🧡 “I love the informal environment and the chance to really be yourself”
15 May 2025
By Claire DunnSo do we, Sara Williams (HR Director, Starbucks)!
I believe you can tackle big topics and have a laugh doing it, which is what Workgroup is all about. Our latest HR event tackled leadership, strategy and tired old narratives - then turned to a day of CPOs murdering and accusing each other at the roundtable in a game of HR Traitors (yes, really!).
Turns out, HRDs, CPOs and Talent pros are soooooo ready to ditch their usual 'conference mode' for real talk, good vibes, and a bit of mischief. At Workgroup HR we proved serious conversations and serious fun can absolutely coexist.
Here’s what our brilliant attendees had to say – and no, I promise I didn’t bribe them (well, not much… Wallacespace does have an outrageous sweetie selection).
Massive thanks to James Hanlon, Bertie Tonks, Caroline Cording, Julie Mason, Jennifer Ashton, Sara Williams, and Stephanie Lunn for sharing what you thought of the day on camera!
"It's like a therapy session for people professionals – just fab!"
Louise McCree, HR Director, Dalkia EDF Group
It’s good for the HR soul we’ve heard.
“I just wish I'd found it sooner!”
Johanna Dickinson, Group HR Director, Intersnack
Us too, Johanna - but we’re making up for lost time!
“What’s next after HR Top Trumps and Traitors?”
Tejal Shah, Former Global Head of Talent, Kantar
Honestly? Even I’m excited and slightly scared to find out!
“Each time I come away with a new perspective – Claire and her partners walk the exquisite line between professionals and entertainers.”
Kat Jones, HR + H&S Director, Eden Springs
Sounds like HR meets Netflix meets TED Talks meets Stand Up – I’ll take that!
“I love it. I love coming here. I love speaking. I love attending.”
Bertie Tonks, Former Chief People Officer, Collinson
Honestly, we’re blushing!
“I have to murder someone today…”
Caroline Cording, Group People Director, Mamas and Papas
(For context: The Traitors game. No actual HR leaders were harmed in the production of this agenda!)
“You're not just being talked at all day.”
Julie Mason, People Director, Mitie
Amen. We’re all about talking with, not at.
“It’s not about preset questions – it’s about what you love and are passionate about.”
Jennifer Ashton, HR Director, BT Group
Cue a thousand HR hearts swelling with joy.
“Great to talk to people who’ve got global experience – not just the UK bubble.”
Stephanie Lunn, Global People and Culture Director, Guiness World Records
Because HR problems know no borders – but they do love a good chat over coffee or cocktails.
In short?
If you want meaty, no-fluff content – dreamed up and delivered by CPOs, HRDs and Talent big shots – with a side of mischief, straight-talk and just enough chaos to keep things interesting - Workgroup HR is for you!
Missed this one?
Don’t worry – I’m already conjuring up the next. And yes, it will be just as brilliantly bonkers. We return to London in November but, before that - Manchester and Leeds here we come!
Some dates for your diary:
🐝 Manchester – Thursday 4th September
🏵️ Leeds – Thursday 11th September
🚇 London – Thursday 13th November
And before you inevitably scroll up and click on our glorious highlights reel (you know you want to 😜), can I just give a massive shoutout to my fabulous partners at Walker Morris and Attensi for helping make this event a huge success. 🙌
Also, a round of applause – or should that be a suspicious side-eye? - to all my brilliant Workgroup facilitators and panellists for bringing their absolute A-game. 👏
Curious? Intrigued? Mildly concerned you missed out?
Always happy to chat – drop me a line if you want in next time!
