Celebrating the Success of PPMAHR25: Our Annual Conference of Learning and Connection

We’re delighted to look back on the remarkable success of PPMAHR25, our annual in-person event dedicated to advancing the field of HR & OD. Held over 3 days Wed 9th April – Fri 11th April 2025  at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, PPMAHR25 brought together HR professionals from near and far for a memorable few days of learning, networking, and collaboration.

PPMAHR25 featured a captivating line up of dynamic sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into a wide range of topics, from talent management and employee engagement to diversity and inclusion. Our speakers shared invaluable insights, best practices, and actionable strategies to help attendees navigate the evolving landscape of HR with confidence and success.

To hear highlights from some of the conference speakers, watch the video below…

To check out all the photos from this year’s conference, click on the image below…

PPMA Annual Conference 2025 - Manchester

WHERE

The PPMA Conference 2025 took place at the historic Midland Hotel, Manchester.

.

WHEN

Held from Wednesday 9th to Friday 11th April 2025, the three-day event offered a balanced blend of learning, networking, and downtime. The conference began late Wednesday morning and concluded at lunchtime on Friday.

.

What Delegates Experienced🎤

📚 Elevated Learning Opportunities

Attendees participated in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, gaining practical insights they could take back to their organisations.

.

🤝 Meaningful Connections

HR and OD professionals, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts came together during networking sessions, social events, and collaborative discussions to share ideas and experiences.

.

🎤 Inspiring Keynotes & Main Stage Speakers

Expert speakers challenged thinking and sparked new ideas around leadership, workforce transformation, AI, diversity & inclusion, talent management, and wellbeing.

Main Stage Highlights Included:

  • Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council – Shaping the Future of Manchester

  • David D’Souza, Director, CIPD – The Future of Work & HR’s Evolving Role

  • Kirk Vallis, Head of Creativity, Google – Unlocking Innovation Through Leadership

  • Matt Burney, Indeed – AI & the Future of Public Sector Talent

  • Ritika WadhwaCultural Intelligence & Inclusive Leadership

.

🌟 Engaging Fringe Sessions

Delegates explored specialist topics through a series of in-depth breakout sessions and practical workshops:

  • Claire Gilbert & Sean Hick (Capsticks)Employment Law Update

  • Prof. Steven GriggsDigital Transformation & Workforce Strategy

  • Juliette Alban-MetcalfeThe Power of Servant Leadership

  • Lizzie BentonReimagining Workplace Culture

  • Leatham Green (Oracle)Mindfulness & Meditation for Resilience

  • Carola BeckerThe Science of Wellbeing & ‘Happy Hormones’

  • Rachel MellishSound Bath for Relaxation & Mental Clarity

WINNERS BROCHURE NOW LIVE FOR THE PPMA EXCELLENCE IN PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AWARDS 2025

This annual get-together provides us with a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes within the public sector through our Excellence in People Management Awards. It’s a time to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of HR professionals who have made significant contributions to their organisations and the broader community. The awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and excellence that are driving positive change in the public sector, and we are proud to showcase these remarkable individuals and their achievements. Click on the button below for more information about the awards and our deserving winners.

Gratitude to Our Supporters:
We extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our sponsors, speakers, partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in the success of PPMAHR25. Your unwavering support, dedication, and enthusiasm are deeply appreciated and contributed significantly to the positive experience enjoyed by all attendees.

Your Feedback Matters!

We greatly value your input and would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out our feedback survey. Your opinion is instrumental in helping us improve our events year on year and ensure that we continue to meet your needs and expectations.

To access the feedback survey, please click on the link button below. Your responses will be kept confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of enhancing future events.

Access Session Slides Now!

We’re excited to share that the slides from all the sessions at our recent event are now available for viewing. Whether you attended in person or couldn’t make it, this is your chance to catch up on all the valuable insights and information shared by our speakers.

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, shares insights on leading one of the UK’s most
dynamic cities. He’ll discuss Manchester’s strategic vision, innovative leadership, and lessons on transforming a
major urban centre.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Stuart Hoddinott, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government, explores the key challenges facing local
governments, from financial sustainability to structural reforms. This session will provide insights into the
external forces shaping public service delivery and how local authorities can adapt to meet emerging demands.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Kirk Vallis, Head of Creativity at Google, explores leadership traits that drive innovation. Learn how
top leaders inspire ideas, foster experimentation, and maximize team creativity.

DOWNLOAD CONTENT HERE

Claire Gilbert and Sean Hick of Capsticks provide key updates on employment law for public sector employers
and HR professionals. Stay informed on case law, legislation, and best practices.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Professor Steven Griggs and Dawn Carter-McDonald.

The local government landscape is reshaping boundaries between managerial and political leadership. This
session looks at shifting pressures in officer – member relations and how we might rethink them.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

HR & OD professionals navigate inclusion, wellbeing, and change while serving their communities.
This session explores servant leadership’s impact on engagement, retention, and performance
through the evidence-based Engaging Leadership model.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Ritika Wadhwa, CEO of Prabhaav Global, explores cultural intelligence in leadership, offering
strategies for inclusivity, collaboration, and success in diverse teams and global markets.

Slides for Ritika’s session are not available, but please find alternative content below:

Prabhaav Global Brochure

Prabhaav Global Resources

Lizzie Benton, Founder of Liberty Mind, shares strategies to transform workplace culture, boost
collaboration, and drive high performance through innovation and empowerment.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Join Carola Becker to explore four key hormones that shape mental and physical health. Learn how they
impact well-being, what depletes them, and practical ways to boost them for lasting happiness and
resilience.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Join David D’Souza, CIPD Director, to explore workforce trends, HR’s evolving role, and key skills for the
future. Learn how HR can drive change and shape the future of work.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE

Find out more  about our last sell out event #PPMAHR24 below: 

2024 EVENT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO