Join public sector HR and OD professionals from across the UK for three days of insight, inspiration, collaboration and celebration.

Awards entries are now open! Submit your entry by Thursday 21st January 2027.

Bringing the Public Sector People Together

The PPMA Annual Conference 2027 brings together HR, Organisational Development and people management professionals from across public services for three days of learning, collaboration and connection.

As the sector navigates workforce transformation, emerging technologies and changing demands, the conference offers an opportunity to hear from sector leaders, explore practical approaches and exchange ideas with peers.

Whether you’re a senior HR leader, HR practitioner or OD/L&D professional, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives, valuable connections and ideas to take back to your organisation.

What to expect

🎤 Expert insights

Hear from thought leaders and experienced public sector professionals.

💡 Practical learning

Take away ideas, approaches and insights to apply in your organisation.

💬 Meaningful discussions

Explore challenges and exchange ideas with peers.

🤝 Valuable connections

Build relationships across the public sector people profession.

A Programme Shaped Around the Challenges That Matter

Shaped by feedback from the PPMA community, our 2027 programme will explore the priorities and challenges facing public sector people professionals. Across three days, delegates can expect inspiring keynotes, panel discussions, interactive workshops and opportunities to learn from peers.

Topics being explored include:

  • The future of HR and the impact of AI and emerging technologies.

  • Strategic workforce planning and addressing future skills needs.

  • Leadership, organisational culture and managing change.

  • Local government reorganisation and devolution.

  • Building resilient, inclusive and future-ready public services.

The programme will feature opportunities for senior leaders, HR professionals and OD/L&D practitioners to explore issues relevant to their roles and share practical learning.

Full programme and speaker announcements coming soon.

Celebrating Excellence in People Management

Entries are now open for the PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2027!

Our annual awards celebrate the achievements, innovation and dedication of HR and OD professionals across the public sector. From workforce transformation and leadership development to employee experience and digital innovation, we recognise the people and initiatives making a real difference.

With new and updated categories for 2027, there’s even more opportunity to showcase your organisation’s achievements and gain national recognition.

Entries close on Thursday 21st January 2027.

Explore the 2027 Award Categories

Discover the categories recognising excellence and innovation in public sector people management.

01. Best Candidate Experience

02. Best Resourcing – NEW

03. Best Organisation Development Programme

04. Best Use of Digital & AI Innovation – NEW

05. Best Workforce Transformation/Change Initiative

06. Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative

07. Best Sustained Employee Engagement – NEW

08. Best Learning & Development

09. Best Leadership Development – NEW

10. Best Talent Programme

11. Best Equity and Belonging Initiative – NEW

12. Best Partnership/Collaboration

13. Best Employee Experience – NEW

14. Public Sector HR & OD Team of the Year

Gold Award

The highest honour, recognising the best overall winner across the award categories.

Ready to Share Your Success?

Whether you’ve delivered an innovative initiative, transformed the way your organisation works or achieved lasting improvements for your workforce, we want to hear your story.

Entering the PPMA Awards is an opportunity to celebrate your team’s achievements, share best practice and inspire others across the public sector.

We’ve put together everything you need to prepare your entry.

Awards Information Pack 2027

Explore eligibility, award categories, judging criteria and entry guidance.

Awards Entry Form 2027

Download and complete your entry form. A separate form is required for each category.

Awards Entry Guidance Video

Watch our guidance video for support in preparing your entry.

Important Awards Dates

21st January 2027

Awards entries close

12th February 2027

Shortlist announcement

29th April 2027

Awards ceremony

Be Inspired by Previous Award Winners

Thinking about entering the PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2027?

Discover what made previous entries stand out through our 2026 Awards Showcase Webinar Series. Hear directly from winning, highly commended and shortlisted organisations as they share their challenges, approaches and achievements, and pick up practical inspiration for your own submission.

🎥 2026 Awards Showcase Webinars

Explore real examples of award-winning initiatives and discover ideas to strengthen your 2027 entry.

Join Us in Manchester

Join us at The Midland in Manchester for three days of inspiring conversations, practical learning, meaningful connections and a celebration of excellence in public sector people management.

🗓️

28th – 30th April 2027

Annual Conference

📍

The Midland

Manchester

🏆

29th April 2027

Awards Ceremony

🎟️

1st December 2026

Tickets go on sale

Join colleagues from across the UK to exchange ideas, explore the challenges shaping our profession and celebrate excellence in public sector people management.

Tickets available from 1st December 2026.

✨ Highlights from PPMA Conference & Awards 2026

Wondering what to expect in 2027?

Take a look back at our 2026 Conference & Awards, where public sector HR and OD professionals came together to share ideas, learn from one another and celebrate outstanding achievements.

Watch the highlights below and get inspired for Manchester 2027!