Last week saw the return of the successful HR Conference, where over 80 HR representatives gathered at Six Ways Stadium for an update on the latest hot topics within the industry.
The Conference was held in partnership between Hewett Recruitment and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber delivers a number of conferences per year with each conference providing thought-provoking speakers on a range of topics.
In a time where employers are required to keep up with all the latest legal updates, Sally Morris, Partner and Head of Employment Law at mfg Solicitors gave an insight to attendees into post-pandemic updates on legal issues.
Gill Slater, Head of Organisational and Learning Development at the University of Worcester then delivered a topical seminar on the subject of equality, diversity and inclusion.
As a shining example of how to grow a business, Paul Barratt, Managing Director at Karndean Flooring gave an insight into the things organisations should consider when growing their businesses such as navigating the issue of rising costs, labour shortages, supply chain delays and increased demand.
Finally, as businesses continue to face a skills shortage in the labour market, attendees had the chance to hear from Kathy Campbell, HR Manager at Schaeffler (UK) Limited who discussed how to navigate retention in a moving market.
The attendees also had a chance to partake in some networking with fellow HR professionals as well as be part of the exclusive Salary & Benefits Report 2021-22 launch. The Report gives and insight into how businesses from across the two counties are recruiting and retaining staff as well as what they are currently offering in terms of their salary and other benefits such as flexible working. The Report gives businesses a fantastic opportunity to gain an idea of what their competitors are offering and how they can improve their staff policies to better position their own organisation.
On the return of the HR Conference, Laura Hewett, Owner and Director at Hewett Recruitment, said: “Hewett Recruitment have partnered with The HW Chamber to deliver the HR Conference for many years. In 2020 the Conference went ahead via Zoom, so it was great this year to have this many people back in a room together, giving the opportunity for HR professionals to have in-depth discussions with their peers about what is important to them right now.”
Attendees were appreciative of the insightful speakers as well as the opportunity engage with fellow HR professionals.
Penelope Anstey, HR Manager at RGS Worcester, said: “Super day, nice flow, left feeling inspired, thanks to all those organising and to the speakers, great to meet key people and catch up with those I’ve not seen in a long while.”
Rebecca Dunlea, HR Business Partner at Kimal, also commented: “Great day at the HR Professionals Conference today, catching up with friends from the world of HR, thinking about engagement, retention and EDI, and even watching a little bit of bonus rugby.”
The next major date in the calendar for HR representatives is the Chambers HR Forum, an in-person event designed to allow you to share best practice and seek advice and support from peers in an open and supportive environment. Attendance at this event can be used to count towards your CIPD CPD portfolio. For more information and to book, please visit hwchamber.co.uk/product/hr-forum-in-association-with-hewett-recruitment or contact the Events team at Events@hwchamber.co.uk.
The aforementioned Salary & Benefits Report is available to download for free, business can access the report by visiting hwchamber.co.uk/salary-benefits-report-2021-22.