Strategic roundtable discussions
Engage with strategic leaders to exchange insights on your successes and challenges
Join us at #MCRLeaders25 to hear from industry leaders, engage in high-level strategic conversations, and walk away with actionable insights to drive your team's success.
Exclusively for TA leaders with decision-making responsibilities, you'll take part in our interactive roundtable discussions to share knowledge, and workshop solutions to the biggest challenges in TA, network with your peers and contribute to the discussions shaping the vision for recruitment in 2025 and beyond.
Premium Members can unlock FREE tickets (worth £295) using their Membership ID (found in My Account) as the promo code at registration.
Agenda
23 October 2025
Arrive early to collect your badge, enjoy a breakfast, and connect with other delegates before the conference begins.
A warm welcome by IHR's Managing Director Natasha Preocanin to set the scene for the day, introduce key themes, and outline what to expect.
Candidate volumes keep rising, AI generated applications are flooding inboxes, and budgets continue to tighten. In this session, Alex Dyer, Head of Customer Success at Pinpoint, reveals how to unlock automation that delivers real results, with proven tactics and ready to use templates that help recruiters win back hours each week while keeping hiring quality high.
What to expect:
- Why most automation fails recruiters and how to fix it
- Practical tactics talent teams are using right now to save time
- Templates and tools you can apply instantly to streamline hiring
AI is rapidly reshaping recruitment, from AI generated CVs to a surge of automated applications. For TA leaders, the challenge is not just keeping up but building processes that remain fair, transparent and compliant in a changing landscape. In this session, Robert Newry, CEO of Arctic Shores, will share how to design hiring strategies that embrace automation responsibly while protecting quality, integrity and trust at every stage of the journey.
What to expect:
- How to prevent bias from scaling across your organisation
- Designing assessments that are AI resistant and candidate friendly
- Automating responsibly without breaking the EU AI Act
Take part in group discussions, guided by a set of thought-provoking questions and instructions designed to spark collaboration and idea-sharing.
Recharge with refreshments and continue networking.
Early careers are the foundation of long term workforce success, yet many organisations struggle to scale programmes without losing quality or the human touch. AI offers new opportunities to discover and support talent, but it must be applied with care. In this session, Sian Wilson, Co Founder of DayOne, explores how to align technology with early careers strategies to build resilience, unlock potential and create workforces that are truly future ready.
What to expect:
- How AI can enhance early talent discovery without losing the human edge
- Why early careers are pivotal to long term workforce resilience
- Scaling with purpose by blending technology and talent for intentional growth
The push to accelerate hiring with AI and automation is reshaping recruitment, but progress must not come at the expense of diversity, equity and inclusion. Poorly implemented tools can amplify bias, while responsible design has the power to create fairer outcomes. In this session, Neil Armstrong, CEO of Tribepad, examines the risks and opportunities of technology in recruitment and shares practical steps for ensuring DEI stays at the heart of every hiring decision.
What to expect:
- Why DEI must remain central in a fast track hiring landscape
- The stages of recruitment most at risk from AI driven bias
- How responsible AI features can strengthen fairness and inclusion
- A playbook for embedding DEI into hiring with or without AI
Join a new discussion table and explore a different theme, with structured questions and guidance provided to help you exchange insights and uncover practical solutions.
Take a break, enjoy a delicious lunch, and build connections with delegates and partners.
Traditional hiring models built around job titles and rigid role requirements are giving way to a skills first approach that values potential over pedigree. This shift is transforming how organisations find, assess and retain talent, driving stronger performance, greater diversity and long term workforce resilience. In this panel, talent leaders will share how to embed skills first hiring into your strategy, from reshaping assessments to rethinking workforce planning, and reveal what TA teams must do now to thrive in the skills driven economy.
What to expect:
- Why skills first hiring drives performance, diversity and retention
- How to shift from roles based to skills led models
- The impact of skills first strategies on equity and inclusion
- What talent teams must do today to succeed in a skills driven economy
Your final chance to engage in focused conversations, supported by tailored questions and instructions to ensure a productive and inspiring discussion.
Grab a coffee, reflect on the sessions so far, and network with industry colleagues.
Strategic workforce planning is often talked about but rarely delivered well in TA. Yet when done right, it can transform not just hiring, but the entire business. This session shows how talent acquisition leaders can shift from reactive recruiters to strategic business shapers—building stronger cases, operationalising smarter, and proving their impact where it matters most.
What to expect:
- How to build a bulletproof business case for workforce planning
- Why TA must own workforce strategy, not just fill roles
- What operationalising workforce planning really looks like in practice
- How small shifts in planning create long-term business transformation
- Why smart workforce planning positions TA as a true strategic partner
In today’s world of work, personal branding is no longer optional, it’s a leadership strategy. Smart TA leaders know that their voice and visibility don’t just elevate their own careers, they amplify the credibility of their teams, shape the candidate experience, and unlock opportunities for the wider business. By harnessing social presence, content, and PR thinking, leaders can move from being behind-the-scenes operators to influential voices that attract top talent, win stakeholder trust, and future-proof their impact.
What to expect:
- How a strong personal brand builds trust with candidates and stakeholders
- Why content-led leaders attract opportunities their competitors can’t see
- What TA leaders can learn from PR to scale influence internally
- How social presence accelerates business growth and talent pipeline strength
A wrap-up of the day’s key takeaways and final thoughts to leave you inspired and ready to act.
Continue the conversation over drinks, building lasting connections.
Speaker Topics
AI
Responsible use of AI, fairness, assessment design, and the EU AI Act.
Recruitment automation
Using automation to improve recruiter efficiency in high-volume hiring environments.
Early careers
AI-powered early talent attraction, long-term workforce strategy.
Skills-based hiring
Moving to a skills-first model, inclusive hiring, future-focused talent strategy.
Personal branding
Elevating your influence and amplifying your team’s credibility through authentic leadership presence.
Workforce planning
Building bulletproof cases, operationalising smarter and proving impact.
Speakers
Have a look at our upcoming speakers
Why attend
Strategic roundtable discussions
Best practice sharing
Gain strategic insights from your peers on best practices and forward-thinking approaches
Unrivalled speaker content
Unrivalled speaker content
Be inspired from impactful success stories shared by talent leaders across different sectors
Expert guidance
Gain valuable insights from industry-leading experts at world-class organisations driving talent innovation
Networking opportunities
Networking opportunities
Grow your network with senior talent leaders in our exclusive lounge areas and post-event networking drinks
Offers, goodies & competitions
Pick up some treats for your team and be in with the chance to win big prizes
Register for the event
Previous attendees
“It was an excellent conference, with lots of new connections made and follow ups booked. I particularly enjoyed the variety of topics discussed, and the excellent organisation of the whole event.”
“The event was really informative and a great insight into what other companies are doing.”
“It was such an energising experience, full of thought-provoking conversations, meaningful connections, and shared purpose.”
Headline Partner
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Venue
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
0203 916 5025
The Lowry Hotel, at 50 Dearmans Place, is a short walk from Manchester city centre with excellent public transport links. It’s a 5-minute taxi or 20-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. Alternatively, take the tram to St Peter’s Square and walk 10 minutes across Trinity Bridge. Nearby bus routes include the V1 and 100.
Secure on-site parking is available in the hotel’s underground car park, charged at the daily rate and offered first-come, first-served. To guarantee a space, please reserve directly with the hotel.
Michael has over 25 years of experience in HR, spanning Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, HR Service Centre Management, Organisational Effectiveness, Engagement, and Inclusion. His career has covered both the public and private sectors, with roles ranging from working in a start-up environment, driving change within established organisations, and fostering agility in the workplace.
Chris Rowe brings a deep passion for people and an impressive background in talent acquisition across diverse industries. As the Head of Talent Acquisition at DHU Healthcare, Chris leads the charge in sourcing top-tier talent to support the organisation’s mission of patient-centered care. With a focus on authentic engagement and a seamless candidate experience, Chris plays a critical role in shaping a workforce that aligns with DHU’s values. For Chris, healthcare recruitment is especially rewarding because every hire contributes directly to improving lives. He is committed to building a robust talent pipeline that not only meets DHU’s immediate needs but also fosters long-term growth and impact.
Paul Bhangoo is currently the Global Head of Employer Brand & Talent Attraction for BT Group. The area supports a global, multi-branded organisation with engagement and attraction of colleagues across the skills spectrum from frontline colleagues working in retail/call centres for EE to digital strategists for BT Group in India – and everything in-between – whilst ensuring that the customer & candidate experience has brand symmetry.
Paul has over 30 years of recruitment/recruitment marketing experience gained in publishing, advertising agencies and within global organisations. In addition to delivering global EVP’s segmented by skills, career stage & geographic localisations, Paul has extensive experience of supporting DEI initiatives within organisations and improving the relationship diverse talent has with global brands.
As a Personal Branding Specialist, Robyn helps individuals and leaders showcase their strengths through storytelling, content strategy, and online presence. She creates tailored brand identities that build credibility, attract opportunities, and connect with the right audience. Her work transforms skills into powerful narratives that elevate careers and businesses.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex has worked across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house and back-of-house operations to senior positions in sales, marketing, and account management. He has had the opportunity to experience both the operator and tech sides of the sector, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities hospitality teams face every day. It's an industry he genuinely cares about and continues to enjoy being part of.
Robert Newry, Co-Founder of Arctic Shores, is a passionate advocate for social mobility and skills-based hiring. He has spoken on psychometrics, HR tech, and AI, appearing on BBC and being quoted in outlets like The Times and The Guardian. As host of the TA Disruptors Podcast, he writes for leading HR media and campaigns for CV-less hiring to promote social mobility and inclusion.
Sian Wilson is a global leader with over 25 years of experience in growth, marketing, commercial and strategic organisational development in tech and skills-based businesses. Sian is a Fellow of the RSA- spearheading social change, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Institute of Employability and Chartered Member of CIPD.
She is the Vice-Chair of Tech UK’s Skills and Inclusivity Council and Non-Executive Director of Society Matters CIC. As a founding member and Executive Director of Day One, Sian is dedicated to helping businesses ‘Hire Better’ through verified skills and values matching in a fair and equitable way.
Neil helps organisations get the most out of technology, having held product, marketing and sales roles in leading tech businesses like Sky, BT and Plusnet. At Tribepad he's passionate about transforming the recruitment landscape, to make TA fairer and more effective for companies and candidates.
Tribepad is used by more than 25 million people across the globe in 16 languages. Clients include The BBC, Tesco, Subway, NHS Professionals, Grant Thornton and The Church of England.
Natasha Preocanin is the Managing Director for In-house Recruitment (IHR), the largest and most engaged community for In-house Recruiters. Our 20,000+ community benefit from over 70 live and virtual events each year ranging from our 1000-strong exhibitions and high profile awards to exclusive half-day breakfasts and targeted dinners for Recruitment Leaders. We also produce industry leading digital whitepapers, webinars and leadership videos alongside high value community forums and an all-inclusive supplier directory.
With a background in events, Natasha's joined the company in 2012 as an Events Executive and quickly progressed up the ranks to her current position as MD. She now leads the company in becoming the go-to resource for all In-house and Talent Acquisition teams who are looking to become better recruiters. Natasha can often be seen on stage, hosting our events or behind a microphone, interviewing a host of industry experts.