Upcoming Event

Future of Work Conference

The conference will reimagine the workforce and workplace of the future through a variety of case study content from those doing it best. Blending the importance of technology alongside workplace communication, collaboration, and culture, we’ll be looking at how to unleash the energy and endless possibility of employees regardless of their physical location.

In-Person Conference
The Brewery, London
Wednesday 11th October 2023

unleashing the potential of the workforce

It’s official - the future of work is here.

Technology and recent times has had a profound impact on our working environment, accelerated by the increase in connectivity tools, demand for flexibility and also our expectations of what work has to offer. Against a backdrop of rapid technology-driven change in the workplace, the culture of an organisation and the way it interacts with its people and its customers is more important now than ever before. The traditional workplace is fragmenting as technology savvy millennials and digital natives will soon make up the majority of the workforce.

Key facts

ONE-DAY EVENT

30 Exclusive Presentations

ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS

CASE STUDY PRESENTATIONS

500+ ATTENDEES

1-2-1 MEETINGS

WHAT TO EXPECT

Future of Customer Contact Conference 2023-019

The Future of Employee Engagement

With the advancements in technology, the modern workplace has undergone a significant transformation in the past three years. This stream looks at how organisations need to ensure that people thrive regardless of their physical location, and how it is imperative to provide a future-proof work environment that offers enriching experiences.

The Digital Workplace

Work is changing faster than ever and digital technologies have allowed organisations to reimagine the workplace and offer a virtual version of a physical office through cloud-based systems and digital applications. This stream will look at how organisations can migrate to a digital workplace and how this can help improve flexibility and productivity, reduce operational costs and improve employee wellbeing.

Collaboration and Value Creation

It's key that these elements are upheld as workplaces become more fragmented than ever before. According to a survey by McKinsey & Company, organisations that foster a culture of collaboration tend to be more innovative, efficient and have higher employee engagement levels compared to those that don't. Join this stream to discover how to create a high-performing team with collaboration at the heart.

The Evolution of New Workplace Technologies

Technology is only one component of the employee experience, but savvy deployment of technology makes a difference, especially in a modern workplace. This stream promises tools, tips and strategies for implementing technology into your future of work strategy.

Designing Modern Employee Experiences

Are the experiences you're providing your workforce truly driving value? Join this stream to learn how leading organisations are designing modern employee experiences that drive productivity, engagement and employee performance.

Internal Communications

More so now than ever before, effective internal communications strategies play a pivotal role in fostering a productive and engaged workforce. This translates into a more positive work environment, where employees are motivated to perform at their best and contribute to the success of the company. This stream will demonstrate what it takes to implement a winning communications strategy that meets the needs of the modern employee.

Remote and Hybrid Working

Remote and hybrid working are becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern workplace. Both options offer a range of benefits, including increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and reduced commuting time and costs. However, it also comes with their own unique challenges, such as the need for strong communication and collaboration skills, and the potential for isolation and disconnection from the team. As the trend towards remote and hybrid working continues to grow, this stream will demonstrate how to develop your strategies to ensure success.

Improving the Employee Journey

Employee satisfaction and engagement are crucial to the success of any business, and reimagining the employee journey in a modern workplace is a key factor in achieving this. Join this stream to learn how to create a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration that fosters loyalty and productivity.

The New Employee Experience

A modern employee experience encompasses a range of factors, including a positive work culture, flexible work arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and a sense of purpose and meaning in one's work. It is not just about providing a paycheck and benefits, but rather creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Join this stream to learn how a modern employee experience is about creating a workplace that is not only productive and successful, but also fulfilling and enjoyable for every member of the team.

Succeeding in the Era of the Intelligent Workplace

The era of the intelligent workplace is upon us, and those who can harness its power will succeed. The intelligent workplace revolves around the integration of technology, data, and people to create a seamless and efficient work environment. This stream will provide you with the right tools and techniques to thrive in the era of the intelligent workplace and achieve unprecedented success.

Creating a Unified Workplace Culture

Creating a unified workplace culture not only boosts employee engagement but also fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration among team members. When employees feel a strong connection to the company's values, mission, and goals, they are more motivated to contribute their best efforts and actively participate in the growth and success of the organisation. This creates a positive work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated for their unique contributions. Join this stream to discover how, by cultivating a unified workplace culture, you can ultimately drive productivity and innovation to new heights.

Workplace & Workforce Transformation

We'll be looking at how to reimagine traditional practices and strategies to create an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth. Join this stream if you're ready to embrace change and build a future-ready strategy that propels your organisation towards success.

Riffat Ahmed

Bupa Head of People Technology & Digital

A senior leader with deep expertise in project and change management and transformation programmes in financially regulated environments. An Agile practitioner, with an uncompromising passion for digitisation and employee experience. An advocate of consistent employee experiences through deliberate and intentionally digital experience layer aimed at delighting employees. Has won multiple awards internally and externally acknowledging progress in employee experience theory and practice in a newly defined domain. Currently responsible for end-to-end delivery of People technology and business services from ideation to delivery and support. Leading a function compromising of continuous improvement, programmes and projects, security and support, digital learning, digital experience, and people analytics teams - built into an integrated model for optimum delivery using DevOps. All aimed at delivering a people technology strategy of align, harmonise, and maximise.

Yvonne Boateng

Amazon Global Engagement Programme Manager

I create the strategy and drive internal marketing and communication campaigns to:

Empower employees to become influential voices for the brand
Keep them informed and engaged on programs through different channels
Help them feel supported and continuously learning to drive adoption and retention.

My mission is to transform:

The way employees use social media to build their internal and external reputation
Adoption of social selling techniques
Internal communications so employees consistently engage and are driven to action.

My expertise includes:

Managing communication platforms and employee advocacy specific platforms
Measuring and reporting on the impact and outcomes of programs
Creative and innovative ways (with or without budget) to excite the workforce
Continuously asking for feedback on how I or my programs can improve or innovate further

Suzy Jearum

Coca-Cola European Partners Digital Employee Experience & Process Design Lead

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is one of the world’s leading consumer good companies with 33,000 employees making, moving and selling some of the world’s best loved brands in 29 countries. Suzy leads the Digital EX Team in the People & Culture Function where the team deliver a superior digital employee experience throughout the hire to retire employee journey focussing on the moments that matter. They use data from the Voice of the Employee to measure the experience and creating an ‘only Coke can do’ experience. They design and evolve simple digital solutions with a human touch to empower employees to work smarter. Understanding and improving the employee experience is critical for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. It will help them succeed in attracting and retaining skilled employees and drive a strong customer experience.

Prior to this Suzy led the Operational Excellence Team and gave back 1 million hours to employees by simplifying process and digital tools within People & Culture.

Mathew Dutton

Gumtree Director of People

Mathew Dutton is a HR Leader with over 10 years experience as a HR generalist in manufacturing, retail, ecommerce and technology sectors. Having started his career in the law, Mathew career transitioned into HR Management and then progressed his career to leadership through commercial business partnering. Mathew worked for Charlotte Tilbury Beauty for 5 years through a period of rapid global expansion and then in 2022 joined Gumtree.com and Motors.co.uk as Director of People overseeing Operations, Talent, Internal Communication, Engagement and Culture. Mathew is a strong believer in applying commercial thinking and understanding of the business operating model to provide pragmatic and informed HR solutions but also creating new waves of thought on HR practice and its value within growing businesses.

Jennifer Ashton

BT Group HR Director

A transformative, cross-functional, high-impact Executive HR Leader. During the last 10 years, Jennifer has provided Executive HR leadership expertise to the BBC, Amazon, Sainsbury's and Tesco, working in close partnership with C-suite stakeholders to drive change and deliver HR strategy in sync with organisational vision. Consistently successful in leading high-profile change projects within fast-moving, complex and large matrix organisations. Her most recent HR experience has included, directly reporting to, and supporting founder owned businesses, CEOs, and Start-up companies, to build HR infrastructure and drive international business growth, usually through fundraising, mergers & acquisition and achieving IPO. With expertise in Tech, SaaS, B2B, B2C, retail, and media sectors and a deep knowledge and experience of working with venture backed, private equity investment organisations headquartered in US and UK. Working as a truly cross functional HR leader at senior C-Suite level, strategy influencer, advisor, and coaching executive teams to develop and innovative business-minded solutions, whilst creating and leading best-in-class People and Culture function.

Alena Korcinova

Lipsy London Head of People & Culture

Alena is a dedicated and enthusiastic business psychologist and L&D professional, driven by her passion for empowering individuals to reach their potential by being their authentic selves. Throughout her career, Alena has collaborated with a diverse range of companies across different sectors, creating L&D strategies that foster agile, inclusive, and highly engaged cultures, fuelling exceptional performance.
In her current role as the Head of People Development & Culture at Lipsy, she focuses on creating environments where everyone can thrive. Alena's commitment to employee development, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion ensures that the company nurtures a supportive and empowering work culture. With a background in coaching and facilitation, she also provides leaders and managers with engaging stretch opportunities that maximise their impact on both people and the organisation.

Chris Lees

Liberty Global Senior Manager, Brand & Communications

Over the course of two decades, Chris has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for marketing, showcasing his prowess across various industries. A decade ago, he transitioned to the realm of internal communications, where he made significant contributions during his impressive 7-year tenure at Virgin Media, holding pivotal roles that left a lasting impact. Subsequently, he embarked on roles at Purplebricks and Cote, adding to his diverse skill set. This year, Chris has taken on a fresh challenge as he assumes a leadership role at Liberty Global, spearheading Brand and Communications, a testament to his continuous drive for growth and success.

Felicity Winkley

TotallyMoney People Director

Felicity is an experienced People Director with a genuine passion for navigating the growing pains in start-ups and scale-ups in order to create a warm, welcoming and high-performance culture. She has recently rejoined TotallyMoney, the credit app which helps everybody move their finances forward and one of the UK’s best places to work according to Best Companies. For the last two years she has worked at Papier, a fast-growing eCommerce stationery brand, where she established the People function and worked on the cultural initiatives required to support a growing multinational, having opened their New York office in February 2022. Felicity is also HR Trustee of London-based charity CareDogs, which seeks to solve social isolation amongst older people through canine companionship, and together with a Director from Fox Williams runs a bi-monthly employment law MeetUp: HR Roundabout. She was awarded Credit Strategy's Rising Star (Commercial Credit) at Women in Credit 2019.

Christian Masters

NewDay Head of Internal Communications

With a rich professional journey spanning over two decades, Christian has amassed extensive expertise in people engagement and communications across diverse industries. Commencing his career at The Royal Bank of Scotland, he honed his skills and went on to contribute his talents to renowned organizations such as Visa Europe, KPMG, and HSBC. For the past five years, Christian has held the esteemed position of Head of Internal Communications at NewDay, solidifying his role as a seasoned leader in the field.

Nick Soulsby

Cooper Parry Head of Internal Communications

Nick is an award winning and innovative senior communications leader, boasting 14+ years of experience and a track record of steering and executing impactful internal and external communication strategies within complex global organizations. Nick has worked across various industries for companies including IBM, Barclaycard, Experian, Jaguar Land Rover, and Dentsu Aegis Network with a particular focus on creating and deploying communications strategies for large scale change. He has a passion for always treating colleagues in the right way and has been responsible for orchestrating communication strategies for extensive transformation initiatives, at scale, including mergers, acquisitions, technology transformations, and organisational redesign.

Charlotte O'Reilly

British Red Cross Head of Internal Communications & Engagement

Charlotte, Head of Internal Communications and Engagement leads the British Red Cross Internal Communications Team, communicating with audiences on the frontline, based in hospitals, out on the road, in offices and at home doing everything from raising vital funds to being their when disaster strikes.

Her mission is to make the organisation a modern and inclusive place work through communications with a sprinkle of magic! Previously, Charlotte worked at Citizens Advice leading communications for large scale change, technology rollouts and established their staff engagement strategy.

She’s also a proud mum to a toddler, a recently moved back to the midlands and always keen for an outdoor swim.

Georgina Reeves-Saad

British Council Employee Engagement and Experience Lead

Georgina Reeves-Saad is an employee communications and experience specialist at the British Council. She has more than twenty years’ experience in a range of national and international organisations. Georgina helps leaders and stakeholders understand the links between productivity, engagement and effectiveness, and how this underpins the successful delivery of business strategy.
This includes using people data and evidence to make strategic business decisions; managing change successfully; transforming ways of working; supporting well-being and life/work harmony; and creating a vibrant and inspiring organisational culture. Georgina’s ambition is to make work work better for everyone!

Zoe Shaughnessy

Alzheimers Association Head of Internal Communications

For the last two decades, Zoe has been immersed in the world of internal communications across various industries, spanning telecommunications, transport, and banking. Her journey has led her to her current role as the leader of internal communications and engagement at the Alzheimer's Society. Zoe's profound expertise extends to psychology, with prestigious degrees from renowned universities in the field of occupational psychology.

Sam Bleazard

Fortnum & Mason Employee Communication and Engagement Lead

With a 25 year+ career in Communications, working in sectors as varied as Retail (for the John Lewis Partnership and Fortnum & Mason), FMCG (@ Unilever), Central Government (The Cabinet Office) and Media (at Dow Jones) - Sam Bleazard has a love of engagement and authentic human stories. Recent experience includes serving as Head of Internal Communication at global construction and infrastructure group Laing O’Rourke, where Sam was part of a team whose work helped to modernise the industry and transform their digital workplace, during a period critical to kick-starting the UK economy post-COVID. During the Covid-19 pandemic Sam also started two podcast shows - Comms from the Shed, talking to those with extraordinary personal and professional pandemic stories to share, and How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? a show for music lovers, exploring the extended cultural influence of artist Prince. He continues to enjoy a love of storytelling in all its forms.

Lizzie Parker

GSK Director, Global Internal Communications

Lizzie is part of the global internal engagement team at GSK, a healthcare company made up of over 100,000 people worldwide. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked on a diverse range of projects and teams across the business from channel to content management, from financial results to new sustainability targets, from a global transformation programme to building internal comms capabilities within our African business, from face-to-face events for over 1000 influencers to virtual cross-company broadcasts and everything in between. Never one to say no to a challenge or try new innovative technology to reach people in different ways, she’s passionate about driving change and how collaboration and brilliant data and insights can deliver dynamic, engaging and inclusive company-wide internal engagement that builds understanding, celebrates progress, inspires, excites and motivates everyone.

May Holloway

British Transport Police Head of Internal Communications

Multi award-winning and transformational Internal Communications leader who thrives under pressure, forms brilliant relationships and relishes a challenge - whether that’s cultural or transformational change, or taking an IC function from zero to hero. Disruptive when needed; champion of conversations and talking through the ‘big stuff’; human always.

In corporate speak that means I have experience in: C-suite stakeholder management, leadership communications, employee experience, creating and implementing communication strategy for purpose, organisation and values, reward and recognition, employee insight, evaluation and measurement, large scale change management. Drop me a message to find out more.

Ciprian Arhire

Entain Global Head of People Experience & HR Transformation

Ciprian has been working in HR and business operations for over 15 years driving organisational change and transformation across both the private and third sector.

Joshua Reynolds

Lloyd's Banking Group Adoption Lead, Future Workplace

Driving the adoption of our physical workspaces at Lloyds Banking Group, helping colleagues understand how to use the physical workplace as a tool in our new ways of working. Previously taken on roles across Retail and Cyber Security. More recently however, have been focussed on Colleague Experience and Future of Work before transitioning into the property space. Passionate about hybrid working, external engagement, empathetic leadership and of course workplace ‘vibe’! Outside of work, love spending time with my wife and 2 kids (number 3 on the way!) but that’s when I’m not playing or watching football of course.

Anisha Mistry-Jones

Which? Senior Internal Communications Manager

Hi! I’m Anisha, an award winning communications and employee engagement specalist. I’m incredibly passionate about supporting organisations with enhancing their digital employee experience and using effective internal communications to foster an inclusive culture. Over the last decade, I’ve been fortunate enough to worked across a range of sectors both public and private on a diverse range internal comms and engagement projects and initiatives.

Hayley Mann

Formula E People Director

Hayley serves as the People Director at Formula E, bringing a wealth of experience in human resources and people management to her role. With a career spanning seven years in HR and people departments, coupled with six years of prior expertise in recruitment, Hayley possesses a deep understanding of fostering vibrant workplace cultures. Her passion lies in comprehending the diverse needs and desires of individuals, making her a dedicated advocate for creating an inclusive and engaging environment at Formula E.

Eleanor Gooding

Boost Drinks People & Culture Director

Eleanor has been in the role of People & Culture Director at Boost drinks in Leeds since 2018. She has 20+ experience of managing people, 10 years of strategic consulting, and 7 years working in an HR best practice accolade. Not scared to roll her sleeves up and tackle the elephants in the room, Eleanor passionately believes in getting to the heart of the business, dealing with problems first and paving the way for people programmes to thrive. She is also a strong believer that you should be kind within business, even when dealing with the tough stuff.

David MacLeod OBE

Engage For Success Co-Chair

David is co founder of Engage for Success. He is a visiting Professor of the Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), An Honorary Professor of Nottingham Business School, a fellow of the RSA and a companion member of the CMI. David is co-author, with Nita Clarke, of the MacLeod Report, ‘Engage for Success’ described by the CMI as the definitive work on this subject. This follows an early career in marketing followed by becoming a divisional CEO of a global business. He has been an NED of three Government Departments and has worked for a year and a half in the Cabinet Office. David is an NED of the Institute of Customer Services. He was awarded an OBE for services to Employee Engagement and Business in 2013.

John Townsend

Unicef UK Head of Internal Communications

John is a dedicated communications professional with over 12 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, currently serving as the Head of Internal Communications at UNICEF UK, where he has been for the past six years. Recognized by the CIPR with the Clare Latham award for his outstanding contribution to internal communications and previously as part of the best in-house team at the NSPCC, John is driven by a deep passion for making a positive impact on children's lives through his creative and innovative communication work.

Rares Man

ABBYY Head of Internal Communications and Employer Branding

Rares Man is the Head of Internal Communications and Employer Branding at ABBYY. Rares brings a diverse background encompassing strategic communications, employer branding, employee engagement, marketing, brand strategy, and brand management. He has successfully led teams and delivered results as an employer-branding-focused marketer at a fast-growing FinTech unicorn, co-founder of a branding and creative agency, and national/global director of marketing and communications for a third-sector organization with a global presence.

Gwen Powell

Investors in People International Manager and Practitioner

Leadership and Management Development, Organisational and People Strategies, Managing and improving People's Performance, Training interventions, Use of coaching models, Facilitation, Engagement, Communications and Human Relationships. Specialties: Competencies, training design, leadership and Management development, Maintaining and attaining national industry standards, project management, assessment.

Lorna Russell

TLC Care Ltd COO

A COO and FCIPD Global HR Leader with 25 years experience in all areas of Human Resources specialising in Employee Relations, Organisational Development, Employee Engagement, Change Management and Learning and Development. Working as a true business partner, linking HR with business strategy and influencing from Board to employee level through my dedication and commitment to developing and sustaining a value based people focused culture. An accredited mediator and coach with experience in informal conflict resolution management.

Kat Cooke

SSC Head of Internal Communications & Employer Brand

With a journalism background and a passion for writing, married with a love of people and wanting to make a difference, internal comms is where I am truly at home. I’m a storyteller, a people-person, a campaigner and, well, an outgoing northerner! I'm a wordsmith who adores the English language, and am all about making sure that apostrophes are in the right places. With a degree from the department of journalism at City University London, often dubbed the ‘Oxbridge of journalism’, I have had a varied and comprehensive education in all areas of media. I led the way when it comes to internal communications within SCC; I set up a comms function from scratch, which has had a huge positive impact on the business. I led and managed one of SCC's largest marketing projects on deploying a new intranet platform. This involved steering a team, working with internal stakeholders, creating and designing the site, creating the core messaging and much more. This new platform has enabled new functionality and an interface that has increased the engagement between staff. I continue to revolutionise the way we communicate. I'm an ideas person, an innovator, and my drive is to make a positive difference.

Regina Craja

Flip Corporate Communications Expert

Regina is a corporate communications expert with over ten years of experience. In her previous roles, Regina consulted multinational corporations on their public affairs, media relations, change, and crisis communications strategies for the international communications consultancy Brunswick, as well as led the Founder's Communication at digital bank N26. Her passion for internal communications led her to Flip, the People Experience Platform for frontline workers, where she currently oversees the development of the Corporate Communications and Thought Leadership function. Regina holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the French Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP).

Lottie Bazley

Staffbase Senior Communications Consultant

Lottie discovered her passion for communication after studying English and Journalism. Her career in education led her to roles in communication and employee engagement. In her role at Staffbase as a Communications Consultant, Lottie works closely with clients to encourage them to make the most of their internal comms strategies; helping them gain a deep understanding as to where they are now, and where they can improve. Lottie also regularly works with HR and Communications publications to inspire businesses to 'do comms better', especially when it comes to inclusion, equity & diversity, and supporting a remote workforce.

Sebastian Hoff

Staffbase Principal Strategic Advisor

Sebastian Hoff has over 10 years of experience in digital sales, marketing and communications for B2B companies. In his last position, he was responsible for the digital transformation of communication and marketing for a global Fortune 500 company. He currently brings his experience to Staffbase as a Principal Strategic Advisor. He advises Staffbase internally as well as companies on their digital workplace strategy.

Alex Alvarez

Culture Amp Lead People Strategist, EMEA

Alex is a Lead People Scientist at Culture Amp. As a member of the People Science team, Alex partners with customers in collecting, understanding, and acting on employee feedback through best practices and applied organisational psychology. He primarily supports customers in the EMEA region with a strong focus on the UK market.

Prior to joining Culture Amp, Alex worked for several years consulting with a wide range of clients across multiple industries on employee engagement and employee experience related topics.

He received his MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology from the London School of Economics.

Alex is an experienced presenter on issues of Engagement, Employee Experience, Trust in Senior Leaders and Behavioural Change

Richard Burton

Forty1 Global Managing Partner

Richard believes today’s best businesses are all built the same way, from the inside out. With more than 20 years of in-house experience in brand, marketing and communications gained across sectors including healthcare, technology and professional services, he has seen how the power of creativity can shape cultures, drive engagement and foster advocacy. As founder and Managing Partner of Forty1, Richard leads a talented team of more than 50 people across Europe and North America with deep expertise in internal communications, employee listening, DEI, employer brands and change. As a hands-on consultant, he partners with senior executives from Forty1’s multinational clients to help design and deliver pioneering solutions that allow them to attract, retain and inspire the workforce their business needs.

Jessica Holt

Forty1 Senior Behavioural Science Consultant

Jess brings over six years’ experience in management consulting, with experience applying behavioural science methods to drive organisational change and transformation for a range of FTSE 100 companies. Her background is in cognitive psychology, having studied the mechanisms of human visual memory and attention using experimental methods for her PhD. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Acta Psychologica, Experimental Psychology and Cognition, and presented at academic conferences.

Laura Hunt

Forty 1 Senior Engagement Consultant and Wellbeing Lead

Laura has worked in engagement and communications for over 18 years and works with clients across pharmaceutical, professional services, travel and automotive industries with a focus on strategy development, employee listening, employee value propositions and engagement campaigns.
She’s passionate about wellbeing in the workplace, and as Forty1’s Wellbeing Lead is responsible for the development and implementation of the Inizio Engage wellbeing strategy, and helping clients engage their people and support them to develop activations and initiatives that meet their diverse needs. She works closely with the DEI Centre of Excellence to ensure that wellbeing is inclusive and accessible, is incorporated through the moments that matter across the employee experience.

Rani Khalon

Forty 1 Engagement Consultant & DEI Centre of Excellence Lead

Rani’s background in DEI stems from her working in the tech sector. She became acutely aware that by solving issues around representation, cultural intelligence and inclusive product design, she could create an even more profitable business and equitable outcomes for marginalised communities. Since then, she transitioned into being a full-time DEI consultant and transformed various organisations in different sectors across the globe. Rani specialises in anti-racism, creating and bringing to life global DEI strategies, embedding DEI into the core of events, services and products.

Hafsa Aziz

SMRS Culture Consultant

Hafsa is driven by her motivation to empower people beyond their hierarchies. She is a Culture Consultant at SMRS helping organisations and people who make up those organisation build their awareness of themselves and their environment to own what they do and feel a sense of achievement with it.
Prior to joining SMRS, Hafsa has worked as a Senior Consultant in culture, strategy, people, and capability development for several local and global organisations in Pakistan. Her experience ranges from leading consulting projects to facilitating engagements with people and leaders. Having worked with a boutique consulting firm and in an emerging organisation landscape of Pakistan, Hafsa believes in the power of harnessing possibilities and creating opportunities by broadening horizons.

Matt Burney

Indeed Senior Strategic Advisor

With over two decades of experience in the Talent space, Matt is a recognized expert in attraction, planning, and retention strategies, having worked with some of the world's largest companies and brands. Over the last seven years, their focus has shifted towards unraveling the impact of AI, data, economics, and analytics in recruiting, earning them recognition as a subject matter expert. Matt's mission centers on transforming complex data into Meaningful, Interpretable, and Actionable insights, facilitating effective communication across all levels of organizations through data storytelling.

A firm advocate for the transformative potential of recruitment and resourcing, Matt believes these practices can make or break a business. They have shared their insights at renowned industry events, including Recfest, Futureworks, World Employer Branding Day, and many others, and their expertise has been featured in both niche and mainstream media platforms.

Chris Ronald

Blackhawk Network VP B2B EMEA

A mere 5 years in the industry but proud to lead the Blackhawk Network EMEA team for B2B Incentives Rewards and Benefits. Passionate about Branded Payments that turn transactions into experiences. Empowering brands to connect & build loyalty with their customers & employees using gift cards, codes and prepaid products.

Chris is accountable for accelerating and enabling growth by creating high-performance teams and functions that work to scale the business. After holding leadership roles across both public and private companies for national and global brands, Chris has a wealth of experience when it comes to general management, sales & marketing, client success & service and operations. As a result, Chris is able to achieve strategic transformation and drive profitable B2B growth strategies for Blackhawk Network and its customers.

Henry Davies

106 Communications Founder

Henry Davies is the Founder of 106 Communications, an agency with a purpose to help ambitious bands transform engagement. He started his working life as a journalist, writing sports stories for The Daily Express, tried out as an English Teacher (“could do better”), before becoming a Copywriter, and going on to become a Creative Director and Comms Consultant at various agencies. He works with a wide range of organisations on their brand and comms strategies, helping leadership and comms teams to communicate effectively and effect change, build engagement and grow reputation.

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success Strategy Director

Jo has been a volunteer with the Engage for Success movement since its launch. As Strategy Director she sits on the Core Team and co-hosts the weekly Engage for Success radio show. EFS radio draws guests from across the engagement world with interesting stories to share. The Engage for Success agenda is absolutely aligned with Jo’s vision ‘to make workplaces better places to be’. Jo’s ‘day job’ is MD and founder of Woodreed, a specialist ad agency who use the tools, techniques, creativity and insight of the advertising world to engage employees inside organisations. Jo is passionate about brands and their power to move people. She is equally passionate about employee engagement and its vital role in delivering a high performing organisation. Put the two together and she becomes almost evangelical about the power a well-positioned and consistently delivered brand has as a catalyst for employee engagement and business success.

Charlotte Dahl

Woodreed Creative Planning Director

Charlotte is a director at specialist advertising agency Woodreed. She's an accomplished speaker, writer and facilitator, with a unique view on employee engagement and internal communications, having spent equal parts of her career in consumer, then employee communications. Having worked for clients spanning every industry sector, including Marks & Spencer, The National Lottery, Volkswagen Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Guinness World Records and the NHS, she brings the rigour of consumer marketing into internal communications. She is passionate about raising the profile, standards and effectiveness of internal communication, believing employees AND customers deserve the same reverence, effort and creativity in communication. Appearing on stages at home and abroad, she's talked for senior leadership summits and in-house teams as well as for the CIPD, Institute of Internal Communications, Engage for Success and at ABTA's travel convention in Malta. She's a regular chair for Engage Business Media's events and delivers training for the IoIC.

Cathy Brown

Handley Studios Ltd. Co-Founder

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.

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.

Dave D'Arcy

Laughing Leadership Founder & Managing Director

With over 35 years in Customer Experience environments and 20 plus years in Senior Leadership, there are few people better placed than Dave D’Arcy to shape thought leadership. Having spent the last 7 years leading customer operations for two world leading SaaS businesses, Dave recently took the step to Launch his own business Laughing Leadership. This is a CX and Leadership consultancy with a difference. Focused on how employee engagement first can drive highest levels of customer experience.
Additionally, Dave is a globally award recognised CX leader and a current member of the CXFO Power 100.
He has extensive experience in public speaking and hosting and is normally on standby with a humorous tale, there a reason why his business is Laughing Leadership

Nicholas Brice

Soul Corporations CEO

Nicholas Brice is our Guest Editor and CEO of Soul Corporations®. He is seasoned managing consultant, speaker coach and masterclass facilitator. He has helped deliver human-centred development and culture change programmes to achieve customer and employee experience KPI outcomes for major brands including British Airways, American Express, Unipart, Toyota, Wickes, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Progress IT, Servier Pharmaceuticals. He is a triple winner of National Training Journal Gold Awards, a winner of Engage Media Award for Best Customer and Employee Engagement Programme and four times finalist.

9.00 - 9.10 Opening Remarks

Our Main Stage Morning Host Jo Moffatt sets the scene for the day looking at reimagining the future of the workplace and workforce.

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Engage for Success
Strategy Director

9.10 - 9.30 Opening Keynote: The Key Forces Shaping the Future of Work

David will outline the key forces shaping the nature of work - the external pressures increasingly bearing down on organisations and changing employee expectations of work. He will outline the four key enablers of high levels of employee engagement which will help organisations to cope with, and indeed capitalise on, these forces. Success in the future will require organisations to give much greater priority to employee engagement and people issues. Organisations will need to integrate far more closely their ‘hard’ impersonal strategic priorities with their people plan.

Speakers:

David MacLeod OBE

Engage For Success
Co-Chair

9.30 - 9.50 It Can Do What?! Debunking AI and ChatGPT for Employee Communications

2022 brought the advent of ChatGPT along the backdrop of AI and machine learning disrupting business processes and society at large. With words like “automation” and “intelligence” on the rise, many are wondering whether this is the end of authentic storytelling, or a new dawn for communications? In this session, Sebastian takes a hard look at what these technologies mean for communications and sorts out the hype from real innovation.

Speaker:

Sebastian Hoff

Staffbase
Principal Strategic Advisor

9.50 - 10.10 Bupa Opening Keynote: The Employee Experience Design for a Digital Workplace

Hear how Bupa:

Developed a vision for the future digital experience and identified opportunities to improve.
Aimed to create a simple, user-friendly, and productive digital environment that supports day-to-day productivity, communication, and well-being.
Gained alignment on the desired digital experience that will enable a more engaged, productive, and effective workforce.
Identified the digital experience moments that matter across the organisation.
Have an end goal to create an integrated digital colleague experience in the flow of work, leveraging the moments that matter.

Speaker:

Riffat Ahmed

Bupa
Head of People Technology & Digital

10.30 - 11.00 Coffee Break

Head to the Expo Hall to meet our sponsors, network with industry peers and enjoy a coffee with a delicious snack prepared by ex-Nobu chef Tom Gore.

11.00 - 11.20 Cultivating Success: How a Vibrant Culture Drives Your Best Work

In this captivating presentation from Gwen Powell, International Manager and Practitioner at Investors in People, we delve into the heart of organisational success – a vibrant culture. Gwen will explore how the culture within a workplace serves as the driving force behind individuals and teams achieving their absolute best. Get ready to discover the transformative power of a vibrant culture!

Gwen will be joined by Lorna Russell, COO of TLC Care Ltd, an Investors in People Platinum organisation. Lorna will share practical examples from within TLC Care on how culture played a pivotal part in achieving the highest level of Investors in People accreditation.

This talk promises to be an inspiring exploration of the pivotal role that a vibrant culture plays in achieving our utmost potential. Attendees will walk away with practical insights and actionable strategies to cultivate a culture that drives peak performance and fuels personal and organisational success. Join us in unlocking the incredible potential of vibrant cultures!

Speakers:

Gwen Powell

Investors in People
International Manager and Practitioner

Lorna Russell

TLC Care Ltd
COO

11:20-11:40 Fireside Chat with Sam Bleazard, Employee Engagement Lead at Fortnum & Mason

An exclusive interview where Sam Bleazard, Employee Engagement Lead at Fortnum & Mason will share how they're defining the future of employee engagement.

Speaker:

Sam Bleazard

Fortnum & Mason
Employee Communication and Engagement Lead

11.40 - 12.00 Artificial intelligence and wellbeing: Where technology meets

Artificial intelligence and wellbeing: Where technology meets peopleThe integration of AI in our work lives is an irreversible trend, promising vast improvements but also posing new challenges. From streamlining operational tasks to fostering employee wellbeing, the potential benefits are immense. This session aims to shed light on the multifaceted relationship between AI, workplace culture, employee wellbeing and productivity.

Speaker:

Matt Burney

Indeed
Senior Strategic Advisor

12.00 - 12.20 Panel Discussion: Engagement and Culture in a Digital World

In today's workplace, fostering engagement and cultivating a thriving organisational culture has become more crucial than ever. At the heart of engagement lies the power to build strong relationships that drive productivity, collaboration, and innovation. Those at the forefront of success are harnessing the potential of technology whilst also recognising the importance of nurturing organisational culture in the digital world.

Our panellists will be looking at how, by fostering a positive work environment, promoting open communication, and celebrating diversity, organisations can create a strong sense of shared purpose and values, despite of physical location.

Speakers:

Suzy Jearum

Coca-Cola European Partners
Digital Employee Experience & Process Design Lead

Upcoming Event

Future of Work Conference

unleashing the potential of the workforce

Key facts

ONE-DAY EVENT

30 Exclusive Presentations

ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS

CASE STUDY PRESENTATIONS

500+ ATTENDEES

1-2-1 MEETINGS

WHAT TO EXPECT

TOPIC STREAMS

Riffat Ahmed

Yvonne Boateng

Suzy Jearum

Mathew Dutton

Jennifer Ashton

Alena Korcinova

Chris Lees

Felicity Winkley

Christian Masters

Nick Soulsby

Charlotte O'Reilly

Georgina Reeves-Saad

Zoe Shaughnessy

Sam Bleazard

Lizzie Parker

May Holloway

Ciprian Arhire

Joshua Reynolds

Anisha Mistry-Jones

Hayley Mann

Eleanor Gooding

David MacLeod OBE

John Townsend

Rares Man

Gwen Powell

Lorna Russell

Kat Cooke

Regina Craja

Lottie Bazley

Sebastian Hoff

Alex Alvarez

Richard Burton

Jessica Holt

Laura Hunt

Rani Khalon

Hafsa Aziz

Matt Burney

Chris Ronald

Henry Davies

Jo Moffatt

Charlotte Dahl

Cathy Brown

Jo Dodds

Dave D'Arcy

Nicholas Brice

Speaker:

Jo Moffatt

Speakers:

David MacLeod OBE

Speaker:

Sebastian Hoff

Speaker:

Riffat Ahmed

Speakers:

Gwen Powell

Lorna Russell

Speaker:

Sam Bleazard

Speaker:

Matt Burney

Speakers:

Suzy Jearum