology and Ai, and delivering great people experience and people services. Prior to Abi’s 6 years at Sky, she led a number of HR teams in British Airways including Organisation Transformation and Change, People Partners, and Learning and Development. Abi is driven by improving customer experience, simplifying complexity and always doing the right thing to keep our people and organisations safe.

10:20 - 10:50

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

10:50 - 11:15

Main Stage

Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline During High Growth: In Conversation with Matt Hudson, Chief People Officer at Popeyes Louisana Chicken

Interview

Shaping the Workforce of the Future

Speaker:

Matt Hudson

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK

Chief People Officer

Matt is Chief People Officer at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK, a role he assumed in 2023 as the brand entered a rapid growth phase under TDR Capital ownership. He leads the people strategy across the UK business, supporting expansion from 17 to over 70 sites in under two years, with plans to reach 150 by the end of 2026 and 250 by 2030. His remit includes talent acquisition, leadership development, reward, employee engagement and cultural transformation.

Prior to joining Popeyes, Matt spent five years at Wagamama, where he served as People Director and Director of Talent and People Operations. Earlier in his career, Matt held senior HR roles at Travelodge, AWE, and npower, with experience spanning hospitality, defence and energy sectors.

Matt holds a BA (Hons) degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Kent and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.

11:15 - 11:40

Main Stage

Creating Opportunities Through Hidden Talent: In Conversation with Neil Morrison, Group HR and Communications Director at Severn Trent

Interview

Shaping the Workforce of the Future

This conversation will explore Severn Trent’s “hidden talent” programme and its ambition to help 100,000 people out of poverty over ten years by creating meaningful employment opportunities for marginalised groups.

Neil will share how the initiative was developed, the challenges of building trust and engagement with ex-offenders, care leavers and the long-term unemployed, and the support structures required to drive retention and long-term success.

The discussion will also examine the organisational benefits of accessing a highly motivated and committed talent pool, and what it takes to turn social impact into sustainable workforce strategy.

Speaker:

Neil Morrison

Severn Trent

Group Human Resources Director

Experienced FTSE100 executive with broad international experience. Neil has led fast moving, high growth organisations as well as those undergoing significant transformation and change, including both mergers and acquisitions. His career has included time working in media, retail, B2B services and utilities - all in times of significant change.

Technically, he has expertise in change management (especially digital transformation), compensation and benefits (including remuneration committees), organisational development, talent management, strategic resourcing, employee relations and communications. He's partnered with a range of CEOs and board members and contribute to the broader business leadership and strategy.

He prides himself on his communication skills and broad business knowledge. Down to earth, calm and measured whilst still working at pace and focused on delivery. The range of his experience means he's learnt to adapt and flex to different industries and cultures. he's also a qualified coach.

When he's not working, he is passionate about education, skills and the world of work in general. He's a regular commentator on leadership and management and has written for publications in the UK and US and spoken at conferences across the globe.

11:40 - 12:10

Main Stage

Shaping the Workforce of the Future: Skills, Structure and Strategy

Panel Discussion

Shaping the Workforce of the Future

As roles evolve and new capabilities emerge, organisations are shifting towards a skills-first approach to talent and workforce planning.

This panel will explore how leaders are identifying critical skills, closing capability gaps and embedding continuous learning into their people strategies. The discussion will examine how organisations are redesigning roles, investing in development and creating greater internal mobility to build long-term agility and resilience.

Join the conversation on how to future-proof your workforce and align talent strategy with evolving business priorities in a rapidly changing environment.

What to Expect:

Practical approaches to identifying and prioritising critical skills for the future
Insight into building a talent strategy that supports business growth
Examples of closing capability gaps through reskilling, internal mobility and development
Strategies for embedding continuous learning to strengthen workforce agility

Speaker:

Kelsey Kates

Ex-Google

Ex-Global Head of Learning Experiences

Kelsey believes deeply in changing the world through more impactful and delightful experiences that transform how we show up as adults. As the Global Head of Learning Experiences at Google, Kelsey Kates oversees the activation and delivery of more than 15 programs within the Global Business Org for more than 20,000 Googlers, and their 150+ facilitators. Kelsey and her team have won multiple awards for the design and delivery of Google's marquee programs - Facilitation Academy, Deliver Like a Boss and Google Way of Coaching, just to name a few.

On the academic side, Kelsey has her B.S from the University of Denver, a Master's from Northwestern and an Executive Certification in Neuroscience for Business from MIT.

Today, Kelsey lives in a seaside town in Ireland with her husband and two little boys - it's as lovely and wild as it sounds.

12:10 - 13:00

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

13:00 - 13:25

Main Stage

Firstbus Case Study: Justifying the Value of Employee Engagement & Stakeholder Engagement

Case Study

The People Function as a Growth Driver

Convince the Board & Wider Business that Engagement & Culture are a business imperative which require consistent & constant investment:

Demonstrate how engagement activities directly correlate with improved productivity, innovation, retention and long-term business performance – and why engagement deserves board-level attention.
What are the different measures linking engagement efforts to tangible outcomes such as customer satisfaction, profitability and employer brand to present a compelling case to leadership to shape people strategies aligned with the overall business direction.
It’s not just the board! Who are your key stakeholders and business leaders who are either enablers or blockers when it comes to people strategy improvements?

Speaker:

Kevin Green

Firstbus

Chief People Officer

Kevin is the Chief People Officer of First Bus – a division of FirstGroup. First Bus is a FTSE 250 Company and is one of the UK’s largest bus operators with 14,000 employees. In his time at First Bus, Kevin has kicked off a transformational people strategy, which will put colleagues and customers first. As part of this, People Centricity, at bottom-up change process, has started to roll-out across the business, driving a more human culture across First Bus where colleague behaviours are fully aligned to our purpose of ‘your journey is our everything’ and the First Bus values – or ‘Our Way’. Kevin has also introduced a step change on Diversity and Inclusion including the company-wide introduction of inclusion networks and a ‘Celebrating our Differences’ development programme for all managers. Quarterly employee engagement surveys are an integral part of ensuring that First Bus listens to its people and becomes a great place to work.

Kevin has been an entrepreneur, a CEO and HRD of a FTSE 100 company, he brings a wide range of skills and experience from each of these roles to assist the organisations he works with. He specialises in businesses that want to scale up or transform. Kevin has long been recognised as an award-winning business leader. He has worked with many leadership teams to maximise their performance by developing both unique customer offerings and differentiated people strategies which provide sustainable competitive advantage. His passion is creating great cultures where people want to give their best every day.

As a TEDx speaker, Kevin is an experienced communicator who informs, inspires and engages his audiences. He has spoken at large conferences but is as comfortable with smaller more intimate round tables or leadership events. His areas of specialism include global labour markets, competitive people strategy, how to create high performing cultures and What great leaders do to create superior performance.

13:25 - 13:50

Main Stage

ofi Case Study: A Unified Identity: Our Culture Transformation Journey

Case Study

The People Function as a Growth Driver

Two years into building the talent agenda for ofi, the focus has been on creating alignment, clarity and a shared identity across a complex global workforce.

With five product lines spanning cocoa, coffee, nuts, dairy and spices, and teams operating across 50 countries, the challenge has been unifying a diverse organisation while overcoming legacy culture from the carve-out - where 65–70% of employees originated from the parent company.

This case study explores how ofi has approached culture transformation by intentionally building a new, unified identity centred around “build and be ofi.” It will highlight how values, leadership alignment and people strategy have been used to drive integration and growth.

Featured in Founders Mentality, ofi provides a powerful framework for understanding how culture can support ambition, scale and commercial performance.

Speaker:

Melissa Hungerford

ofi

SVP, Global Head of Talent, Learning and IDE

Global Talent Leader with 20+ years of experience leading talent agendas that help businesses to compete and achieve sustainable growth. Has held senior leadership positions at multinational companies with globally recognized brands across multiple industries including The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola European Partners, Avon Products, Philips Electronics and Lighting, Bristol-Myers’s Squibb and The Home Depot. Extensive international experience working across the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia with deep experience in emerging markets.

Strong team leader and business partner who can move fluidly from strategy to execution. Proven track record and passionate about strengthening leadership capability and succession; creating an inclusive, engaged and high-performance culture; providing learning and skills, career development and pipeline development for critical capability as a competitive advantage; increasing attractiveness of an employer brand in a challenging labor market; and supporting large scale change initiatives in businesses undergoing a strategic transformation.

Board experience as a NED. Early career experience in management consulting, personal and career counseling. Ph.D. In Counseling Psychology.

13:50 - 14:20

Main Stage

From Support Function to Growth Engine: How People Strategy Drives Business Performance

Panel Discussion

The People Function as a Growth Driver

The people function is no longer defined by administration and process — it is increasingly central to driving commercial performance, innovation and scale.

This panel will explore how engagement leaders are positioning people strategy as a core growth lever. From aligning workforce planning with business expansion to enabling capability, performance and culture at pace, panellists will share how they are shifting perceptions of the function and delivering measurable impact.

Expect honest insight into what it takes to influence at board level, prioritise strategically and demonstrate that people investment directly supports organisational growth.

What to Expect:

Real examples of HR driving measurable business impact
Strategies for aligning talent planning with growth ambitions
Insight into building influence and credibility with executive teams
Practical approaches to positioning the people function as a strategic partner

Speaker:

Sami Maiden

Monzo

Chief of Staff

Sami is the Chief of Staff for Growth & Marketing at Monzo, where she spends her days connecting the dots between ambitious strategy and execution. A builder at heart, Sami didn’t follow a typical career path. She started in internal People teams before consulting on talent and people projects for high-growth startups like TrueLayer and Trouva. However, it was her role at FitXR that led her to realise the best way to shape a company’s culture is to be right in the engine room of its operations working alongside its leaders. There, she ‘squigglied’ from People to her first Chief of Staff role, sitting at the intersection of People, Product and Tech Ops. Now, she’s helping Monzo scale its teams as fast and successfully as it scales its product - focusing on how teams work and grow, and how to prevent process from getting in the way of progress. She’s passionate about building high-autonomy teams, coaching human-first leaders and proving that designing systems for high performers is the ultimate cheat code for business success.

14:20 - 14:40

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

14:40 - 15:05

Main Stage

Nestlé Case Study: HR Role Modelling in Building Digital Capability

Case Study

The Future of People Strategy

All organisations are investing in digital and AI tools - yet many struggle to turn access into adoption.

I believe that building digital capability is not primarily a technical challenge, but a leadership one.

In this session, I share my personal journey as an HR leader who chose to upskill first, not to become a technical expert, but to role model the mindset, behaviours and curiosity required in a digital first organisation. By deliberately learning and using everyday digital and AI tools myself, I was able to shift the perception of HR - from a function supporting digital transformation, to one leading it.

The case study explores how HR can act as a visible catalyst for digital capability by:

Role modelling learning in real time
Creating psychological safety around experimentation
Moving the conversation from “tools and training” to behaviour change and leadership expectation

Speaker:

Alka Mathur

Nestlé

Head of HR - Finance, Digital, Legal & Food, Nestlé UK&I

Alka has over 20 years of global HR leadership experience across the UK, Switzerland, and India including being a Founder member of a start-up. She has held several international roles in Switzerland - European Head of HR for the Out-of-Home business and Global talent lead for IT and Global Business services.

She is currently Head of HR for Corporate Finance, Information Technology, Legal and Food at Nestlé UK & Ireland, partnering with leadership teams to shape people strategies for business growth, building an inclusive high performing culture.

Alka is passionate about digital capability building and has championed this across Nestle UK&I, being part of the Digital Board. She has also led the HR governance of the various New business models (startups) operating standalone as part of the Nestle group in the UK.

An accredited ICF and Korn Ferry coach, Alka brings a caring and pragmatic approach to business partnering. She is a regular external speaker and has spoken at several industry events on leadership, inclusion and wellbeing.

15:05 - 15:30

Main Stage

Scaling Belonging: The Power of Story and Scrappy Solutions in a Hybrid World: In Conversation with: Miriam Warren, Chief Culture Officer at Yelp

Interview

The Future of People Strategy

How do you build an inclusive culture where people really belong when your team is everywhere, and sharing the full human experience often falls through the cracks of virtual life? As Chief Culture Officer at Yelp, Miriam Warren has spent years experimenting, listening, and iterating, tapping both data and deeply human stories to help teams connect, care, and thrive.

Miriam illustrates how telling and making space for real stories like welcoming back new parents, supporting colleagues through loss, or celebrating personal wins can spark belonging at every level. She will share scale-ready tactics, scrappy playbooks, and low-cost rituals that brought Yelp’s culture to life. These include mission-driven gatherings, manager toolkits, virtual icebreakers, and leader communications that integrate inclusion in approachable ways.

Grounded in data but brought to life through narrative, this session shows how anyone, regardless of resources, can be a culture architect. Miriam shares how small, intentional actions by leaders and teams can ripple out, especially in moments of transition or challenge. Attendees will leave feeling empowered by actionable frameworks, and practical ideas to cultivate connection, measure what matters, and model humanity in remote and hybrid workplaces.

Speaker:

Miriam Warren

Yelp

Chief Culture Officer

Miriam Warren is the Chief Culture Officer at Yelp and Board Chair of the Yelp Foundation. Miriam joined Yelp in 2007, serving in a variety of marketing and operational roles, including leading the company’s expansion efforts internationally as Vice President of New Markets. As Chief Culture Officer at Yelp, Miriam fosters employee connection to the company's mission and values. She leads Yelp’s Culture team and oversees internal communications, the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact, and the design and execution of employee experiences that have helped Yelp cultivate an inclusive culture where every employee feels a sense of belonging.

Miriam is a frequent speaker and moderator. She has appeared on CNN, Yahoo! Finance, the BBC, CBS News and spoken at Columbia Business School, Yale School of Management, and UCLA Anderson School of Management. Miriam has been quoted in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and Good Morning America online, among others. She's previously been published in Stanford Social Innovation Review, San Francisco Chronicle, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Fortune.

15:30 - 16:00

Main Stage

The Future of People Strategy in Building Capability, Influence and Impact

Panel Discussion

The Future of People Strategy

Our panellists will explore how people strategy is being reshaped to align with business priorities and long-term growth. The conversation will cover strategic workforce planning, leadership capability, culture development and the growing role of data and AI in decision-making.

This session brings together forward-looking perspectives on how the function can strengthen its influence and deliver measurable impact - positioning people strategy as a core driver of organisational success.

What to Expect:

Practical approaches to aligning people strategy with business priorities
Insight into strategic workforce planning and capability development
Examples of using data and AI to inform better decisions
Perspectives on strengthening the influence of the People function

16:00 - 16:05

Main Stage

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

The Future of People Strategy

Speaker:

Charlotte Dahl

7 Seas Culture Consultancy

Managing Director

08:55 - 09:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

Trust, Data & Leadership in an AI-Enabled Workplace

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Nick will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Nick Brice

Soul Corporations

CEO

09:00 - 09:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

Trust, Data & Leadership in an AI-Enabled Workplace

09:50 - 10:20

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Leading with Confidence in an AI‑Driven World

Panel Discussion

Trust, Data & Leadership in an AI-Enabled Workplace

As AI tools and richer people data become part of the everyday toolkit, HR & People leaders need to decide not just what they can do, but what they should do. This panel explores how organisations are redefining leadership for an AI‑driven world – from the decisions they automate to the ones that must remain firmly human. Panellists will share how they are building confidence in new technologies, talking openly about data use, and setting clear expectations for fairness, transparency and accountability.

What to expect:

Examples of where AI and people data are already shaping leadership and people decisions.
Insight into how leadership behaviours and skills are evolving in AI‑enabled organisations.
Practical ways to communicate about AI and data so employees feel informed, not threatened.
Reflections on the guardrails and principles leaders are putting in place as AI adoption accelerates.

Speaker:

Adeife Onwuzulike

Euromonitor International

Global Director - Culture, Engagement & Inclusion

Adeife Onwuzulike is the Global Director of Culture, Engagement and Inclusion, leading work across APAC, EMEAI and the Americas to shape organisational culture, embed inclusion, and elevate meaningful employee engagement. She oversees global efforts to strengthen employee listening, experience and engagement, ensuring people feel informed, valued and connected throughout every stage of the employee lifecycle.

With more than 15 years’ experience in People, Culture and Organisational Development, Adeife is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, holds an MSc in HRM and Organisational Analysis, and is an ILM Level 5 Coach and Mentor. She is a recognised global speaker on people, culture, leadership and organisational change.

Adeife also serves as a Governor and Non‑Executive Director for the Aspire Learning Federation (UK) and as a Board Member for the Elim Bridge Autism and Neurodevelopmental Foundation in Nigeria. She contributes her expertise across several advisory boards and steering groups, including Make A Difference (MAD) and the HR Grapevine UK Content Advisory Board.

Beyond her corporate and advisory work, Adeife leads the Mum and Me community, supporting mothers to advance their careers with wellbeing at the centre. She also convenes a global network for Culture, Talent and Inclusion professionals working across multiple markets and sectors.

She is a mother of two boys, a wife, and a passionate advocate for mentoring, coaching and empowering people to thrive in every season of life.

10:20 - 10:50

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

10:50 - 11:15

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Case Study: The Ecosystem of Culture - Why Culture Only Shifts When HR Operates as One System

Case Study

Culture in a Borderless Workplace

Culture does not change because leaders attend a course, HR launches a programme, or values are printed on walls. It changes when learning, daily work, leadership behaviour, systems, and employee voice are deliberately designed to reinforce each other.

In this session, we share how ELEVATE was built as a living cultural ecosystem—not a standalone leadership programme. Learning was embedded into real business challenges, forcing leaders to confront mindset, accountability, and behaviour while doing the work itself. This is the story of how HR moved beyond delivering initiatives and became the architect of a connected system—where leadership development, engagement, recognition, and change management operated together.

We will explore:

Why leadership development fails when it sits outside day-to-day work
How shifting mindset—not skills—became the true catalyst for change
How HR evolved from content provider to ecosystem designer
How trust, engagement, and collaboration strengthened when systems and leadership accountability aligned

This case study shows a simple truth: culture becomes sustainable only when HR works as an ecosystem—designed intentionally, not left to chance.

Speakers:

Natasha Rudy

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Regional Director of People & Culture

Natasha Rudy, BSc (Hons), MBA, is a seasoned Regional Director of People & Culture at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, with extensive experience leading HR and learning strategies across EMEA. Based in the UK, her remit covers multiple countries, where she drives excellence, employee engagement, and continuous development.

Natasha’s diverse career spans luxury hotels, banking, casinos, and consulting, with hands-on experience working in South Africa, the Maldives, Seychelles, and the United Kingdom. She began her career in learning and development and has since established a strong leadership profile with prestigious organizations known for exceptional service and employee satisfaction.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and an MBA from the renowned EHL Hospitality School in Switzerland. Natasha has also served on the faculty at Henley Business School, sharing her expertise in leadership and strategic HR management. Passionate about creating environments where teams excel, Natasha is dedicated to unlocking their highest potential.

Cristina Herdocia

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Regional Learning and Development Manager

Cristina Herdocia is a Learning & Development Manager at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, with more than a decade of experience in luxury hospitality across the Americas and Europe. She began her career in hotel operations before moving into People & Culture and L&D, giving her a strong understanding of both employee and guest journeys.

Cristina has supported multiple Four Seasons hotel openings and re openings, delivering training that enables teams to provide exceptional, guest focused service from day one. She partners closely with senior leadership to design and implement learning strategies that strengthen performance, enhance leadership capability, and elevate the guest experience.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Vatel International Business School and a Master’s degree in Human Resources.

Passionate about developing people and driving service excellence, Cristina is committed to fostering a culture where individuals grow, contribute, and thrive.

11:15 - 11:40

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

The Summer Berry Company: Good Work in Practice: Award‑Winning Tech for Engagement

Case Study

Culture in a Borderless Workplace

Seasonal workers are often the least connected to an organisation’s culture, yet they are critical to delivery. In this case study, Helen Wilson, Head of People & Culture at The Summer Berry Company, shares how the Good Work app has transformed the experience of seasonal workers – and earned the Engage Award for Best Use of Technology in Employee Engagement in the process. She will show how a multilingual, mobile‑first design streamlines onboarding, explains UK living and working, clarifies rights, and uses guides, digital paperwork and push notifications to boost inclusion, satisfaction and retention at scale.

Speaker:

Helen Wilson

The Summer Berry Company

Head of People & Culture

Experienced commercial Human Resources practitioner with a demonstrated background of international & European roles in a blend of fast-paced industries. Skilled in M&As, Coaching, Organisation Design, Change Management, Strategy, Talent, Engagement and OD. Strong human resources professional with a Advanced Diploma in Professional Coach-Mentoring, as well as CIPD Level 7.

11:40 - 12:10

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Keeping Culture Coherent in a Distributed Organisation

Panel Discussion

Culture in a Borderless Workplace

As work becomes more distributed across locations, roles and work patterns, culture can no longer rely on a single office, site or “mothership” to hold it together. This panel explores how organisations are creating a sense of belonging, clarity and shared purpose when people are spread across home, field, frontline and flexible workplaces. Panellists will discuss how they make culture visible in everyday decisions, communication and rituals, and how they ensure that those who are rarely on site – or rarely online – still feel part of something bigger than their immediate team.

What to expect from this session

Examples of how organisations are expressing culture consistently across office, remote, frontline and seasonal roles.
Practical approaches to designing rituals, communication and touchpoints that work for distributed teams.
Ideas for involving employees themselves in shaping and sustaining culture when they rarely share the same space.
Reflections on how leaders are rethinking visibility, recognition and inclusion beyond the traditional workplace.

Speakers:

Shalini McGregor

Head of People & Culture, Castrol Europe & META and GAM & GME

Shalini is currently the Head of People & Culture for Castrol Europe, META and GAM & GME at BP, where she oversees the people agenda for a broad geographical remit. She has 20 years of international experience shaping complex people strategies across Europe, the US, the UK and the Caribbean. Known for her ability to translate organisational ambitions into people centred solutions, she has led high impact transformation, talent and culture programmes, strengthened leadership capability and driven organisational health improvements globally.

Prior to this role she has held HR leadership roles in the UK, US and Trinidad & Tobago across energy, telecoms, insurance and professional services.

Shalini is a CIPD Chartered fellow (FCIPD). She also holds an Masters in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Learning & Development, and a BSc in Psychology with a double minor in Human Resource management and Gender & Development from the University of the West Indies.

Beyond her corporate career, Shalini is a mother of two and committed to community impact through voluntary roles e.g. school governor, business mentor, university lecturer and tutor in gender studies. Passionate about equity, leadership effectiveness and building future-ready organisations, she brings a global, strategic and deeply human lens to multiple conversations.

Angie Borst

Flagstone

Head of People

Angie is a senior People leader with experience spanning fintech, healthcare, aviation, media and global consumer brands. She is known for building practical, human-centred workplaces where performance and wellbeing go hand in hand.

Her expertise spans organisation design, employee experience, performance management, benefits strategy and inclusive support for neurodiversity at work. She is particularly passionate about helping leaders navigate difficult people moments with clarity and confidence, while ensuring the employee value proposition is meaningful, modern and commercially sound.

Angie brings a pragmatic, thoughtful perspective to conversations about culture, engagement and the real challenges of leading people in fast-growing organisations.

12:10 - 13:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

13:00 - 13:25

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

From Great to Extraordinary: In Conversation with Anuj Bhardwaj, Head of Extraordinary Place to Work at Heathrow

Interview

From People Operations to Workforce Strategy

Heathrow has set its sights higher than engagement scores alone. In this conversation, Anuj Bhardwaj, Head of Extraordinary Place to Work, will explore how the organisation is evolving from “a great place to work” to an extraordinary one by bringing engagement, EDI, experience and recognition under one umbrella.

Attendees will hear:

Why Heathrow reframed the role from Head of Engagement to Head of Extraordinary Place to Work
How combining EDI, EX and recognition is changing priorities and decisions
The practical shifts that are starting to change how work feels for colleagues on the ground

Speaker:

Anuj Bhardwaj

Heathrow

Head of Extraordinary Place To Work

A highly accomplished and driven people leader with a varied and proven track record in delivering operational excellence improvements in a multi-site environment. I have demonstrated steady progress throughout my career developing a refined skill set – particularly having discovered my core values and my personal purpose. I have always succeeded in building high performing teams by creating an engaging environment to work in. My Colleague centric view on leadership – where the people must come first, has always in turn delivered outstanding results. I particularly enjoy the coaching and development elements of my role with a speciality in team coaching. My performance mindset is around creating a vision, building a great team and then allow the team to deliver operational excellence

13:50 - 14:20

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

From Processes to Priorities – Evolving People Ops into Strategic Workforce Leadership

Panel Discussion

From People Operations to Workforce Strategy

For many HR teams, the pressure of business‑as‑usual activity leaves little room to think and act strategically. This panel explores how organisations are reinventing “people operations” so it becomes a genuine driver of workforce strategy rather than a service function. Panellists will share how they have freed up capacity from admin, retooled teams around skills and future needs, and built credibility with the C‑suite by connecting people decisions directly to business outcomes. Expect a forward‑looking discussion on new roles, new capabilities and new measures of success for modern people functions.

What to expect:

Real examples of how people teams are redesigning structures, roles and processes to focus more on workforce strategy.
Ideas for shifting time and attention from transactional work to insight, planning and partnership with the business.
Insight into the skills and capabilities HR teams are building to influence long‑term workforce decisions.
Reflections on how to bring senior leaders on the journey so people strategy is seen as business strategy, not a parallel track.

Speakers:

Alka Mathur

Nestlé

Head of HR - Finance, Digital, Legal & Food, Nestlé UK&I

Jade Archibald

Halfords

Director of People Partnering & Talent Acquisition

Jade Archibald is an experienced people and talent leader with deep expertise in building high‑performing, inclusive cultures across complex organisations. With a strong background in business partnering and organisational transformation, she brings a clear transformation bias—diagnosing root causes, challenging assumptions and shaping people strategies that deliver measurable improvement. She has partnered with a range of well‑known brands, including Sainsbury’s, Curry's, Shell, Wickes and Marks & Spencer. Known for her commercial mindset and systems‑thinking approach, Jade helps leaders turn insight into action, strengthening engagement, capability and organisational effectiveness. She is passionate about inclusive cultures, developing future talent and enabling leaders to create the conditions for teams to excel.

14:20 - 14:40

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

14:40 - 15:05

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

From Enforcer to Partner: How Welsh Ambulance Reimagined People Leadership

Case Study

The Changing Identity of HR & People Leadership

At Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, the changing identity of HR and people leadership has been driven by some hard truths. Leaders realised that traditional processes – especially disciplinary investigations – could cause deep, avoidable harm, and that relationships with trade unions were breaking down. In this case study, Liz will share how they confronted the impact of “business as usual”, why they captured their learning in a new book, and how they are reframing HR’s role from enforcing process to protecting people. They will chart their journey towards genuine social partnership, using disciplinary action as a true last resort and rebuilding trust in how people issues are handled.

Speakers:

Liz Rogers

Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust

Deputy Director of People

Liz is Deputy Director of People at the Welsh Ambulance Services University Trust (WAST) and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development.

Liz’s career in HR and OD spans over 30 years from HR Officer to Director working in both public and private sectors including banking, recruitment, manufacturing, local government and housing. She has also undertaken operations management and headed up a team of change consultants in the digital tech sector.

She is an advocate for effective partnership working and creating positive outcomes and impacts for colleagues and stakeholders.

Liz introduced working through an avoidable harm lens in WAST in 2022 and in November 2025 the organisation was delighted to win the Healthcare People Management Association inaugural award for the Best Use of an ‘Avoidable Employee Harm’ Approach.

Outside of work Liz spends most of her free time in a swimming pool or on the side of a football or rugby pitch, supporting her son, usually in the South Wales rain!

Andrew Cooper

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing

Andrew Cooper is Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales. He is also Development Director for the Healthcare People Management Association’s ‘Avoiding Harm’ programme in the UK.

He holds an honorary research role with the University of Plymouth and is leading a programme of research exploring the impact of the disciplinary process on individuals and organisations.

With a background in healthcare improvement and innovation, he has held senior communications roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors and is Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations (CIPR) for his contribution to healthcare communications.

15:30 - 16:00

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

The Changing Identity of HR, People Leadership and Culture

Panel Discussion

The Changing Identity of HR & People Leadership

HR and people leaders are increasingly expected to be the stewards of culture, not just guardians of policy and process. This panel explores how the identity of HR and people leadership is shifting as culture becomes a core part of the remit – from shaping “how we do things here” to holding leaders to account for the behaviours they role‑model. Panellists will share how their roles, teams and priorities have evolved to focus more on culture, what they’ve stopped doing, and how they’re navigating the tension between compliance, care and commercial outcomes.

What to expect from this session

Examples of how HR and people leaders are taking clearer ownership of culture alongside their traditional responsibilities.
Insight into how people functions are moving from process‑driven activity to culture‑shaping, experience‑led work.
Practical ideas for partnering with senior leaders to align decisions, behaviours and symbols with the culture you want to build.
Reflections on the mindsets and capabilities HR leaders need to influence culture in moments of change, conflict and pressure.

Speakers:

Bekah Thompson

Flawless

Head of People

Bekah leads the People Team at Flawless AI, spending her time obsessing over People as a Product and embedding agile ways of working. She's spent her career shaping people-centric environments at scaling tech companies, and is passionate about creating People products that give teams the energy to thrive. Her roles have blended strategic people partnering with hands-on programme development to build high performing businesses. She cares deeply about inclusion and wellbeing, as well as being a bit of a nerd about compensation (and Formula 1).

Céline Renaud

Sanofi

Global EX Lead

Céline is passionate about transforming employee experience through a human-centered, data-driven approach. As Global Employee Experience Partner at Sanofi, she works to build a holistic vision of the employee journey, backed by both quantitative and qualitative insights. Her role involves identifying key pain points and partnering with moment owners across the organization to continuously improve how employees experience their work at Sanofi. To do this, she draws on her marketing background from L'Oréal Luxe, where she spent 14 years in various marketing roles across different scopes and geographies, always with great passion for understanding people and creating meaningful experiences.

On the academic side, Céline graduated from ESSEC Business School and recently completed a Certificate in Health and Environment from Mines Paris, which deepened her awareness of sustainability challenges and their connection to business and people strategies.

Today, Céline lives in the beautiful Aix-en-Provence with her three teenagers, balancing her work with an active, sporty lifestyle in the heart of Provence - it's as inspiring and energizing as it sounds.

16:00 - 16:05

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

The Changing Identity of HR & People Leadership

Speaker:

Nick Brice

Soul Corporations

CEO

08:55 - 09:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

Technology, AI & the Next Era of Wellbeing Support

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Chrissie will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Christina Lewis

Herizon

Trainer, Speaker and Coach

09:00 - 09:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

Technology, AI & the Next Era of Wellbeing Support

09:50 - 10:20

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Beyond Apps and Helplines: How Technology Will Redefine Workplace Wellbeing

Panel Discussion

Technology, AI & the Next Era of Wellbeing Support

New technology and AI are transforming how organisations understand, predict and support employee wellbeing – from digital therapeutics and scalable coaching to nudges, wearables and real‑time sentiment insight. This panel will explore what the “next era” of wellbeing support could look like: more personalised and proactive, but also more data‑hungry and ethically complex. Our panellists will discuss where they see genuine potential for technology to enhance human care and inclusion, where the risks lie around surveillance and trust, and how to make smart, future‑proof choices in a noisy market.

We’ll explore

How AI, data and digital tools are reshaping the wellbeing ecosystem beyond traditional EAPs and one‑off apps
The line between supportive insight and “always‑on” monitoring, and what that means for privacy, ethics and trust
How to ensure technology‑enabled wellbeing support is inclusive and accessible, not just for the most digitally confident or vocal colleagues
What good governance, measurement and partnering look like so investments in wellbeing tech create real value, not just another platform

Speakers:

Chloe Gillard

Riot Games

D&I Advisor

Chloe currently works for Riot Games within their Global D&I Team, previously heading up Global DIB at Version 1. Her career has taken her across multiple industries and global locations, where she has worked at the intersection of DEI, culture, and talent. Outside of Riot, Chloe sits on the Board of Ulster Hockey as Ethics, Inclusion and Welfare Director, combining her love of sport with a strong belief in fair play, safe environments, and community impact. She’s particularly curious about where DEI is heading next - how we build healthy, high-performing cultures, and what role AI will play in shaping the future of people-focused work. Chloe brings energy, honesty, and a down-to-earth approach to conversations about change, always focused on progress over perfection.

Jay Brewer

Unilever

Health & Wellbeing Head of Country - UK&I

As the oldest of five brothers and the father of two daughters I'm driven by care for others. My purpose is to create safe environments that can be used as the launchpad for inspiring change. I am a proven strategist that focuses on demonstrating impact while continuously learning to adapt to ever changing needs of the people my work serves.

10:20 - 10:50

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Technology, AI & the Next Era of Wellbeing Support

10:50 - 11:15

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

giffgaff Case Study: The Disruption Pivot: Evolving DEI Beyond Survival Mode

Case Study

Psychological Safety, Equity & Inclusion as a Cultural Foundation

The DEI field is facing an identity crisis, amidst budget cuts and cultural pushback. We are busy renaming our roles to stay "safe", but safety won't drive change. To survive this climate, we must pivot from being reactive adapters to proactive disruptors. This session challenges the current trend of dilution in our industry. We will discuss why the old playbooks are failing and map out a new strategy of disruption that drives tangible results. Discover how to reclaim your narrative, reignite your impact, and ensure that whilst the climate changes, your mission remains non-negotiable.

Speaker:

Ian Tomney-Bell

giffgaff

Head of Talent Acquisition and Inclusion

Ian Tomney-Bell (ITB) is the Head of Diversity at giffgaff and the architect of its inclusive culture. A true disruptor, he moved the company from passive participation to active, inspired inclusion. By establishing Affinity Groups and securing resources for employee-led change, ITB has driven tangible results, including the launch of neuroinclusive guidance and significant growth in eNPS. ITB believes Human Rights are Equal Rights and is dedicated to ensuring giffgaff is a sanctuary for authentic talent.

11:15 - 11:40

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

LexisNexis Case Study: Embedding Mental Health Tools into Everyday Work

Case Study

Psychological Safety, Equity & Inclusion as a Cultural Foundation

In many organisations, mental health tools sit at the edges of work – as links, apps or training sessions that employees have to go and find. LexisNexis has been moving in a different direction: treating mental health as a core part of how work is designed, led and supported, and embedding tools, policies and practices into the flow of daily work. This includes structured approaches to stress and mental ill health, clear policies and procedures, and a wider wellbeing strategy that recognises the legal duty of care as well as the cultural and performance benefits of early support.

In this case study, Kendall will share how it is building psychological safety, equity and inclusion as the cultural foundation for those tools to actually be used. Attendees will hear what has worked, what has been harder in a high-pressure, knowledge‑based environment, and how LexisNexis is measuring impact through indicators such as openness to talk, earlier intervention, retention and a stronger sense of belonging.

Speaker:

Kendall Turner Lennon

LexisNexis UK

HR Business Partner and Wellbeing Programme Lead

Kendall's passion is to ensure wellbeing is seen as a performance strategy not an employee benefit. As a HR Business Partner and Global Wellbeing Programme Leader she partners with leaders and stakeholders throughout the organisation to create and deliver sustainable optimal performance cultures that drive connectedness, engagement and successful commercial outcomes.

With over 15 years' leading in person, on demand and digital programmes that span multiple geographies she understands the complexities of creating a wellbeing framework that is a performance multiplier and is adaptable to meet the needs of the employees and the organisation.

11:40 - 12:10

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Building Cultures People Can Trust: Psychological Safety, Equity and Inclusion in Practice

Panel Discussion

Psychological Safety, Equity & Inclusion as a Cultural Foundation

Many organisations now have strong statements on equity and inclusion, but employees still decide whether to speak up, take risks or stay based on what the culture feels like day to day. This panel explores psychological safety, equity and inclusion as the foundation for employees feeling like they truly belong and can bring their whole selves to the workplace. Panellists will share how they are rewiring leadership behaviours, team norms and systems so that people with different identities and lived experiences can contribute honestly, challenge safely and know they will be treated fairly when it matters most.

We’ll explore:

What psychological safety really looks like in practice, and how it connects to equity, inclusion and wellbeing rather than sitting as a separate initiative
How power, identity and lived experience shape who feels safe to speak up – and how to design meetings, feedback and decision‑making with that in mind
Practical shifts in leadership behaviour, HR processes and team rituals that embed safety and fairness into the everyday, not just in crisis moments
Ways to measure and sustain a “speak‑up” culture without over‑surveying or putting the burden of change on marginalised groups

Speakers:

Jamie Dapaah

The FA

Inclusion Lead - London Region

Award-winning professional with over 10 years of experience leading global campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised brands. I specialise in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that drive brand growth, deliver measurable impact, and resonate with diverse audiences across multiple markets. Passionate about sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility, I combine creativity with data-driven insights to craft campaigns that are not only commercially successful but also socially meaningful. I have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, forging strong stakeholder relationships, and implementing initiatives that enhance brand reputation while championing diversity and inclusion at scale. Throughout my career, I have been recognised for my ability to translate strategic vision into tangible results, delivering award-winning campaigns that balance business objectives with positive societal impact. I thrive in dynamic, global environments and am motivated by opportunities to create purposeful marketing strategies that leave a lasting impact on both audiences and the world.

Maria Grazia Zedda

Marie Curie UK

Head of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing

Award-winning strategic Equality and Diversity Lead, specialising in Accessibility, Belonging and inclusion of Workforce and Communities. C-suite facilitator and driving programmes to embed diversity and inclusion within workplace culture. Have created and implemented initiatives to support broader business objectives at HS2 Ltd, the biggest infrastructure project in the UK, particularly building a legacy to influence our 30,000 workers’ supply chain. Influencing and driving efforts to result in successful recruitment and retention programs, fostering a workplace where diverse talent thrives. As an International Accessibility Lead, my role extends beyond internal policies to influence our community engagement, ensuring inclusivity is a cornerstone of our operations.

I have launched innovative programmes, such as the Accessibility Strategy, the Reverse Mentoring Programme, EDI in Leadership training, and so much more, which have significantly contributed to our EDI KPIs and enhanced our Legacy to the supply chain. my loyal service has played a key role in managing educational initiatives and staff networks, driving forward the organization's commitment to creating an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Sam Eastment

Balfour Beatty

Head of Employee Engagement

HR professional with over 20 years’ cross-sector experience, including The Conservation Volunteers charity, FTSE 100 insurer RSA, retailer HMV and currently responsible for engagement, diversity & inclusion at Balfour Beatty. MCIPD qualified with an excellent track record in HR business partnering, employee engagement, performance and organisational development. Driven, self-motivated, detail conscious and highly organised, with a strong focus on execution and delivery. A reputation for being a real team player and a confident leader, able to build great relationships and influence at all levels.

12:10 - 13:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Psychological Safety, Equity & Inclusion as a Cultural Foundation

13:00 - 13:25

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Bupa Dental Care UK Case Study: Building Confidence With Complex Wellbeing Conversations

Case Study

The Next Model of Employer-Supported Wellbeing

In today’s workplace, difficult conversations aren’t optional; they’re essential to building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a culture where people feel genuinely supported. Some workplace conversations feel heavier than others with sensitive topics that require extra care - are all of your people leaders able to navigate these confidently?

In this session Holly will share guidance on how to build confidence in more emotionally complex conversations, so people leaders feel supported and prepared when facing these moments, ensuring they move beyond tick-box style conversations or worse, avoidance. Holly will share how her programme at Bupa Dental Care has educated managers, created space for honest dialogue, and how this work has helped to reduce stigma around sensitive issues at work.

Speaker:

Holly Atyeo-Smith

Bupa Dental Care UK

People Partner – Culture, Wellbeing, Engagement and People Policy

Holly Atyeo-Smith is a People Partner at Bupa Dental Care, leading on Culture, Wellbeing, Engagement, and People Policy. Her role spans across the UK and ROI. Holly thrives on building environments where people love coming to work and creating a culture where people feel heard, empowered and valued. Holly works closely with stakeholders to shape meaningful employee experiences and foster a positive, supportive culture. She has established a community of engagement champions to amplify employee voice, drive initiatives, and embed engagement throughout the business. With wellbeing being a core element of employee experience, Holly creates opportunities for open dialogue. Through webinars, panel discussions, and storytelling initiatives, she has elevated awareness around key topics such as women’s health, neurodiversity, mental health, bereavement, and men’s health. In parallel, she has implemented resources to ensure managers are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to foster safe and supportive environments, enabling them to support their teams effectively and consistently.

13:25 - 13:50

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

How the NHS Is Improving the Wellbeing of 1.5 Million Staff: In Conversation with Adam Turner, National Head of Health, Wellbeing and Flexible Working at the NHS

Interview

The Next Model of Employer-Supported Wellbeing

As the largest caring organisation in the world, the NHS is responsible for the health and wellbeing of 1.5 million diverse staff who, in turn, care for the entire English population. In this session, Adam will share how the NHS is strengthening support for its people – from frontline clinicians to corporate teams – so they can stay healthy, feel valued and deliver safe, high‑quality care. Attendees will hear what’s working, what’s evolving, and how a system of this scale is embedding staff wellbeing as a core enabler of patient outcomes, not a “nice to have.”

Speaker:

Adam Turner

NHS

National Head of Health, Wellbeing and Flexible Working

Adam’s mission is caring for people, who to care for others. Aligned to his mission, he has nationally led improving workforce health and wellbeing across the NHS in England, impacting all 1.5 million healthcare workers. Adam has a rich variety of experience in workforce, service, and culture transformation, is a Fellow of CIPD and holds a PhD in the personal resilience of executive leaders.

13:50 - 14:20

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

What Comes After Perks? How Leaders Are Redesigning Employer Wellbeing

Panel Discussion

The Next Model of Employer-Supported Wellbeing

As pressure on work intensifies and clinical risks rise, Health and Wellbeing professionals are being pushed to move beyond programmes and perks into the fundamentals of how work is designed and governed. This panel brings together OH and wellbeing leaders to explore what the “next model” of employer‑supported wellbeing looks like when you sit at the crossroads of clinical risk, regulation and culture. They will discuss how they are reshaping policies, job design, case management and leadership expectations to create work that is both safer and more sustainable – and how they are making the business case to boards and executive teams.

We’ll explore:

How occupational health and wellbeing teams are shifting from reactive case management to proactive, work‑design‑led prevention
The evolving relationship between OH, HR, H&S and business leaders in owning wellbeing risk and opportunity
How data from OH referrals, risk assessments and employee voice is being used to influence decisions on workload, flexibility and leadership behaviour
What a sustainable, clinically credible and commercially realistic model of employer wellbeing looks like over the next 3–5 years

Speakers:

Fay Simpkins

National Highways

Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Fay Simpkins is Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing at National Highways supporting the organisation, supply chain and customers to get “Home Safe and Well”. Fay has over 15 years’ experience in occupational health and wellbeing, firstly in corporate clinical settings for several multinational companies before moving into strategic roles. In these roles she has helped to successfully shape and progress the organisations approach to health and wellbeing.

Rebecca Eaton

Cadent Gas Limited

Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Rebecca is Specialist Practitioner in occupational health and an experienced wellbeing professional having implemented wellbeing strategy in several large organisations. She currently leads an in-house Occupational Health and Wellbeing team at Cadent Gas. Rebecca isn’t afraid to break the traditional moulds for wellbeing and focus’ on having a measurable proactive impact on improving employee health and wellbeing. She focuses on embedding a culture of care and has a passion for ensuring that work has a positive effect on people’s wellbeing.

14:20 - 14:40

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

The Next Model of Employer-Supported Wellbeing

14:40 - 15:05

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Jaguar Land Rover Case Study: Inclusion for All: Embedding Belonging Into the Everyday Employee Experience

Case Study

The Future Value of Wellbeing, Inclusion & Social Impact

In this session, we’ll explore how JLR is building an employee experience where inclusion isn’t a standalone initiative- it’s the thread that connects every moment of the colleague journey. This session offers a practical look at how inclusive systems and day‑to‑day behaviours can directly strengthen connection, motivation, and long‑term retention.

We’ll share how 'Inclusion for All' is intentionally built into our processes, programmes, and platforms. From the way we communicate across a global workforce, to how we design entry‑level pathways, development opportunities, leadership programmes, and inclusive tools like the JLR App, workwear evolution, global training and our Leadership Programme "Aspire".

These touchpoints demonstrate how removing barriers and opening access doesn’t just “feel right”, it meaningfully improves engagement, performance, and organisational trust.

We’ll also look at how inclusive recruitment and thoughtful retention strategies help us attract and keep people from diverse backgrounds, ensuring our workforce reflects the world around us. And importantly, we’ll discuss how we support colleagues in understanding their role in inclusion: creating psychological safety, amplifying under‑represented voices, and making space where everyone feels they can contribute authentically.

This session will give engagement consultants concrete insights into how inclusion can be embedded across business systems and culture- creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to do their best work. Attendees will leave with practical, transferable ideas for turning inclusion into an engagement accelerator within their own organisations.

Speaker:

Claire Parker

Jaguar Land Rover

Global Head of Diversity Equity & Inclusion

An HR professional with over 30 years experience working in her field. She specialises in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with knowledge and skills within Wellbeing. She is currently working at Jaguar Land Rover as their Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager and is passionate about creating a culture where employees can bring their true authentic selves to work and feel valued for their difference. She is a mother of 2 boys aged 15 and 18 and is extremely passionate about this topic and is determined not only to make a difference in business but also across society in general.

15:30 - 16:00

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Making the Case - Proving the Social Impact of Wellbeing and Inclusion

Panel Discussion

The Future Value of Wellbeing, Inclusion & Social Impact

Our closing panel explores how wellbeing & inclusion are shifting from “nice stories” to core drivers of enterprise value, risk and long‑term competitiveness. Panellists will discuss emerging expectations around disclosure and standards, how they are quantifying value in ways boards and investors understand, and what it will take to build people‑ and planet‑positive businesses that can still deliver commercial returns.

We’ll explore:

How external expectations (from regulation, investors, customers and talent) are redefining the business value of wellbeing, inclusion and social impact
New ways organisations are measuring and evidencing value
What “good” could look like by 2030 – and the risks for organisations that treat these areas as short‑term campaigns rather than long‑term value drivers

Speakers:

Maria Grazia Zedda

Marie Curie UK

Head of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing

Caroline Abercrombie

proSapient

Chief People Officer

Rebecca Ormond

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

EMEA Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing

16:00 - 16:05

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

The Future Value of Wellbeing, Inclusion & Social Impact

Speaker:

Christina Lewis

Herizon

Trainer, Speaker and Coach

08:55 - 09:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

The Role of Technology in Reward, Recognition and Future Benefits

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Martin will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Martin Hill-Wilson

Brainfood Training

Co-Founder

09:00 - 09:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

The Role of Technology in Reward, Recognition and Future Benefits

09:50 - 10:20

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Tech, Data and the Human Touch: The Future of Reward, Recognition and Benefits

Panel Discussion

The Role of Technology in Reward, Recognition and Future Benefits

HR and reward teams are being flooded with platforms that promise better engagement, smarter spend and hyper‑personalised experiences – but the real question is how technology actually changes the way organisations design and deliver reward, recognition and benefits. This panel will explore how leaders are using platforms, AI and analytics to personalise offers, integrate recognition into the flow of work, and make better decisions about where to invest, while keeping the human experience at the centre. Panellists will share what they’ve learned about choosing and integrating technology, how they are using recognition and benefits data and the ethical and practical guardrails they are putting in place as AI moves deeper into reward and benefits.

We’ll explore:

How reward and benefits teams are using platforms and AI to personalise offers and communications at scale, without overwhelming people with choice or noise.
The shift from standalone recognition tools to tech‑enabled recognition “in the flow of work”, and how recognition data is used to understand culture, engagement and risk.
Practical lessons from selecting, implementing and integrating reward, recognition and benefits technology, including data privacy, governance and measuring ROI.
The future horizon: where panellists see technology genuinely adding value in reward and benefits over the next three to five years – and where they’re choosing to stay firmly human‑led.

Speakers:

Helen McGowan

Travis Perkins plc

Group Benefits Manager

A highly dedicated and experienced professional with over 30 years of expertise in employee benefits and total reward, Helen is passionate about ensuring employees are engaged with their total reward packages and understand how to maximise their benefits.

Consistently seeking innovative strategies to enhance benefit offerings, she is driven by a commitment to optimise employee satisfaction and foster a positive work environment. Her proactive mindset leads her to explore cutting-edge solutions and best practices that genuinely make a difference in employees' lives.

Beyond her direct responsibilities, Helen is a keen networker, actively participating in professional forums and events. She shares her wealth of experience and insights while eagerly absorbing new knowledge, remaining at the forefront of the latest trends in employee benefits. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development underscores her commitment to excellence.

Lucy Jarvis

Whitbread

Head of Reward

Lucy has recently moved to Whitbread as Head of Reward where she is responsible for the reward and recognition agenda across the Whitbread group, including Premier Inn hotels and Whitbread restaurants.

Throughout her career, Lucy has worked for several large brands within the retail and leisure/hospitality industries including Carphone Warehouse, Curry's, Selfridges, Tesco and most recently David Lloyd Clubs. With a background as a people business partner, she has more recently taken on specialist roles such as Heads of Reward, Employee Experience and People Services, holding accountability for compensation, benefits, recognition, policy, DEI, engagement, internal communications, people systems, payroll and HR shared services.

Lucy's passion is reward and tech, and she recently led the global implementation of Workday across 9 countries in the David Lloyd Clubs group and introduced an AI solution for 1st line response to the people team inbox.

10:20 - 10:50

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

The Role of Technology in Reward, Recognition and Future Benefits

10:50 - 11:15

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Bringing Our Global Benefits Strategy to Life: In Conversation With: Jonathan Clarey, Global Benefits Leader & Fabio Mazetti, Global Benefits Sr Manager, Health & Wellbeing at Philip Morris International

Interview

How Personalisation & Insight is Transforming Benefits and Reward

Speakers:

Jonathan Clarey

Philip Morris International

Global Benefits Leader

After a lengthy spell advising multinational clients on their global employee benefits provision, Jonathan joined PMI’s newly formed Global Benefits COE in 2022. Since determining and communicating a benefits strategy with colleagues at its heart, implementation of the various strands is well underway, with a particular focus on benefit sustainability through efficient financing and actionable data insights.

Fabio Mazetti

Philip Morris International

Global Benefits Sr Manager, Health & Wellbeing

A seasoned HR professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as Global Benefits Senior Manager, Health & Wellbeing at Philip Morris International. Specializing in Global Benefits design, Benefits and HRIS, and deferred compensation, the focus is on designing innovative total rewards strategies that align with employee needs and organizational goals.

At Philip Morris International, contributions emphasize leveraging best practices and building comprehensive solutions to enhance employee engagement and retention. With multilingual capabilities in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, a global perspective is applied to fostering impactful HR programs that drive organizational success.

11:40 - 12:10

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

One Size Doesn't Fit All - Why Personalisation is Key In Reward & Future Benefits

Panel Discussion

How Personalisation & Insight is Transforming Benefits and Reward

Employees now expect benefits and reward that reflect their life stage, financial reality and personal preferences, not a one‑size‑fits‑all package. At the same time, HR and reward teams have more data than ever about what people value, how they use benefits and where spend is wasted. This panel will explore how organisations are using insight – from engagement surveys and platform analytics to segmentation and personas – to personalise benefits and reward in ways that feel fair, inclusive and commercially sustainable. Panellists will share practical examples of tailoring offers to different workforce groups, the impact they are seeing on engagement and retention, and how they are managing the risks around complexity, equity and data ethics.

We’ll explore:

How organisations are using data and insight to move from generic benefits catalogues to more targeted, personalised offers that reflect different segments and life stages.
What employees actually say they value when given meaningful choice, and where personalisation has made the biggest difference to engagement and take‑up.
How to balance individual choice with fairness, simplicity and governance so personalisation doesn’t become confusing or create a two‑tier culture.
The role of technology and analytics in turning benefits and reward data into actionable insight that shapes future strategy and spend.

Speakers:

Laurie Eggleston

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Head of Business Development; Employee Benefits Consultancy

Laurie helps employers design their benefits to best reward, retain and recruit employees.

He aims to help clients stand out as an employer of choice, with engaged employees that can enjoy a comprehensive wellbeing package as part of their employment, doing this in the most cost-effective way for employers, by maximising the use of salary sacrifice and by obtaining the optimum premiums for their schemes.

Laurie and his team consult on, brokers, implements and administers traditional core benefits such as pensions, healthcare and life assurance, in addition to voluntary benefits, such as Electric Vehicle leasing or holiday trading.

Laurie is also a wider people-agenda specialist, and can discuss a broad range of areas, such as financial wellbeing, global mobility, employment tax, training and skills, and share schemes.

Mona Parikh

Coventry University

Associate Director - Reward (Leading the Global Reward & Benefits Team)

I’m a commercially focused Reward Leader with over 18 years of experience across retail, construction, engineering, housing, and higher education. Currently leading the global reward strategy for a complex, multi-entity organisation, I bring board-level expertise in designing and delivering innovative, cost-effective total reward solutions that align with business strategy, transformation, and performance.

In higher education, I’ve successfully navigated financially constrained environments to deliver competitive and inclusive reward strategies that support both employee wellbeing and organisational sustainability.

As Associate Director of Global Reward, I lead all aspects of Reward, Benefits, and Pensions, including governance of defined benefit schemes. I’m GRP-certified with a strong track record in building robust reward frameworks, optimising executive remuneration, managing benchmarking, and supporting TUPE and organisational change in unionised and regulated settings.

A key focus of my work is embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into reward. I’ve led data-driven initiatives to advance pay equity across gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation and continue to champion transparency and fairness.

I combine strategic thinking with operational delivery, influencing executive decision-making and leading impactful, cross-functional programmes. My approach is grounded in insight, governance, and empathy, aligning reward with business goals, employee experience, and long-term value.

Always open to strategic conversations and collaborative opportunities to evolve the future of work and Total Rewards.

12:10 - 13:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

How Personalisation & Insight is Transforming Benefits and Reward

13:00 - 13:25

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Gatwick Airport Case Study: Redefining the Reward and Value Exchange at Gatwick: From Legacy Packages to a Modern Deal

Case Study

Redefining the Reward & Value Exchange at Work

With over 40 years’ HR experience across public and private sectors, Steve led London Gatwick’s reward team through a fundamental rethink of what “value” at work really means. In this case study, he will share how Gatwick redesigned its reward philosophy and strategy – from pensions and pay to recognition and wider benefits – to create a clearer, more compelling value exchange for a diverse, operationally critical workforce. Steve will unpack how the team translated a new philosophy into practical changes on the ground, the role of consultation and communication, and what ultimately led to their work being recognised with the 2025 HR Excellence Award for Best Reward and Recognition Strategy. He will also reflect on lessons learned for organisations grappling with legacy reward structures, ageing pension arrangements and shifting expectations about what employees value at different stages of their careers.

Speaker:

Steve Walsh

Gatwick Airport

Reward Leader

Steve Walsh Steve is a recently retired HR professional wit 40+ years of experience. He has worked across the public and Private sector, both in a strategic consultant capacity and in front end operational roles. Steve is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development. Steve has worked domestically and internationally and has lived and worked abroad. Steve led the Reward team at London Gatwick in revolutionising the reward philosophy and strategy, working with the team to operationalise the new approach. This work was recognised with the HR Excellence award for the best reward and recognition strategy in the 2025 HR Excellence awards. Steve ha extensive experience of DB and DC pensions, and is also Trustee Director of the Philip Morris Group Pension Plan.

13:50 - 14:20

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

From 'Nice-to-Have' to 'Must-Have': Redefining the Reward and Value Exchange at Work

Panel Discussion

Redefining the Reward & Value Exchange at Work

Across sectors, employees are questioning what they really get from work beyond pay – and whether the deal on offer still feels fair, motivating and sustainable. At the same time, reward budgets are under pressure, legacy structures are creaking, and boards expect a clearer link between what they spend and the value they receive in performance, skills and loyalty. This panel will explore how organisations are reshaping the reward and value exchange at work: rebalancing pay, benefits, flexibility, development and culture, and being more explicit about what they ask for in return. Panellists will share how they have revisited their reward philosophy, engaged employees in redefining “the deal”, and navigated some difficult trade‑offs to build a value exchange that people believe in and the business can sustain.

We’ll explore:

How expectations of “value” at work are shifting, and what employees now see as must‑haves versus nice‑to‑haves in the overall deal.
Practical examples of modernising legacy reward and benefits structures to reflect a clearer, more contemporary value exchange.
How to communicate the reward and value proposition so people actually understand it, feel it, and see the link to their contribution.
The key trade‑offs leaders are facing between affordability, competitiveness, fairness and long‑term sustainability – and how they are making those calls.

Speakers:

Richard Watts

People Operations Analyst

Richard has spent 25 years with Next, starting as a Christmas temp on the shop floor before becoming a Store Manager and later moving into head office. After a decade working on productivity, efficiency and store contracts in the Organisation & Methods team, he now leads Rewards and Recognition for Retail. Outside of work, Richard has three dogs and will happily shoehorn them (or dog training) into any conversation or video call. Don’t ask him about the links between that and workplace recognition — you’ll lose the afternoon…

Vikrant Bhuskute

BT Group

Strategic Reward Director

Vikrant is a rewards professional with more than 20 years of experience. He has lived and worked in four countries. Has been in Reward Leadership Team of FTSE 10 company, led global team, and has end to end design and delivery experience across all aspects of Total Reward – job architecture, base pay, bonus, sales incentives, equity, benefits, recognition, reward communication. We are pleased to have someone with such versatile lived experience across sectors.

14:20 - 14:40

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Redefining the Reward & Value Exchange at Work

15:30 - 16:00

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

From Firefighting to Future‑Proofing – The Trends Leaders Can’t Ignore

Panel Discussion

What’s Next for Reward, Wellbeing and Benefits?

Reward and benefits leaders are entering a period where financial pressure, health risks, new regulation and AI‑driven technology are all reshaping what a “good” offer looks like. This closing panel looks ahead to the next three to five years and asks what will really matter in reward, wellbeing and benefits – from financial security and preventative health to personalisation, equity and trust. Panellists will share their views on the biggest trends, where they expect to make the most change, and the priorities they believe reward and benefits leaders should focus on now to stay ahead rather than constantly reacting.

We’ll explore:

How wellbeing is evolving from standalone initiatives to integrated support across mental, physical and financial health, with preventative care becoming standard.
What “good” looks like in financial wellbeing and long‑term security as cost of living, pensions and longer working lives reshape expectations.
How reward strategy itself is shifting – from pay‑only debates to a clearer, evidence‑based value exchange that links reward, benefits and recognition to skills, performance and retention.
The role of personalisation, data and technology in transforming the benefits experience, and where simplicity, equity and cultural fit still need to set the boundaries.

16:00 - 16:05

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

What’s Next for Reward, Wellbeing and Benefits?

Speaker:

Martin Hill-Wilson

Brainfood Training

Co-Founder

08:55 - 09:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

AI, Automation & the Human Voice at Work

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Jo will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success

Partnerships & Strategy Director

09:00 - 09:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

AI, Automation & the Human Voice at Work

09:50 - 10:20

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Keeping the Human Voice in an Automated World

Panel Discussion

AI, Automation & the Human Voice at Work

As AI and automation race ahead, organisations are rethinking what work looks like, which tasks machines should take on, and where the uniquely human voice still makes the difference. This session explores how AI can augment, not replace, people at work by streamlining routine tasks, personalising communication and insight, and freeing humans to focus on creativity, judgement and connection. Leaders will discuss how they are introducing AI tools in ways that build trust rather than fear, designing “human in the loop” models, and keeping empathy, ethics and employee voice at the centre of the future workplace.

We’ll explore:

Where AI and automation add the most value today (from content creation and targeting to workflow automation), and where human judgement must remain in charge.
How to use AI to deepen personalisation and engagement without losing authenticity, transparency or psychological safety.
Practical approaches for talking to employees about AI that balance opportunity with risk, and address real concerns about jobs, skills and fairness.
The capabilities leaders and teams need to thrive in AI-enabled workplaces, from data literacy to ethical decision-making and change communication.

10:20 - 10:50

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

AI, Automation & the Human Voice at Work

10:50 - 11:15

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

BBC Case Study: Learning to Listen: What the Radio Revolution of the 1920s Can Teach Us About Being Better Listeners Today

Case Study

How Employee Voice Is Evolving

We take listening for granted - whether it’s tuning in to the radio or tuning in to each other. But when radio first arrived in homes in the 1920s, audiences had to learn how to listen. A new medium required new habits. Today, organisations face a similar challenge: in a world full of data, noise and rapid change, how do we genuinely listen to our internal audiences? During 2025, the BBC’s People Experience team began a corporation‑wide exploration to understand what meaningful listening truly looks like – and how to build it into everyday culture. In this session, Ed Cook and Molly McMunn share what they’ve discovered along the way: the insights that changed their thinking, the surprises that shifted their approach, and the plans they’re putting in place to keep learning how to listen with greater intention and impact.

Speakers:

Ed Cook

BBC

People Experience (PX) Partner

Ed Cook is a People Experience (PX) Partner at the BBC, where he focuses on building a workplace where every colleague feels valued, productive, and able to thrive. He leads the organisation’s Listening Strategy, turning colleague insight into practical improvements and measurable impact.

With a career at the intersection of people, projects, and policy, Ed brings a unique fluency in organisational dynamics. He has led diverse teams through complex change, improving HR service experiences and enabling better ways of working. Known for his strategic thinking and calm, collaborative style, Ed keeps sight of what matters most - creating the conditions for great people to do their best work, together.

Molly McMunn

BBC

People Experience Project Manager

Molly has a passion for enhancing employee experiences. Her diverse career includes roles in journalism within BBC News, as well as leading Diversity, Inclusion and Career Development initiatives putting people at the heart of everything we do. Translating complex intersectional data into tangible business outcomes, Molly's background in the charitable sector and her commitment to human rights and education enrich her approach to people experience.

11:40 - 12:10

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

From Feedback to Force: How Employee Voice Is Rewiring Engagement

Panel Discussion

How Employee Voice Is Evolving

Employee voice is no longer limited to annual surveys and town halls; it now flows continuously through digital platforms, anonymous channels, ERGs and informal networks. This panel explores how employee voice is changing in tone, tempo and influence – and what that means for leaders, HR and internal comms. Panellists will discuss how to listen in smarter, more ethical ways, how to close the loop so people see their input acted on, and how to balance open dialogue with clarity, pace and decision-making.

We’ll explore:

How employee voice is shifting from episodic feedback to always-on, multi-channel dialogue.
The role of technology, analytics and AI in surfacing themes, risks and ideas from employee voice at scale.
How to create psychologically safe conditions so a wider range of employees feel able to speak up, challenge and contribute.
Practical ways to show “you said, we did” so employee voice genuinely shapes culture, policy and experience.

Speaker:

Siobhan Randell

Knight Frank

Associate, UK People Transformation

An innovation enthusiast who loves learning about how data & tech can drive positive change. Expertise in strategy development, using data & insights to drive results, programme management, partnerships, employee engagement & community outreach.

Experience across real estate, tech, education and charity sectors. Recognised in the top 10 Champions of Change by Google Ventures (GV) in 2021 and the 2020 British Interactive Media Association's (BIMA) 100 most influential and pioneering individuals in the digital industry for her work supporting young people facing barriers to education or employment to access digital skills and careers in tech.

12:10 - 13:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

How Employee Voice Is Evolving

13:00 - 13:25

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

BDO UK Case Study: If People Don’t Trust the Comms, They Won’t Trust the Change

Interview

Trust, Transparency & Communication in the Next Era of Work

In a world of hybrid work, constant change and AI enabled communication, internal communications has moved far beyond message delivery to become a core driver of trust, clarity and employee voice.

In this interview, Nazia Nathu, Head of Internal Communications (Audit), explores what trust and transparency really look like from an internal communications perspective, and why “communicating more” is no longer the answer.

Drawing on practical experience, she will discuss how IC teams can create clarity in uncertainty, design meaningful listening, support leaders to communicate honestly, and protect trust as work continues to evolve.

This session is designed for internal communicators and engagement professionals who want to move from broadcasting messages to shaping understanding, and ensuring employee voice genuinely influences decisions in the next era of work.

Speaker:

Nazia Nathu

BDO UK

Head of Internal Communications (audit)

Nazia Nathu is Head of Internal Communications (Audit) at BDO LLP, where she leads strategic communications to support engagement, culture and audit quality across the firm. With a strong focus on clarity and purpose, Nazia partners closely with senior leaders to bring complex messages to life and ensure colleagues are informed, connected and confident through change.

13:50 - 14:20

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Trust, Transparency & Communication in the Next Era of Work

Panel Discussion

Trust, Transparency & Communication in the Next Era of Work

Hybrid models, AI, organisational change and heightened social expectations are rewriting the rules of trust at work. Employees now expect leaders to communicate with greater openness, speed and empathy, while also providing clarity on strategy, data use and the role of technology in their jobs. This panel explores how organisations are rebuilding and protecting trust through transparent, two-way communication, how they handle difficult truths without creating panic, and how internal comms, HR and leaders can work together to create cultures where people feel informed, involved and respected.

We’ll explore:

How expectations of transparency have shifted, and what “honest communication” really looks like in practice (beyond polished talking points).
The role of internal comms in sense‑making during constant change: explaining the ‘why’, not just the ‘what’, and giving space for questions and dissent.
How to maintain trust when decisions are unpopular (restructures, AI deployment, tough trade‑offs) by communicating early, clearly and consistently.
Practical habits for leaders and organisations that want to build a reputation for trustworthiness in the next era of work.

Speakers:

Sinéad Taylor

Tandem Bank

Head of Corporate Communications and Engagement

Head of Corporate Communications and Engagement for Tandem Bank, Sinéad has 20 years’ in-house marketing and communications experience across motor, travel, tech, and highly regulated financial services.

A seasoned comms leader, she specialises in corporate communications delivering strategic comms through change and transformation, reputation and crisis management, brand building, and people engagement, while driving excellence across MarComms operations.

With efforts recognised by The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for two consecutive years 2024 and 2025, and Certified™ Great Place to Work® 2025, she has led internal communications and engagement strategies to foster safe, inclusive workplaces for all.

Sinéad is focused on the evolving role of communications and how trust and transparency will shape the next era of internal comms.

Natasha Liedl-McDowall

LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

Senior Manager Internal Communications

14:20 - 14:40

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Trust, Transparency & Communication in the Next Era of Work

14:40 - 15:05

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Marie Curie UK Case Study: From Post Room to Strategic Partner: Re‑skilling Internal Comms

Case Study

Skills for the Internal Communications Role of the Future

When Jenny Bloxham joined Marie Curie, internal communications still resembled an internal postal system: messages were pushed out, but the function had limited influence on strategy, culture or change. In this case study, Jenny will share how she has matured the function into a trusted strategic business partner, building a unifying communication strategy that reaches everyone, embedding storytelling as a core skill, and positioning internal comms as an active shaper of culture rather than a passive messenger.

Key themes:

Maturing the function from transactional “postbox” to strategic business partner
Building a communication strategy that resonates with all colleagues
Using storytelling to connect purpose, strategy and everyday work
Aligning internal comms with culture change and organisational values

Speaker:

Jenny Bloxham

Marie Curie UK

Head of Internal Communications & Engagement

Communications professional, combining business acumen with a strong understanding of the NGO and charity sector both in the UK and overseas. Skilled leader, project manager, writer and linguist with creative ideas aplenty. Proactive team player and initiative taker with a passion for child rights, development and addressing inequality.

15:30 - 16:00

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Inside the IC Role of 2030: What Will the Job Description Will Demand?

Panel Discussion

Skills for the Internal Communications Role of the Future

The internal communications role is shifting from broadcast channel manager to strategic advisor, coach and curator of employee voice. In this panel, senior practitioners will explore the skills IC professionals now need to thrive in a world of AI, data, constant change and heightened expectations of transparency. They will discuss how the role is evolving beyond copywriting and channels, towards influencing senior leaders, interpreting insight, shaping culture and building trust across diverse workforces.

We’ll explore:

The shift from “tactical messenger” to strategic business partner, and what that means for day‑to‑day IC skills.
Core future skills: data literacy, storytelling, facilitation, coaching leaders, and navigating AI and automation.
How IC can build credibility through better measurement, stakeholder management and commercial awareness.
Practical ways to upskill teams and redefine IC career paths for the next era of work.

Speaker:

Nazia Nathu

BDO UK

Head of Internal Communications (audit)

16:00 - 16:05

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

Skills for the Internal Communications Role of the Future

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success

Partnerships & Strategy Director

08:55 - 09:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

Introduction

AI, Automation & the Workplace Interaction

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Jo will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Jo Dodds

Engage for Success

Co-Strategy Director

09:00 - 09:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

AI, Automation & the Workplace Interaction

09:50 - 10:20

Communication & The Connected Workplace

The New Comms Toolkit: Working Smarter with AI and Automation

Panel Discussion

AI, Automation & the Workplace Interaction

As AI and automation become part of everyday tools and workflows, they are quietly reshaping how people interact with their organisation, their leaders and each other. This panel explores how workplace interactions are changing when chatbots, copilots and automated workflows sit alongside human colleagues, and what that means for trust, inclusion and the employee experience. Panellists will discuss where AI can enhance communication and decision-making, where a human voice is non‑negotiable, and how to introduce automation in ways that feel supportive rather than scary.

We’ll explore:

How AI and automation are changing day‑to‑day interactions between employees, managers and the organisation.
Where “human in the loop” models matter most, and how to decide what should never be fully automated.
Practical ways to use AI to personalise, simplify and speed up communication without losing authenticity.
The guardrails, principles and skills needed so AI‑enabled interactions build trust, not anxiety.

Speakers:

Eduvie Martin

BAT

Group Comms and Engagement Manager

Eduvie Martin transforms how organisations communicate, inspiring leaders to engage people with clarity, humanity and purpose. She is a strategic communications leader with nearly two decades of experience improving communication for global organisations. A data-driven and outcomes-focused practitioner, she has developed measurement dashboards across regions and is passionate about how technology enables more effective, inclusive and scalable communication.

Eduvie is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and the former President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) UK and Ireland. She continues to support the chapter as Past President and serves as Chair of the IABC Gold Quill Blue Ribbon Panel for the EMENA region. Her work has been recognised with multiple industry honours, including awards from Gallagher, Google-sponsored programmes and the International Association of Business Communicators.

After more than a decade practising communication across different cultural contexts, Eduvie later relocated to Europe to continue her career. Experiencing communication across cultures first-hand has given her a rare understanding of how identity and context shape connection at work. This insight fuels her forthcoming book, a first-of-its-kind exploration of communication through the experiences of immigrant practitioners across 12 countries.

She is also an Executive Director at Comic Republic, helping shape global storytelling, partnerships and media visibility. On stage, Eduvie speaks about strategic positioning, life beyond the nine-to-five, navigating career transitions and choosing communities that enable people to thrive. She uses storytelling and reframing to help people navigate change with confidence. Eduvie has spoken internationally across Europe, Africa and North America.

Paul Jones-Nolan

San Carlo Restaurant Group

Group People Director

Paul Jones-Nolan is a people and culture leader with nearly three decades of experience in Human Resources across the hospitality sector. He currently serves as Group People Director at San Carlo Restaurant Group, where he leads the strategic development of talent, employee engagement, structure, and inclusion initiatives for one of the UK’s most respected Italian hospitality brands. San Carlo operates over 25 restaurants nationwide and continues to grow its international presence while fostering a people-first culture grounded in long-standing employee loyalty and strong staff retention.

Paul’s approach blends operational insight with strategic HR leadership, shaped by an early career in hotel operations and nearly 25 years of hands-on experience in employee relations, talent development, performance management, and DE&I. He is recognised within the industry not only for driving impactful people strategies but also for championing inclusive workplaces, most recently being named among the 2025 LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions for his advocacy and leadership in building supportive, diverse work environments.

At San Carlo, Paul has implemented everything from bespoke training platforms to culture-enhancing programmes. His leadership continues to strengthen San Carlo’s culture as the business innovates and expands in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

10:20 - 10:50

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

AI, Automation & the Workplace Interaction

10:50 - 11:15

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Skyscanner Case Study: Turning Strategy Into Shared Momentum

Case Study

Supercharging Employee Experience

After a multi-year post-Covid rebuild, Skyscanner faced a new challenge: how to move from operational recovery to sustained belief, confidence and momentum. This session shares how Skyscanner evolved internal communications from message delivery to belief-building through narrative discipline, a traveller-first mentality and authentic leadership visibility. With engagement reaching record levels, this case study explores the impact achieved and the lessons learned for the next chapter.

Speaker:

Andrew Borthwick

Skyscanner

Global Head of Internal Communications

A collaborative, story-driven senior communications leader, Andrew brings more than 15 years’ experience across internal communications, corporate communications, and journalism. He is known for strengthening culture, building trust, and translating strategy into clear, engaging narratives that drive employee engagement.

He has delivered large-scale engagement programmes in both global tech and financial services, advised Executive teams through periods of significant change, and led initiatives that consistently improved employee alignment and advocacy.

With deep experience in organisational change, executive engagement and crisis communications, Andrew is skilled at uniting people behind a shared direction while creating clarity in fast-moving, complex environments.

11:40 - 12:10

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Supercharging Employee Experience Through Internal Communication

Panel Discussion

Supercharging Employee Experience

The employee experience is increasingly shaped by what people hear, see and feel through internal communication every day. This panel explores how internal comms can move beyond updates and campaigns to become a core engine of employee engagement – clarifying expectations, amplifying purpose and removing friction in the moments that matter. Panellists will share how they partner with HR and leaders to design communication that supports the whole employee journey, from onboarding and change to recognition and growth.

We’ll explore:

How internal comms shapes day‑to‑day employee experience, not just big campaigns or events.
Using storytelling, leadership visibility and channel design to make key moments (joiner, mover, change, recognition) more meaningful.
Working with HR, employer brand and leadership teams so communication, policies and digital touchpoints feel coherent and human.
Ways internal comms can evidence its impact on engagement, trust and performance.

Speakers:

Judy Roberts

V&A South Kensington

Director of People and Change

Judy Roberts is Director of People and Change at the V&A, where she leads the museum’s people strategy, organisational development and culture change. She brings extensive HR leadership experience from senior roles at the V&A, English Heritage, Hertfordshire Police and Thomas Cook, supporting large, complex organisations through transformation.

A Chartered MCIPD professional with a BSc in Psychology, Judy is passionate about creating workplaces where people can thrive through clear strategy, inclusive leadership and practical change delivery. Across more than two decades in HR, she has partnered closely with executive teams on restructuring, culture change and major organisational redesign, always with a focus on people experience and performance.

Adeife Onwuzulike

Euromonitor International

Global Director - Culture, Engagement & Inclusion

12:10 - 13:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Supercharging Employee Experience

13:00 - 13:25

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Virgin Case Study: From Icon to Iconic Again: How Virgin Uses Internal Comms to Power Culture & a Brand Comeback

Case Study

The Role of Internal Communications in Workplace Culture

Virgin is reshaping its culture and strategy to earn back a place at the top of customers’ brand consideration – and internal communications is a key lever in that shift. In this case study, Lea will share how her team is working more closely than ever with commercial and brand colleagues to make the external brand story feel real and relevant for people inside Virgin. She will show how cultural partnerships are being used to connect what employees experience with what customers see, creating a single narrative that rebuilds pride, relevance and momentum across the business.

Key themes:

Working hand‑in‑hand with commercial and brand teams to align culture and strategy
Using internal comms to make Virgin’s refreshed brand ambition tangible for employees
Bringing cultural partnerships to life internally to build pride and relevance
Joining up the internal and external story so people feel part of Virgin’s brand comeback

Speaker:

Lea Hawkins-Gaboc

Virgin

Head of Employee Communications and Engagement

Lea is responsible for the digital communications, engagement and internal product marketing for Virgin’s 60,000 people worldwide, and for strategic planning, leadership engagement and events for teams at the heart of Virgin Group.

13:50 - 14:20

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Why Internal Communications is at the Heart of Workplace Culture

Panel Discussion

The Role of Internal Communications in Workplace Culture

Workplace culture is shaped as much by what people hear, see and experience every day as by values on a wall. This panel explores how internal communications can move beyond distributing messages to actively shaping behaviours, belonging and culture. Panellists will discuss how they partner with leaders, HR and brand to tell a coherent story, enhance workplace connections, surface employee voice and create a culture where everybody can thrive no matter whether you're in growth, change or disruption.

We’ll explore:

How internal comms translates values and strategy into everyday stories, rituals and behaviours people recognise.
Working with leaders and managers so what they say and do consistently reinforces the culture you want.
Using channels, campaigns and employee voice to celebrate “how we do things here” and challenge where culture needs to shift.
Aligning internal comms with brand and EX so the culture employees experience matches what’s promised externally.

Speakers:

Larissa Schneider-Kim

International Rescue Committee

Associate Director, Global Internal Communications

I’m a multilingual communications leader with 10 years’ experience strengthening internal culture, employee engagement, and organisational connection across global, mission-driven organisations. I specialise in translating complex ideas into clear, human-centred communication and building platforms that help staff feel informed, heard, and connected - wherever they are in the world.

My work spans global campaigns, change communications, leadership messaging, staff engagement programmes, and digital content across multiple channels. I’ve led major storytelling initiatives, launched new engagement platforms, produced podcasts and video series, and designed all-staff events that bring organisational priorities to life. I also have a strong track record of embedding inclusive communication practices and partnering with ERGs, People teams, and regional colleagues to ensure diverse voices are represented.

I’m fluent in English, Russian, Swedish, advanced in Korean, intermediate in French, with additional basic knowledge of German, Mandarin, and BSL. Outside work, you’ll find me in the gym, reading (I run two book clubs), travelling, or taking on new learning opportunities.

John Townsend

Unicef UK

Head of Internal Communications

John has a host of internal communications experience leading teams in the not-for-profit sector. He has been Head of Internal Communications at UNICEF UK for the last seven years, working to keep his colleagues informed, connected and inspired. Previously he led the internal communications function at the NSPCC, The Children’s Society and the Hilton Foundation.

John believes passionately in the power of internal communications to set the tone for an organisation’s culture, leading to better places to work and ultimately better organisational results.

14:20 - 14:40

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

The Role of Internal Communications in Workplace Culture

14:40 - 15:05

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Getting Senior Leadership Communication Right: In Conversation with Sian Jones, Head of Communications Strategy and Content at Bank of England

Interview

Redefining What Connected Means

Senior leadership communication sits at the heart of how the Bank of England informs, reassures and engages its people through constant external scrutiny and change. In this 25‑minute interview Sian will explore how her team partners with senior leaders to shape clear narratives, prepare for high‑stakes moments and keep internal messages aligned with what’s said externally. She will reflect on the skills, disciplines and judgement calls involved in advising senior figures, and share practical lessons on building trust, consistency and credibility at the very top of the organisation.

Speaker:

Sian Jones

Bank of England

Head of Communications Content & Strategy

I'm Sian Jones and I'm a senior leader at the Bank of England, where I’ve worked for ten years. I've also worked in senior roles in central government, regulatory bodies and the third sector, focusing on delivering award winning internal and external communications and leading change management and engagement programmes. In my current role, I advise the Governor and Board of Directors on external communications and colleague engagement and am leading work on transforming the way we communicate through digital channels. Outside work, I serve my community by sitting as a presiding justice sitting on the East London magistrates bench and a trustee for CharityComms.

15:30 - 16:00

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Beyond Channels: The Role of Internal Communications in Redefining Connection at Work

Panel Discussion

Redefining What Connected Means

In an age of hybrid work, digital overload and constant change, being “connected” is about far more than having the right tools. This panel explores how internal comms is reshaping what connection really means – helping people feel informed, aligned and part of something shared, even when they rarely share the same space. Panellists will discuss how they design communication that cuts through noise, creates genuine moments of connection and supports collaboration across teams, locations and time zones.

We’ll explore:

How internal comms defines and measures “connection” today, beyond channel reach and message views.
The role of internal comms in stitching together culture, strategy and day‑to‑day work across dispersed teams.
Practical ways to design messages, rhythms and experiences that make people feel closer to each other and the organisation.
How to balance digital, face‑to‑face and manager‑led communication so connection feels human, not just online.

Speakers:

Sue Lewis

British Red Cross

Head of People Strategy

Bethan Christensen

UK Sport

HR & Employee Engagement Officer, Strategy and Business Enabling

I’m a People Experience specialist focused on employee engagement, inclusion, and internal communication. My career spans remote mining in Australia, major international events, and high‑performance sport. Giving me a unique blend of strategic insight and hands‑on delivery. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, high‑performing cultures where people feel connected, motivated, and able to thrive.

16:00 - 16:05

Communication & The Connected Workplace

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

Redefining What Connected Means

Speaker:

Jo Dodds

Engage for Success

Co-Strategy Director

08:55 - 09:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagementy

Introduction

The Future of Talent Management

Welcome back to the Engage Employee Summit 2026.

After a first day grounded in the realities organisations are navigating right now - from culture and communication to leadership and performance - day two shifts the focus to the future.

In this opening address, Cathy will connect yesterday’s themes with the longer-term challenges and opportunities shaping employee engagement. From emerging trends to changing workforce expectations, today’s agenda is designed to help you think strategically and prepare your organisation for what’s next.

A moment to reset, refocus and look ahead together before we continue the conversation.

Speaker:

Cathy Brown

Barrow Cadbury Trust

Head of Economic Justice

Cathy (she/her) works with people and organisations to create inclusive, healthy and more productive workplaces that work for everyone.

A renowned leader, speaker and communicator, Cathy blends curiosity and empathy with deep cross-sector experience. She prides herself on helping people move out of stressful situations to create human-focused workplace cultures where compassion and connectedness – and people – are encouraged and valued.
Cathy has led organisations across a range of industries including Engage for Success (the UK’s movement for Employee Engagement), and has helped to transform many more through her work as Capability Brown, and most recently at Management Geek.
Cathy carries her personal experience of neurodivergence into the solutions she co-creates with her clients, through conversations, commitment and curiosity - helping them to manage themselves and their teams in ways that work for everyone.

09:00 - 09:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

Opening Keynote

The Future of Talent Management

09:50 - 10:20

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Talent Management, Rewired: Skills, Signals and Smarter Moves

Panel Discussion

The Future of Talent Management

As skills cycles shorten, AI reshapes roles and expectations shift, traditional talent management models are struggling to keep up with how work is actually changing. From the first days in role to internal moves years later, this panel explores what talent management needs to look like over the next 3–5 years, blending skills‑based planning, better onboarding, internal marketplaces and new approaches to potential, performance and mobility. Panellists will discuss how they are moving beyond static succession plans towards more dynamic, transparent systems that connect people, skills and opportunities in real time, starting with onboarding that actually sets up long‑term success.

We'll cover:

Why skills, not just roles, are becoming the organising principle for future talent strategy – from hiring and onboarding through to internal mobility.
How onboarding is evolving from a one‑off event to a critical, data‑rich phase in the wider talent journey, shaping engagement, performance and progression.
How AI, data and talent marketplaces are changing how organisations spot, deploy and develop talent over time.
Rethinking potential, performance and progression in a more fluid, project‑based and hybrid world, so talent management feels more transparent and fair for employees.

Speaker:

One Dagun

Standard Chartered

Director, Talent and Succession Management

One (pronounced Oh-Nay) Dagun is global HR Leader with over two decades of experience spanning Human Resource Management, Sales, Coaching, Organisational Development, and Sustainability. One is a dynamic HR leader with a proven record across multiple industries. In her current global role, One leads the Identification of Potential and Succession Planning for talent, ensuring a robust leadership pipeline that aligns with long-term business objectives. Previously, she led the deployment and adoption of Talent Marketplace across more than fifty markets, driving an impressive 300% growth in user base over two years.

A highly skilled strategic partner and relationship builder, One has successfully engaged with business leaders, regulators, key decision-makers, and multi-cultural teams at all levels. As a HR Business Partner, she has played a pivotal role in leading large-scale business transformation programs for both Corporate and Retail sectors, managing complex organizational design changes and implementation strategies.

10:20 - 10:50

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

The Future of Talent Management

10:50 - 11:15

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

National Grid Case Study: Building an Employer Brand That Attracts, Includes and Advocates

Case Study

Employer Brand, Reputation & Workforce Advocacy

National Grid is reshaping how it attracts and supports a net‑zero, future‑ready workforce, with employer brand at the heart of that strategy. In this case study, Lucinda Thomas will share how the “Superpowered” employer brand, a revamped careers experience and a clearer EVP are helping National Grid compete for scarce skills while strengthening reputation and advocacy. She will explore how recruitment strategy, capability building and employer branding now work together – from data‑driven sourcing and inclusive messaging to employee advocacy and local market nuance. Expect practical insight into what has worked, what surprised the team and how they are measuring impact on talent pipelines, diversity and candidate experience.

Speaker:

Lucinda Thomas

National Grid

Director and Head of Recruitment Strategy, Capability and Employer Branding

I am a passionate Talent and Capability professional with 10 years of experience in Strategy, Recruitment, Transformation, Learning & Development, Talent Management, Organizational Development, Engagement, Leadership, Employer Branding, and Graduate Programs—can you tell I love the Talent space?

I thrive on inspiring growth in others and am dedicated to delivering tangible impact to the business through my work. My expertise lies in unlocking employee motivations, and implementing human-centric design principles to enhance the employee experience and cultivate a fulfilling work environment. I advocate for continuous learning and workplace inclusivity, believing that diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.

With extensive experience across FMCG, Retail, Utilities, Non-Profit, and Hospitality sectors, I bring a well-rounded approach to talent management.

11:40 - 12:10

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Beyond Logos and Taglines: Turning Employer Brand into Advocacy

Panel Discussion

Employer Brand, Reputation & Workforce Advocacy

This panel explores how senior leaders are treating employer brand as a strategic asset, connecting what the organisation promises, how it behaves and what people experience on the inside. Panellists will discuss how they are aligning corporate and employer brand, activating advocacy in an authentic way (not scripted campaigns), and responding when public narratives and internal sentiment clash. You will hear practical examples of how organisations are using insight, storytelling and employee voice to build a credible reputation with candidates, colleagues and wider stakeholders.

We'll cover:

How employer brand, corporate reputation and employee experience now reinforce – or undermine – each other.
Turning employees into advocates in ways that feel authentic, inclusive and safe, not forced or performative.
Using insight and employee voice to keep employer branding honest and up to date with how work actually feels.
What leaders do when the external story and internal reality diverge – and how they rebuild credibility and trust.

Speakers:

Leigh Argent

Vision Express

Head of Talent Development

I’m an experienced HR leader and qualified coach with a passion for helping people and organisations grow. With more than 20 years in Learning and Development across the finance and service sectors, I’ve led teams, built capability strategies, and shaped environments where colleagues can thrive and deliver their best work.

Over the past four years at Vision Express, I’ve expanded my focus into Talent Development — designing and delivering programmes that strengthen leadership, accelerate early‑career pathways, build future capability, and support long‑term succession. It’s a space that allows me to bring together everything I love: people, potential, and purposeful organisational development.

More recently, I’ve channelled my experience into culture change and inclusion, helping create workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to grow. I’m energised by work that blends behavioural insight, strategic thinking, and human connection.

I believe great cultures don’t happen by accident; they’re built intentionally through curiosity, empathy, and collective leadership.

Lindsay Comalie

Certitude

Head of Learning and Organisational Development

I'm a People and Culture Leader and Consultant with a passion for unlocking potential at every level of an organisation. With deep expertise across the full spectrum of organisational design, development and strategic HR; I bring a results-oriented, evidence-based approach to enabling transformational change, shaping inclusive cultures and driving sustainable performance.

My work spans evolving operating models, workforce and succession planning, leadership and talent strategy, performance frameworks, and employee experience. Whether it's leading change or implementing people strategies, I want to focus on what really matters: creating meaningful impact for people and performance.

As a Certified Business Psychologist (ABP), Positive Psychologist, and Systemic Team Coach, I draw on a strong foundation in behavioural science to inform strategy and practice. As a Senior Practitioner Coach with the EMCC, I have led organisational coaching initiatives and am an experienced Coaching Supervisor, supporting the development of internal and independent coaches. I’m also a Registered Test User with the British Psychological Society, a member of its Division of Coaching Psychology, and actively engaged in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

In all I do, I champion psychological safety, inclusion, and purpose-led leadership as key enablers of innovation and high performance.

12:10 - 13:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Employer Brand, Reputation & Workforce Advocacy

13:00 - 13:25

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

British Heart Foundation Case Study: From Insight to Action: Building Future Workforce Capability

Case Study

Talent Intelligence, Forecasting & Workforce Capability

In this case study, Paul Rutzler will share how the British Heart Foundation is using talent intelligence and workforce forecasting to plan for the skills and roles it will need in the years ahead. He will explore how HR is combining data, strategic workforce planning and insight from leaders to understand future capability gaps, build internal talent pipelines and make smarter decisions about where to hire, develop or redesign roles. The session will also touch on how BHF is engaging managers with this insight, translating analytics into clear workforce choices and ensuring the charity can deliver on its mission with the right people, in the right places, at the right time.

Speaker:

Paul Rutzler

British Heart Foundation

Human Resources Director

Paul Rutzler is an experienced Human Resources leader with a strong background in strategic HR and people-focused organisational development. He currently serves as Human Resources Director at the British Heart Foundation, where he oversees HR initiatives that support the charity’s mission and workforce.

Prior to his current role, Paul held senior HR positions across leading organisations, including Senior Manager – Human Capital at Deloitte, and several HR leadership roles at Nationwide Building Society and Lloyds Banking Group, contributing to HR strategy, change management and service delivery.

Paul holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of the West of England, reflecting his solid grounding in business and people management.

13:50 - 14:20

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

A "Can-Do" Confident Mindset: Equipping Talent to Perform

Panel Discussion

Talent Intelligence, Forecasting & Workforce Capability

As change accelerates, the critical question is no longer just “Do we have the right people?” but “Are we equipping our people with the capabilities and confidence they need to thrive?” This panel brings together senior HR and talent leaders to explore how they are using intelligence and insight not only to plan future skills, but to design learning, experiences and support that help people step into new expectations with confidence. Panellists will discuss how they identify priority capabilities, build them at scale, and create cultures where trying new things, using AI and navigating ambiguity feel safe and supported rather than threatening. You will hear practical examples of how they are combining data, listening and human‑centred design to turn workforce plans into real capability and confidence on the ground.

We'll cover:

How talent leaders are pinpointing the capabilities people will need next – from digital and AI fluency to adaptability, collaboration and influence.
Practical ways to build those capabilities through learning, stretch roles, coaching and peer support, not just formal programmes.
Helping people feel confident using new tools and ways of working, including AI, without overwhelming or alienating them.
Creating a culture where experimentation, feedback and growth feel safe – so capability building actually sticks.

Speakers:

Anaïs Nebel

Engage Employee

Advisory Board Member

Anaïs Nebel is a Business Strategist, International Speaker, and Founder of The Confidence Agency, redefining confidence as a core pillar of high-performing cultures.

With a background in workplace culture and engagement at global brands such as The Body Shop and Estée Lauder Companies, she helps organisations embed confidence as a strategic lever for connection, engagement and productivity. She also sits on the Advisory Board for Engage Employee, championing confidence as the missing link in organisational performance.

My website: https://www.theconfidenceagency.co.uk

Rebecca Marks

Commonwealth Sport

Head of People

14:20 - 14:40

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

Talent Intelligence, Forecasting & Workforce Capability

14:40 - 15:05

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Case Study: Reinventing Talent at Scale: CCEP’s People First Digital Talent Transformation

Case Study

The Evolution of Talent & Retention

Join Suzy Jearum as she shares how CCEP is reinventing talent at scale through a bold, people first digital transformation. Discover how the company moved from fragmented data and manual processes to a unified, AI powered ecosystem that empowers every employee to grow, develop, and navigate their careers. You’ll hear what it really takes to deliver digital talent transformation across 30,000+ people—balancing technology with user centred design, local change leadership, and continuous listening—plus practical lessons, surprising challenges, and the measurable impact achieved along the way. This session offers an honest, energising look at how CCEP is building a skills first future and what’s coming next on the journey.

Speaker:

Suzy Jearum

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Global Digital Employee Experience Lead - Talent Management

Suzy Jearum is the Global DEX Lead – Talent at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies and the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler. CCEP operates across 29 countries, serving millions of customers and consumers every day, with a strong focus on creating a great working environment where people can grow, develop, and thrive. In her role, Suzy shapes how CCEP’s people experience career growth and development through thoughtful, intuitive, and values-aligned digital talent experiences. She ensures that the digital tools and processes used across Talent Acquisition, Learning, Performance, and Talent Management not only enable the company’s talent strategy but also contribute to a simple, meaningful, and connected experience for colleagues. Working closely with teams across People & Culture, Business Process Technology, and the wider business, Suzy brings CCEP’s vision for talent to life by introducing and optimising platforms, embedding new ways of working, and helping teams adopt smarter, more human-centred digital practices. She keeps a strong focus on external trends and emerging innovations to ensure CCEP remains ahead of the curve while staying true to what makes its culture distinctive. Since 2018, Suzy has played a key role in CCEP’s People & Culture digital transformation, leading the introduction of P&C tools and supporting the rollout of global Hire to Retire processes. With a background in project and change management and as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, she brings deep analytical and problem-solving expertise to delivering scalable improvements that support strategic business goals. Suzy is known for driving results with precision and consistency in a demanding environment, and for her ability to influence, inspire, and build strong partnerships that enable collaborative, people-centred transformation.

15:30 - 16:00

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Why People Stay: Rethinking Talent, Work and Commitment

Panel Discussion

The Evolution of Talent & Retention

Talent and retention strategies that worked even a few years ago are straining under new expectations about flexibility, purpose, AI and career paths. This panel explores how senior HR and talent leaders are rethinking the “deal” with employees – from how they attract and grow people to how they design work, managers’ roles and progression so staying feels like the best option. Panellists will share how their approaches to career paths, internal moves, performance, recognition and listening have evolved, and what they are learning about keeping different generations and segments engaged over time. Expect honest reflections on what they have stopped doing, what they are doubling down on, and how they are balancing organisational needs with what talent now expects.

We'll cover:

How expectations of work, careers and flexibility are reshaping talent and retention strategies.
The shift from linear career ladders to more fluid paths, internal mobility and skills‑based moves.
The evolving role of managers, recognition and wellbeing in whether people choose to stay.
What forward‑looking organisations are experimenting with now to keep critical talent over the next 3–5 years.

Speakers:

Caroline Jellyman

Battersea

Head of Learning and Organisational Development

Caroline Jellyman is Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Battersea, where she leads the organisation’s approach to culture, capability and workforce development, helping shape a people‑experience that supports both organisational ambition and human‑centred growth.

She joined Battersea in 2021 and has held senior OD and learning leadership roles across the organisation, working closely with leaders and teams to evolve ways of working, build future skills and strengthen organisational culture through periods of change. Before joining Battersea, Caroline held senior people, learning and organisational development roles across the charity, technology and commercial sectors, bringing a blend of strategic insight and practical, people‑first leadership.

Caroline is particularly passionate about how organisations anticipate and adapt to shifting workforce needs – from evolving skills and digital capability to changing employee expectations. Her work is grounded in curiosity, compassion and a belief that people strategies work best when built around the real experiences, motivations and voices of employees.

Megan Yawor

Knight Frank

Head of Talent Systems & Experience

Megan Yawor is the Head of Talent Systems & Experience at Knight Frank, where she leads the design and delivery of end‑to‑end talent experiences that help people develop, grow, and perform at work. With a background in learning and development, talent systems, performance, and employee experience, she brings a practical, people‑first approach to shaping how talent practices work in reality. Her work spans career development, performance frameworks, and learning strategy, with a particular focus on clarity, consistency, and ensuring that people processes translate into meaningful behavior at work. Megan is especially interested in how organizations move beyond well‑intentioned design to create simple, inclusive talent experiences that genuinely change the way people work.

16:00 - 16:05

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

That's a Wrap!

Closing Remarks

The Evolution of Talent & Retention

Speaker:

Cathy Brown

Barrow Cadbury Trust

Head of Economic Justice

Cathy (she/her) works with people and organisations to create inclusive, healthy and more productive workplaces that work for everyone.

No results for current selection

Wednesday 20 May 2026

Main Stage

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

The Talent Agenda and the Trust Imperative: Why the Workplace Matters More Than Ever

09:00 - 09:25

Building a Workforce Ready for What’s Next

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

Scaling AI Capability Across 67,000 Colleagues: In Conversation with Stuart Martin, Human Resources Director: Business & Commercial Banking, Lloyds Banking Group

11:00 - 11:25

Beyond the Town Hall – Building Real Connection Across Dispersed Workforces

11:50 - 12:20

The HR Reality Check – What’s Really Keeping Leaders Awake at Night?

12:20 - 12:40

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:40 - 14:00

Beyond Policy: How Culture Really Shows up for Women: In Conversation with: Carly Stanley, Chief People Officer at JCDecaux

14:00 - 14:25

Performance Without Burnout: Building Sustainable, Human-Centred Leadership

14:50 - 15:20

Leading with Purpose: Culture, Inclusion and the Role of Modern Leadership: In Conversation with: Joyce Idoniboye, Chief People Officer, Oxfam

15:20- 15:45

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

KFC UK & Ireland Case Study: Making Employer Brand Real: How KFC Built an EVP Framework Teams Actually Feel

16:05 - 16:30

Clarity Environmental Case Study: Inside an Award-Winning Culture: How Clarity Environmental Became a Great Place to Work

16:30 - 16:55

Building a Culture That Delivers: From Intent to Impact

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party at The Engage Inn

17:30

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Designing Work for Real Lives: Building Cultures Where People Flourish

09:00 - 09:25

Living Your Values & Turning Employee Voice into Everyday Culture

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

HM Revenue & Customs Case Study: Making Employee Experience ‘How We Do Things Here'

11:00 - 11:25

Using Data to Drive Culture & Leadership

11:50 - 12:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:20 - 13:40

Interactive Q&A: Who Owns Engagement?

13:40 - 14:00

Culture, Confidence and Change in Retail HR: In Conversation with Maxine Granville, Head of HR UK & Ireland at KIKO MILANO

14:00 - 14:25

From Turbulence to Traction: HR Leadership in Times of Change

14:50 - 15:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

Santander Bank Case Study: Total Experience - When Employee Experience Drives Customer Satisfaction

16:05 - 16:30

Diversity By Design Case Study: Diversity is about impact not lanyards

16:30 - 16:55

Culture Powered by Everyday Behaviour

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

The Brain Was Designed for a World That No Longer Exists

09:00 - 09:25

Beyond Burnout – Rethinking Resilience and Balance

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

Leveling the Playing Field with Generative AI: In Conversation with Ori Chandler, Group Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Aviva

11:00 - 11:25

Women’s Health in the Workplace – From Taboo Topic to Business Imperative

11:50 - 12:20

Interactive Q&A: Mandates, Flexibility and What Really Works: Rethinking the Return to the Office

12:20 - 12:40

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:40 - 14:00

The HEINEKEN Company Case Study: Building a Neuroinclusive Culture for Performance

14:00 - 14:25

From Words to Reality: Making Equity and Lived Experience Count at Work

14:50 - 15:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

Entain Group Case Study: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Return on Value

16:05 - 16:30

Proving the Impact of Wellbeing and Inclusion

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

It’s Not Just What We Offer, It’s What It Signals: Why Recognition Is Vital to Meaningful Employee Engagement

09:00 - 09:25

Beyond Kudus: Why Appreciation as a Cultural Foundation is the Catalyst for Engagement

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

BDO UK LLP Case Study: Embracing the Power of Thank You - Empowering Everyone to Recognise Anyone

11:00 - 11:25

What Really Drives People to Go the Extra Mile?

11:50 - 12:20

Interactive Q&A: More Than Money? Why Salary Isn’t the #1 Reward

12:20 - 12:40

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:40 - 14:00

Beyond Travel Perks: Flight Centre’s Whole‑Person Approach to Financial Wellbeing and Benefits

14:00 - 14:25

Beyond the Payslip: Financial Wellbeing and the Whole‑Person Deal

14:50 - 15:20

The Motivation Machine: Designing Recognition Programmes For Maximum Impact

15:20 - 15:45

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

From Numbers to Moments: How British Airways Bring Total Reward and Recognition to Life: In Conversation With Josephina Smith, Director of Reward at British Airways

16:05 - 16:30

Doing More With Less: The Key to Enhanced Benefits with Smarter Spend

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Research Reveal: The Reality Gap: What the IC Index 2026 Reveals About Communication Today

09:00 - 09:25

Communicating Through Constant Change: From Noise to Meaning

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

ACAMS Case Study: Employee Voice in Practice: From Listening to Action at ACAMS

11:00 - 11:25

Beyond the Survey: Turning Employee Voice into Actions

11:50 - 12:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:20 - 13:40

Interactive Q&A: Is AI Enhancing or Replacing Internal Comms?

13:40 - 14:00

Betfred Case Study: You Probably Shouldn’t Bother Coming Along to This One

14:00 - 14:25

How To Turn Your Listening Strategy Into A Two-Way Conversation.

14:25 - 14:50

From Inbox to Impact: Comms That Actually Land

14:50 - 15:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

Visa Case Study: Proving the Impact of the “CMS Cares” Campaign

16:05 - 16:30

Proof Over Perception: Cracking the ROI of Internal Comms

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Inside the IC Index: What a Connected Workplace Now Demands from Internal Comms

09:00 - 09:25

The Digital Workplace Experience – How Internal Comms Creates Connections

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

easyJet Case Study: Rethinking Employee Listening for a Frontline Workforce

11:00 - 11:25

Beyond Head Office: Rethinking Communication for Frontline & Dispersed Workers

11:50 - 12:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:20 - 13:40

Interactive Q&A

13:40 - 14:00

National Crime Agency Case Study: Behind the Scenes at the National Crime Agency’s Officer and Family Days

14:00 - 14:25

The Overlooked Majority: Building a Brand for Your Frontline Workforce

14:25 - 14:50

Time‑Poor, Connection‑Rich: Rethinking Communication in Busy & Distributed Workplaces

14:50 - 15:20

The Employee Attention Recession: When Attention Is the Scarcest Resource in the Room

15:20 - 15:45

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

From Notifications to Engagement: Using storytelling to Support Change, Culture and Leadership Visibility

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

08:55 - 09:00

Building an AI‑Ready Workforce: Lessons from PwC’s 360,000‑Person Upskilling Journey

09:00 - 09:25

From Headcount to Skill Sets: Rethinking Hiring, Roles and Career Paths in an AI-Driven World

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 11:00

From Friction to Fuel: Making Multigenerational Teams Thrive: In Conversation With Monika Holliday, Head of People at British Airways Euroflyer

11:00 - 11:25

Built to Last: Creating a Hiring System That Performs and Evolves

11:25 - 11:50

Growing from Within: Upskilling & Developing Future Leaders

11:50 - 12:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:20 - 13:40

Interactive Q&A: Connected or Cut Off? Engaging Deskless and Dispersed Talent

13:40 - 14:00

Philip Morris International Case Study: Reinventing Talent and Building the Workforce of the Future

14:00 - 14:25

Recruitment, Employer Brand and the New Trust Contract

14:50 - 15:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

15:45 - 16:05

The Human Advantage: Retention, Resilience and Real Leadership at Total Fitness: In Conversation With Andrea Cook, Head of People at Total Fitness

16:05 - 16:30

The 2026 AI Talent Map: High-Velocity Sourcing Beyond the M25

16:30 - 16:55

Staying Power Under Pressure: Support That Keeps Your Best People

16:55 - 17:25

Closing Remarks

17:25 - 17:30

Summit After-Party

17:30

Thursday 21 May 2026

Main Stage

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

AI-Redesigned Work: What Must Change - and What Must Not?

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline During High Growth: In Conversation with Matt Hudson, Chief People Officer at Popeyes Louisana Chicken

10:50 - 11:15

Creating Opportunities Through Hidden Talent: In Conversation with Neil Morrison, Group HR and Communications Director at Severn Trent

11:15 - 11:40

Shaping the Workforce of the Future: Skills, Structure and Strategy

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

Firstbus Case Study: Justifying the Value of Employee Engagement & Stakeholder Engagement

13:00 - 13:25

ofi Case Study: A Unified Identity: Our Culture Transformation Journey

13:25 - 13:50

From Support Function to Growth Engine: How People Strategy Drives Business Performance

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

Nestlé Case Study: HR Role Modelling in Building Digital Capability

14:40 - 15:05

Scaling Belonging: The Power of Story and Scrappy Solutions in a Hybrid World: In Conversation with: Miriam Warren, Chief Culture Officer at Yelp

15:05 - 15:30

The Future of People Strategy in Building Capability, Influence and Impact

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Organisational Culture & HR Leadership

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

Leading with Confidence in an AI‑Driven World

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Case Study: The Ecosystem of Culture - Why Culture Only Shifts When HR Operates as One System

10:50 - 11:15

The Summer Berry Company: Good Work in Practice: Award‑Winning Tech for Engagement

11:15 - 11:40

Keeping Culture Coherent in a Distributed Organisation

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

From Great to Extraordinary: In Conversation with Anuj Bhardwaj, Head of Extraordinary Place to Work at Heathrow

13:00 - 13:25

From Processes to Priorities – Evolving People Ops into Strategic Workforce Leadership

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

From Enforcer to Partner: How Welsh Ambulance Reimagined People Leadership

14:40 - 15:05

The Changing Identity of HR, People Leadership and Culture

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

Beyond Apps and Helplines: How Technology Will Redefine Workplace Wellbeing

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

giffgaff Case Study: The Disruption Pivot: Evolving DEI Beyond Survival Mode

10:50 - 11:15

LexisNexis Case Study: Embedding Mental Health Tools into Everyday Work

11:15 - 11:40

Building Cultures People Can Trust: Psychological Safety, Equity and Inclusion in Practice

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

Bupa Dental Care UK Case Study: Building Confidence With Complex Wellbeing Conversations

13:00 - 13:25

How the NHS Is Improving the Wellbeing of 1.5 Million Staff: In Conversation with Adam Turner, National Head of Health, Wellbeing and Flexible Working at the NHS

13:25 - 13:50

What Comes After Perks? How Leaders Are Redesigning Employer Wellbeing

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

Jaguar Land Rover Case Study: Inclusion for All: Embedding Belonging Into the Everyday Employee Experience

14:40 - 15:05

Making the Case - Proving the Social Impact of Wellbeing and Inclusion

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Reward, Recognition & Future Benefits

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

Tech, Data and the Human Touch: The Future of Reward, Recognition and Benefits

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

Bringing Our Global Benefits Strategy to Life: In Conversation With: Jonathan Clarey, Global Benefits Leader & Fabio Mazetti, Global Benefits Sr Manager, Health & Wellbeing at Philip Morris International

10:50 - 11:15

One Size Doesn't Fit All - Why Personalisation is Key In Reward & Future Benefits

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

Gatwick Airport Case Study: Redefining the Reward and Value Exchange at Gatwick: From Legacy Packages to a Modern Deal

13:00 - 13:25

From 'Nice-to-Have' to 'Must-Have': Redefining the Reward and Value Exchange at Work

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

From Firefighting to Future‑Proofing – The Trends Leaders Can’t Ignore

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Internal Communications & Employee Voice

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

Keeping the Human Voice in an Automated World

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

BBC Case Study: Learning to Listen: What the Radio Revolution of the 1920s Can Teach Us About Being Better Listeners Today

10:50 - 11:15

From Feedback to Force: How Employee Voice Is Rewiring Engagement

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

BDO UK Case Study: If People Don’t Trust the Comms, They Won’t Trust the Change

13:00 - 13:25

Trust, Transparency & Communication in the Next Era of Work

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

Marie Curie UK Case Study: From Post Room to Strategic Partner: Re‑skilling Internal Comms

14:40 - 15:05

Inside the IC Role of 2030: What Will the Job Description Will Demand?

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Communication & The Connected Workplace

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagement

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

The New Comms Toolkit: Working Smarter with AI and Automation

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

Skyscanner Case Study: Turning Strategy Into Shared Momentum

10:50 - 11:15

Supercharging Employee Experience Through Internal Communication

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

Virgin Case Study: From Icon to Iconic Again: How Virgin Uses Internal Comms to Power Culture & a Brand Comeback

13:00 - 13:25

Why Internal Communications is at the Heart of Workplace Culture

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

Getting Senior Leadership Communication Right: In Conversation with Sian Jones, Head of Communications Strategy and Content at Bank of England

14:40 - 15:05

Beyond Channels: The Role of Internal Communications in Redefining Connection at Work

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

Talent, Skills & Workforce Evolution

Welcome to the Future of Employee Engagementy

08:55 - 09:00

The Future of Work Isn’t Coming - It’s Here

09:00 - 09:25

Talent Management, Rewired: Skills, Signals and Smarter Moves

09:50 - 10:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

10:20 - 10:50

National Grid Case Study: Building an Employer Brand That Attracts, Includes and Advocates

10:50 - 11:15

Beyond Logos and Taglines: Turning Employer Brand into Advocacy

11:40 - 12:10

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

12:10 - 13:00

British Heart Foundation Case Study: From Insight to Action: Building Future Workforce Capability

13:00 - 13:25

A "Can-Do" Confident Mindset: Equipping Talent to Perform

13:50 - 14:20

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

14:20 - 14:40

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Case Study: Reinventing Talent at Scale: CCEP’s People First Digital Talent Transformation

14:40 - 15:05

Why People Stay: Rethinking Talent, Work and Commitment

15:30 - 16:00

That's a Wrap!

16:00 - 16:05

How do I register for the conference?

Registration to attend the conference is free for senior individuals working in employee engagement. Free tickets provide access to the entire event.

If you want access the on-demand content after the event has taken place, there is a Premium Ticket type which means you'll receive the on-demand talks direct to your inbox.

For those who are suppliers within the industry, you can purchase a supplier ticket.

Registration links for all ticket types can be found above this box.

What should I wear to the conference?

The dress code to all of our events is smart casual. If you're presenting, we recommend wearing more formal attire.

What should I bring to the conference?

Bring your registration confirmation email (printed or on your smartphone), a notebook, and pen. Don't forget any necessary chargers or adapters.

We also recommend downloading the Engage Business Media Event App before you arrive at the conference. You can do this by searching 'Engage Business Media' in your App Store.

The App goes live three weeks before the event start date and you'll receive notification to log in via email.

What time does the conference open/close?

Registration opens at 8:15am and we recommend arriving early if you want to guarantee a seat in our Opening Keynotes.

We have several coffee and networking breaks throughout the day as well as a dedicated lunch break.

The Summit agenda concludes at 5:40pm, but please do join us at the Night Summit for live music and a well-deserved drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available).

Are meals provided during the conference?

There are a number of Gourmet Street Food catering vans providing a range of food. There are also Barista Coffee stands around the venue. There is a bar open from lunch, and an evening Networking Drinks party providing an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.

How do I view the agenda?

The full agenda is available to view at the top of this page! You can search and filter by stage and topic to see the sessions most relevant to you.

You can also view the agenda on our Event App which goes live three weeks prior to the Summit. Once the app is live, you'll be invited via email to download the Engage Business Media App in your App Store.

On the Event Day, the agenda is available to view on the Event App only. With the Event App, you can personalise your schedule and receive reminders when your chosen sessions are due to start.

We aim to be as sustainable as possible, so printed copies of the agenda are not available on the day.

How can I network effectively at the conference?

Three weeks prior to the event date, you will be invited into the Engage Business Media Event App where you can schedule meetings. The app is your central hub for scheduling meetings, personalising your agenda, navigating the event, and staying connected with attendees.

In the lead up to the event you can also join our Event Attendees LinkedIn Group. Full details on how to join will be shared on your registration confirmation email.

Can I choose which sessions to attend?

Yes, the Summit offers multiple topic stages and tracks.

You can view the full agenda on our website. Three weeks from the event date you'll also be invited to use the Engage Business Media App. Here you can view the agenda in advance and plan which sessions you'd like to attend.

Some popular sessions may have limited capacity, so we recommend arriving early.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

If you aren't able to make it all we ask is that you let us know.

We do allow you to transfer your registration to a colleague, but they do need to fill in the registration form if this is the case.

Single Ticket

All-Access Pass for Senior Employee

Engagement/HR Professionals
6 Topic Stages + Main Stage
Event Networking App
Interactive Interviews
Interactive Panel Debates
Pre-Arranged One-to-One Meetings
Focus Group Roundtable Sessions
Networking Drinks Party - Night Summit
All Registrations Subject to Approval
Not available for Suppliers/Vendors

SUPPLIER TICKET

For Suppliers
Networking and Commercial Opportunities
Interviews
Panel Debates
Networking Opportunities
Access to Night Summit
Registrations are subject to approval

Agenda

packed with insights from over 250 expert speakers across six specialised topic stages and a main stage, featuring cutting-edge case studies and discussions on the latest trends.

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3000+ ATTENDEES

250+ PRESENTERS

6 TOPIC STAGES

MAIN STAGE

Filter

Date

Stage

Topic

Session Format

Dates:

Wednesday 20 May 2026

08:55 - 09:00

Main Stage

Welcome to 2026 Engage Employee Summit

Introduction

Speaker:

09:00 - 09:25

Main Stage

The Talent Agenda and the Trust Imperative: Why the Workplace Matters More Than Ever

Opening Keynote

Speaker:

09:50 - 10:20

Main Stage

Building a Workforce Ready for What’s Next

Panel Discussion

Speakers:

10:20 - 11:00

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

11:00 - 11:25

Main Stage

Scaling AI Capability Across 67,000 Colleagues: In Conversation with Stuart Martin, Human Resources Director: Business & Commercial Banking, Lloyds Banking Group

Interview

Speaker:

11:50 - 12:20

Main Stage

Beyond the Town Hall – Building Real Connection Across Dispersed Workforces

Panel Discussion

Speakers:

12:20 - 12:40

Main Stage

The HR Reality Check – What’s Really Keeping Leaders Awake at Night?

Q&A

Speaker:

12:40 - 14:00

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

14:00 - 14:25

Main Stage

Beyond Policy: How Culture Really Shows up for Women: In Conversation with: Carly Stanley, Chief People Officer at JCDecaux

Interview

Speaker:

14:50 - 15:20

Main Stage

Performance Without Burnout: Building Sustainable, Human-Centred Leadership

Panel Discussion

Speakers:

15:20- 15:45

Main Stage

Leading with Purpose: Culture, Inclusion and the Role of Modern Leadership: In Conversation with: Joyce Idoniboye, Chief People Officer, Oxfam

Interview

Speaker:

15:45 - 16:05

Main Stage

Networking Break: Dedicated Time for 1:1 Discussions

Break

16:05 - 16:30

Main Stage

KFC UK & Ireland Case Study: Making Employer Brand Real: How KFC Built an EVP Framework Teams Actually Feel

Case Study

Speaker:

16:30 - 16:55

Main Stage

Clarity Environmental Case Study: Inside an Award-Winning Culture: How Clarity Environmental Became a Great Place to Work

Case Study