Jessica O'ConnorThe CIPD Festival of Work will return to London’s ExCeL from 11th to 12th June 2025, bringing together thousands of professionals and a line-up of speakers to explore the future of work and the evolving role of the people profession.
A major focus of this year’s festival will be shaping employment legislation.
The CIPD’s policy team has spent the past 10 months contributing to key Government consultations, roundtables, and discussions with policymakers, ensuring that insights from across the sector are represented.
On day one, an Employment Rights Bill roundtable will invite attendees to share views on proposed reforms, including changes to probation periods, zero-hours contracts and trade union collaboration.
Feedback from this session will feed directly into the CIPD’s ongoing policy work.
The event will also feature a range of speakers.
Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP will join CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese on stage to discuss Government plans to boost employment and the role of the people profession in that effort.
Other highlights include legal expert Amanda Chadwick on employment law changes, and former cabinet minister Chloe Smith leading a discussion on addressing the UK’s skills challenges.
With over 150 sessions planned across seven stages, the festival will cover topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), workforce strategy, wellbeing and social impact.
Attendees will also be able visit more than 180 exhibitors showcasing the latest HR and business solutions, and connect with peers and thought leaders from across sectors.
