CIPD

Does sustained performance depend less on the learning event itself and more on the environment in which it is applied? In modern workplaces – shaped by inbox overload, operational pressures and competing demands for attention – employees often return from training motivated and well-intentioned, yet without the time, permission or support to put new skills into practice. Without the right conditions, learning quickly fades and performance remains unchanged.

Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Aglaia Economou, HR Learning Development & Change Manager at Hertfordshire County Council; Fergal Connolly, Learning Transfer Specialist and Founder of Multiply Transfer; and Steve George, Head of Learning at CIPD — as they examine what it really takes to ensure learning translates into measurable performance.

In this episode, we explore:

- The organisational conditions required for learning to translate into sustained performance, beyond the design and delivery of formal training.
- The pivotal role of managers, accountability and workplace culture in giving people the permission and space to apply what they have learned.
- How to diagnose performance challenges effectively — and avoid defaulting to training when the root cause lies elsewhere.
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As volatility becomes the default rather than the exception, what does it really mean for organisations to be ready for change? When it comes to ‘peanut butter’ pay rises, does spreading reward evenly strengthen trust and fairness, or quietly undermine the idea that performance and capability matter? And just how decisive can small moments be — how have acts of trust, stretch or recognition shaped the careers of our guests?

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Alix Bolton, Chief People Officer, Europe at Smollan; and Alison Hodgson, Market Director – CIPD Ireland.

Recorded: 6 February 2026
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As new trends and demands accelerate, how can HR leaders ensure the profession’s foundations are robust enough to support effective and timely action? If AI is becoming part of everyday work, should organisations deliberately test how candidates think, reason and collaborate with AI as part of the recruitment process? And is the rise in temporary work a strategic shift in workforce strategy – or a symptom of wider uncertainty?

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by Mel Steel, Interim People, Change & Transformation Leader; and Martyn Dicker, Director of People at Unicef UK.
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In a tight labour market and amid rapid skills change, organisations face growing pressure to retain critical capability and reduce reliance on external hiring. Yet many employees still can’t see a future inside their organisation, and unclear progression continues to drive attrition. Could strengthening routes for internal mobility provide the strategic response needed to address these challenges?

Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests — Laura Ibbotson, Interim Head of HR at The Green Spark Group; and Sarah Lardner, Director of Business Innovation & Senior Reward Principal at Innecto Reward Consulting.

In this episode we explore:

Why has internal mobility become such a critical issue for organisations today, particularly in the context of skills disruption, retention pressures and changing expectations of progression?

What does effective internal mobility look like in practice, and what organisational, cultural or managerial barriers most often prevent it from working well?

How can stronger internal mobility deliver meaningful business outcomes and what role do people professionals play in making it sustainable and trusted?
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2026 is set to be another challenging year for organisations and the people profession. As economic uncertainty continues and AI adoption accelerates, where should the profession focus its efforts? How can job design and management capability drive productivity without increasing burnout? And what skills do people professionals need to navigate the year ahead.

CIPD Director of Profession David D’Souza is joined by a trio of leading HR podcasters, Fay Wallis, career and leadership coach and host of HR Coffee Time; Lucinda Carney, Chief Executive Officer at Actus Software, and host of HR Uprising podcast; and Bruce Daisley, host of Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat podcast.

Recorded: 09 January 2026

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Bookings are now open for the CIPD Student Conference 2026. Student members can secure your place for free at cipd.org/studentconf2026

Take ownership of your learning and enhance your professional practice. Explore our suite of tools to support your CPD journey at cipd.org/en/learning/cpd/

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Explore more podcasts from this week’s panel:

HR Coffee Time with Fay Wallis
https://brightskyhr.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/

HR Uprising with Lucinda Carney
https://hruprising.com/

Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat with Bruce Daisley
https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.