Workforce & Leadership

The Rise in Unemployment and the Risk of a “Broken Ladder” Emerging

It was recently reported that the UK unemployment rate rose to 5.2% going into 2026. This is the highest rate in 5 years. On its own, this number isn’t that worrying, but when looking at this through the lens of young people, there is a risk of a broken ladder emerging. This rise in unemployment has been gradual. Over recent quarters, job vacancies have fallen, wage growth has slowed and the number of people competing for each role has increased.

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Developing a More Diverse and Modern Construction Industry: The CITB Case Study

Construction is one of the most male-orientated industries in the UK. Only around 15% of the construction workforce are women. CITB expects 251,500 extra construction workers will be needed by 2028 to meet the expected levels of work, so a push to engage more women in the industry will lead to a more efficient and diverse workforce. Julia Stevens from the CITB recently attended our Women in Construction Conference. She called for a renewed effort to break down the barriers and drive inclusion in construction. This article explores her keynote, the challenges women often face and the changes companies can make to more effectively engage and retain women.

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Mind in Motion: How Movement Transforms Mental Health at Work

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, conversations around mental health are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity. At the forefront of this movement is Matt Balfour, a wellbeing content creator, public speaker, Samaritan volunteer, and the founder of Let’s Go Wellbeing. His mission is simple yet profound: to help organisations build healthier, more engaged workforces […]

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Complete Change Management Guide for HR Managers

Change is inevitable in any organisation's lifecycle; 70% of UK organisations have experienced significant change in the past two years (CIPD). With the fast-paced nature of today's business environment, organisations must adapt to survive and thrive. HR professionals play a critical role in managing this change effectively.

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5 Key Skills For Women to Kickstart their Career Progression

Rachel Holloway, the Chief Executive & Founder of Partners for Reform, shared her insights at the Women in Public Sector Leadership Conference. Rachel is an executive coach and educator specialising in management and leadership. She is skilled at inspiring enthusiasm for learning and development and passionate about helping emerging female leaders position themselves for seniority. Rachel […]

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Enhancing Workplace Inclusion: A Guide by AbilityNet

Lizzie Green, a digital inclusion consultant at AbilityNet, shared insights on building inclusive workplace practices at our Recruitment in the Workplace Conference 2024. Passionate about making assistive technology accessible to all, Lizzie has progressed through various roles within the organisation and now leads the development and delivery of workplace inclusion services.

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Enabling a Workplace Culture of True Disability Inclusion

Esi Hardy, Managing Director of Celebrating Disability, shared valuable insights on promoting disability inclusion in the workplace during a recent talk at our Diversity and Inclusion in Business Conference 2024. Hardy emphasised the importance of lived experience in leading and delivering services in her organisation.

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Developing a Technical Education System that Helps Fill Skill Gaps

20% of all apprenticeship starts are in technical fields highlights their critical role in sustaining and advancing the UK’s economic growth. We welcomed Sam Callear, Deputy Director of Policy at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, to our Apprenticeships Conference 2024, where he provided insights into the crucial work undertaken by this non-departmental public body.

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AI in Recruitment: Current Trends, Efficiency and Future Prospects

48% of UK recruitment agencies have adopted some form of AI technology. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of numerous industries, including recruitment. The recruitment process, historically reliant on human judgement and manual procedures, is experiencing a profound transformation due to AI advancements.

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Transforming Leadership in the NHS: Long-Term Workforce Plan

The NHS is undergoing a significant transformation in leadership and workforce development to ensure a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system for the future. We welcomed key figures Joe Smith, Senior Policy Advisor at NHS England, and Caroline Chipperfield, Director of Leadership Development and Delivery, at the NHS Leadership Academy, to our UK Healthcare Workforce Conference 2024.

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The Power of Staff Networks in HR

In a recent talk, Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, CEO at The Power of Staff Networks explored the significance and influence of staff networks within organisations at our Diversity and Inclusion in Business Conference 2024.

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Understanding Race at Work and Overcoming Barriers to Progression

Sandra Kerr CBE, an industry expert with over 20 years of experience at Business in the Community, recently discussed race and progression issues at our Diversity and Inclusion in Business Conference 2024. She highlighted the importance of sharing evidence and practical solutions to overcome these barriers.

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