VODG HR Directors' Professional Network Meeting | July 2025 | Face-to face

Attendees will enjoy interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions on topics like organisation design and restructure, employment law updates, zero hour contracts, and pension salary sacrifices.

Booking for the next meeting of the HR Directors’ Network is now open! Join us for a full day of in-person interactive discussions designed for our members.

This gathering offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and share ideas in a supportive environment. Attendees can look forward to interactive sessions led by industry experts, collaborative workshops, and valuable networking opportunities that will help build meaningful connections.

Each participant will leave with actionable insights and strategies they can implement to enhance their operational frameworks and drive organisational success. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your HR practices and share experiences with your peers!

Sessions

Explore a summary of the various sessions scheduled throughout the day below, detailing the topics and speakers.

 

During the session, Joshua will also facilitate an engaging discussion that explores innovative strategies for adapting service models and redefining workforce structures. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into how to navigate these challenges effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and employee engagement, which is invaluable at a time when continued financial pressures may necessitate restructuring

 

By the end of this session, participants will feel revitalised and ready to tackle upcoming challenges with renewed enthusiasm and teamwork. Join us to transform your post-lunch energy and unlock your creativity!

 

We will then delve into topics of particular interest, including compliance best practices and case studies of recent legal challenges.

 

Following her talk, there will be an open forum for group members to share their insights, experiences, and questions, encouraging a collaborative dialogue on this important topic.

 

Following this informative presentation, participants will engage in a group discussion, encouraging a collaborative exploration of the topic.

 

To conclude our day, we will engage in a thoughtful discussion focused on generating ideas for future sessions. This will include brainstorming potential topics, identifying key speakers, and exploring various formats that could enhance participant engagement. 

*Please note that to ensure that as many member organisations as possible can attend, places are limited to one per organisation.

Programme 

09.30

Arrival, networking and refreshments

10.00

Welcome from VODG and housekeeping

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG

10.05

Introductions

VODG co-chairs

10.15

Organisation design and restructure, including group discussions

Joshua Butt, Principal Consultant at Cordis Bright

11.00

Break

11.10

Organisation design and restructure, including group discussions continued

Joshua Butt, Principal Consultant at Cordis Bright

12.00

Networking lunch

12.45

Energiser

VODG co-chairs

13.00

Employment law update

Laura Welchew, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins

13.30

Break

13.40

Zero hours contracts, including member discussions

Laura Welchew, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins

14.00

Pension salary sacrifice, including member discussions

Martin McFall, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins

14.20

Reflections, members discussions and connections

VODG co-chairs

14.45

Ideas for the next session

VODG co-chairs

14.55

Final round-up

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG

15.00

End

 

Speakers

Joshua Butt

Joshua Butt

Principal Consultant, Cordis Bright

Laura Welchew

Laura Welchew

Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Martin McFall

Martin McFall

Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Accessibility  

Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Join the HR Directors' Professional Network

The HR directors' network provides colleagues a secure space to discuss pertinent issues and topics via our online forum, to upload documents and to view the lastest network events. 

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HR Directors

Members (191) Discussions (96)

The VODG HR directors' professional network welcomes senior HR professionals from amongst our membership.

VODG HR Directors' Network Co-chairs

Caroline Neal

Caroline Neal

Group Director of People & Organisational Development, Avenues Group

Kerry Demner

Kerry Demner

Head of HR, Hightown Housing Association

Jo Gouldthorpe

Jo Gouldthorpe

Director of People, Aspens