It’s been a time like no other, and whilst we’re pleased that we’ve been able to retain our connections with you throughout the challenges of the past two and a half years, it’s definitely time for us to get back out and about.

One of CIPD Wales’ objectives is to “ensure our offer is tailored to member requirements irrespective of location, sector, size of organisation, specialism, stage of their career, level of membership”. Our branch and network events do most of those things, but we still fall short on the “location” element, so we’ve made one final change to our plans and we’re bringing a series of mini-conferences to you!

We hope to meet as many of you, much closer to your own base, as you (re)connect with your fellow practitioners, hear the latest CIPD thinking and discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting organisations in Wales – wellbeing in a hybrid world, tackling in-work poverty, and tapping into hidden skills and talent. Delegates in Mid, North and West Wales will also have the opportunity to attend a practical afternoon session on handling investigations, disciplinaries or tribunals.

08.30 – 09.30 : Registration/exhibition/networking

09:30 – 09.40 : Welcome address

09.40 – 10.30 : CIPD keynote: Workplace transformation in the new world of work.

How can the people's profession use its position to shape a fairer, more human-centric and inclusive, post-COVID working world? How can we respond to societal issues and restore opportunities and progression for everyone? The importance of compassion, values, fairness and wellbeing in leading business in the new era of work. What does this all mean for Wales?

10.30 – 11.15 : Overcoming burnout – how can we make wellbeing an everyday reality?

How can organisations best support the wellbeing of employees working outside of the office and in the short and long term? What measures do line managers and people professionals need to put in place to create healthy boundaries around technology? Key factors to consider when developing inclusive strategies which acknowledge and address the differing circumstances that employees face when working remotely.

11.15 – 11.45 : Coffee/exhibition/networking

11.45 – 12.15 : Tackling in-work poverty

Work can and should be a reliable route out of poverty. But 1 in 8 UK workers struggle to make ends meet – this is ‘in-work poverty’. Lots of factors contribute to in-work poverty – employers are not solely responsible for causing it or putting an end to it, but what could – and should – they consider doing to loosen its grip? Panellists discuss some of the ways that they have committed to making work a more reliable route out of poverty including: • Paying a fair and liveable wage • Supporting financial wellbeing • Supporting in-work progression

12.15 – 12.45 : Hidden in plain sight – update / call to action

12.45 – 13.00 : Close of morning session

13.00 – 14.30 : Lunch/exhibition/networking

13.45 – 14.15 : Membership/upgrading clinic

13.45 – 14.15 : Why should you enter the CIPD Wales Awards?

14.30 – 17.00 : Mock disciplinary hearing