🏵️ "It's a really nice break from the day job!"
02 October 2025
By Claire DunnIt's a really nice break from the day job and connecting with like-minded leaders in the HR industry the same as myself has been really refreshing.
Kenneth Ross, Chief People Officer, KCOM
Two weeks ago we swapped London for Leeds for our very first regional Workgroup HR event – and wow, the North did not disappoint.
Fresh faces, honest conversations, even a sound bath (yes, really) – our debut up here was as invigorating as a Yorkshire brew. ☕️
So, before I swap HR hats for baby cuddles and pass the baton to Shakira, here’s a wee highlights reel packed with energy, laughs and brilliant HR minds in action. I'm still blushing from what the HRDs/CPOs of Leeds had to say about us...
Massive thanks to Andrea Kilgour, Kenneth Ross, Lindsay Beresford, Maz Fosh and Kaushik Gopalan for letting us grab your thoughts in front of the camera!
When you’re working in HR, most of the conversations you have are pretty serious and heavy. Workgroup HR is a chance to talk more freely - with a nice touch of humour added in that makes us feel like we’re all in it together.
Andrea Kilgour, People Director, Domestic & General
Workgroup HR is such a refreshing space – real talk, great people, and a genuine sense of support. As an HR leader, it can feel isolating at times, so having a place to share, connect, and even focus on wellbeing (the sound bath was genius!) makes all the difference.
Karen Arch, Chief People Officer, BHP, Chartered Accountants
If any other CPOs are thinking 'should I come to these events' - I'd say definitely yes! It's really great to connect with your peer group about strategic issues, to have an understanding of what's going on in other sectors across the UK - really helpful.
Maz Fosh, Chief People Officer, InHealth
I absolutely loved Workgroup HR, from the panel discussions to the breakouts. The event was a meaningful way to connect with others operating in this space, and felt like you built real community, with authentic sharing, fresh perspectives and collaborative solving for our challenges.
Gemma Patterson, Head of Culture Innovation, Lloyds Banking Group
The format is brilliant – great conversations, nicely facilitated and I really liked the candidness in the room and the fact it is targeted just at CPOs/HRDs... I’d definitely be up for being involved again!
Lindsay Beresford, HR Director, Leeds Bradford Airport
Panels, workgroups, candid chats, strategic brain-swaps, a question-camera and colourful cocktails… Workgroup HR Leeds Autumn 2025 had it all!
The verdict? HR leaders in the North want more of this. (So do we!)
Thanks to everyone who joined us and made our first regional event such a hit, especially to my partners at Clarion, Elevation Recruitment Group and Parkinson Lee who made this event such a success. Not to mention my incredible workgroupers and panellists for diving in head first and creating the whole agenda.
It's official: Workgroup HR on tour has started… where should we pop up next? 👀
Funny you should ask! 'Cause we have a few dates at the ready for you to pencil in your diaries:
🚇 London – Thursday 4th December 2025
🐂 Birmingham – Tuesday 10th March 2026
🐝 Manchester – Thursday 30th April 2026
🚇 London – Thursday 4th June 2026
🏵️ Leeds – watch this space we will be back in Autumn 2026!
FOMO kicking in? Whether you’re an attendee, a partner, or just planning your future self… let’s chat!
