The CIPD Scotland Annual Conference 2025 will bring together leading experts, HR professionals, and business leaders to discuss how to build a more productive and inclusive workforce in Scotland.
The event, taking place at the EICC in Edinburgh on 20 March 2025, will explore key themes such as digital skills, workplace resilience, and evolving employment practices.
The opening keynote will be delivered by former SAS soldier Colin MacLachlan, best known for his role in Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. He will share insights on developing a resilient mindset, improving teamwork, and fostering high-performance workplace cultures. Other keynote speakers include Nick Robinson, author of The 9 Types of Difficult People, and Scottish comedian Fern Brady, who will discuss her experience as an autistic professional and the importance of workplace authenticity.
HR leaders from top Scottish organisations—including the City of Edinburgh Council, DC Thomson, City Facilities Management, Registers of Scotland, Scottish Government, and NHS Lanarkshire—will also be part of the programme. They will lead workshops, interactive sessions, and discussions aimed at improving working practices and workforce development.
Key Themes: Skills, Workplace Conflict, Neurodiversity
The conference will feature sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing employers. One session will focus on upskilling workforces to address skills gaps and prepare for future demands. Another will explore strategies for managing workplace conflict and challenging behaviours to prevent toxic cultures from developing. There will also be a session on championing neurodiversity, examining how businesses can harness the strengths of neurodivergent employees to drive innovation and productivity.
Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, will deliver a keynote speech, highlighting the challenges employers face in areas such as recruitment, productivity, and technology. He stated:
“We are really looking forward to bringing together such a wide range of influential speakers and organisations to explore how we can build a better future world of work in Scotland. Employers are experiencing a myriad of challenges, around recruitment, skills, productivity and advances in technologies, as well as changes to employment regulation. This event provides a great opportunity for businesses to explore how they can adapt for such challenges and create thriving, future-fit workplaces that boost business outcomes and enable people to be their best at work.”
AI in Recruitment and Future-Focused Hiring Practices
One of the key sessions will focus on artificial intelligence in recruitment, led by talent analyst and author Mervyn Dinnen. He will discuss how businesses can integrate AI into hiring processes in a way that enhances candidate experience while ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Dinnen commented:
“I’m looking forward to showcasing how businesses can embrace AI in recruitment – and not fear it – with a human-centred approach that can enhance candidate journeys and deliver more efficient, fair and inclusive recruiting practices.”
The CIPD Scotland Annual Conference will provide an opportunity for businesses to explore practical solutions for workforce challenges, equipping employers with the tools needed to navigate the evolving world of work.
