CIPD Ireland Podcast

In this episode of the CIPD in Ireland Podcast, host Meg Dunphy continues the series The Future-Ready People Professional, exploring what it takes for HR to lead in a world of continuous organisational transformation. Organisations are no longer navigating change in discrete episodes; transformation is constant, complex, and multi-layered. HR is expected to shape strategy, design operating models, develop leadership, and build adaptive cultures, ensuring people remain at the heart of every change.Meg is joined by Zoë Cannings, Senior Director of Business Value and Transformation at Oracle, to discuss HR as a strategic transformation architect. They explore how HR can influence organisational change, build capability for sustained transformation, embed employee experience, and harness insight because in transformation, data is king.Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration for HR professionals who want to drive and shape the future of work through organisational transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Future Ready People Professional is a new CIPD in Ireland podcast series designed to support HR and people professionals to build confidence, relevance and impact in a fast‑changing world of work. In this first episode, guests Katie Sloan, HR Business Partner, Intel and James Ryan, CEO, WorkMatters join host Meg Dunphy to explore AI and technology – cutting through the hype to focus on what people professionals really need to understand. From AI literacy and ethics to governance, skills and decision‑making, our expert guests share practical insights on how HR can play a critical role in shaping fair, responsible and effective use of AI in organisations. Whether you’re early in your career or operating at a strategic level, this episode will help you ask better questions, engage confidently with leaders and technology partners and prepare for what’s next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years into hybrid working, organisations are still refining what works best. Join Meg Dunphy in conversation with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise, as they share insights and thought leadership on the evolving world of work. They explore what’s really happening in organisations, what we’ve learned, and what HR leaders should watch for, from the role of AI, digital tools, and software, to culture, collaboration, and productivity. Drawing on his extensive experience in organisational consulting, research, and advisory work, Peter challenges us to rethink how work gets done. The hybrid experiment is ongoing, and while we’re still learning its full impact, each insight brings us closer to understanding what works best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Far from being an HR silo, learning is the strategic lever that unlocks resilience, retention, and reinvention. As organisations grapple with skills shortages, the rise of AI, cultural change, and the urgent need for talent retention and succession planning, learning has moved centre stage. This episode creates a buzz around learning by showing its direct business impact and sparking new ways to think about its role in transformation. Host Meg Dunphy opens the conversation with Linda Waters, Senior Employer Solutions Manager, CIPD, Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig, Founder and CEO, SkillStack and Michelle McShortall, Advisory Services Manager, Intuition to bring clarity and energy to the big questions: What are we doing right now? – Tackling disruption through reskilling and agility. What are we doing for tomorrow? – Building sustainable pipelines of skills and leaders. Real-life examples – Stories of organisations reinventing their approach to learning. The frontier of transformation – Where culture, technology, and human potential converge. AI-powered personalisation – How intelligent tools are tailoring learning to individuals, making it easier for time-poor executives and employees to get exactly what they need, when they need it.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Meg Dunphy as we welcome the new Director of the CIPD in Ireland Alison Hodgson to discuss her journey, vision, and how CIPD is adding value to the profession.We explore insights from our latest wellbeing research, the business impact of intentional wellbeing strategies as we look ahead to the CIPD in Ireland Wellbeing Conference 2025 and the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of Disability Pride Month, the CIPD Ireland Podcast shines a spotlight on what inclusive leadership means through the lens of disability in the workplace. Our latest HR Practices in Ireland 2025 report reveals that 23% of employers cite disability as their most pressing equality challenge—yet meaningful inclusion and representation remain elusive in many organisations. Host Meg Dunphy is joined by Catherine Murray, an autistic researcher specialising in disability and inclusive employment at AHEAD, and James Cawley Jnr, Business Development Manager at the Irish Centre for Diversity. Together, they explore the barriers still facing disabled people at work, how employers can go beyond compliance to foster genuine inclusion, and how leaders can amplify disabled voices to create workplaces where everyone belongs. Learn more about AHEAD’s WIDE Framework, offering practical steps to help build accessible, disability-confident workplaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bringing you more highlights from one of our most talked-about sessions at the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference – The CEO View on the people agenda for the future.In this powerful panel conversation chaired by Professor Gina Quin, President National College of Ireland; Gillian Chamberlain (MD, Capita), Bernard Gloster (CEO, HSE), and Eamonn Crowley (CEO, PTSB) share honest insights on what it takes to lead organisations through rapid transformation, disruption, and opportunity.From the fast pace of AI and tech adoption to the importance of trust, transparency, and adaptability, our panellists unpack the evolving role of leaders and the workforce in shaping a future-ready, mission-driven culture. With 160,000 employees under his remit, Bernard Gloster highlights the importance of clear communication and the impact of tech as an enabler – not a threat. Gillian Chamberlain calls for a mindset shift and openness to change, while Eamonn Crowley emphasises the direct link between employee engagement, trust and customer experience.Tune in to hear this interesting dialogue of business leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s podcast marks International HR Day on 20 May, celebrating the vital role of the people profession. This year’s theme, “Humanify AI: Leading Change Together”, highlights how the people profession is uniquely positioned to guide organisations through rapid transformation by putting people at the centre of change.It’s a perfect fit with the theme of last week’s CIPD Ireland Annual Conference— “Delivering organisational performance through people”. In this episode, we bring you insights from the conference stage, featuring Mary Connaughton, Professor Peter Cappelli, and Marie Toft.Report Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s CIPD in Ireland podcast, we spotlight artificial intelligence (AI) – a key theme at our upcoming Annual Conference on 15 May 2025 at the RDS. We revisit a standout moment from our Employment Law Conference with Ruth Kennedy, one of Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners, who shares a compelling case study on how AI is already delivering value in the public sector. Ruth explores the practical application of AI within Revenue – from driving efficiencies to enhancing the quality of service delivered to the public. She challenges listeners to rethink their approach to transformation, leaving us with a powerful takeaway: transformation isn’t about doing things faster, it’s about doing them better. So, how would you design what you do now if AI was there to support you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, your host Meg Dunphy dives into neurodiversity in the workplace with guests Shane O'Brien Senior HRBP Mongo DB and Bronagh Eaton an Independent Neurodivergent Coach and Global Neuroinclusion Specialist with DHL Supply Chain, two people practitioners who are themselves neurodivergent.As part of Neurodiversity Awareness Week, we want to shine a light on what inclusion really looks like—bringing the conversation back to individuals and keeping it simple. Our guests share their lived experiences, offering valuable guidance on how employees can advocate for themselves and how managers can create a more inclusive environment. Whether you’re a people professional or a line manager, this episode is a great starting point to build awareness and gain actionable tips on making the workplace more conducive to neurodivergent talent.Join the conversation using #NeuroInclusionInWorkplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Workplace Relations Commission Director General Audrey Cahill explains how the WRC supports people professionals in fostering fair and equitable workplaces. From advisory services and conciliation to mediation and adjudication, she highlights how people practitioners can proactively engage with the WRC as a resource – not just a last resort. Cahill also tackles common misconceptions about adjudication, the reality behind case reporting, and the high success rates of mediation. Plus, we highlight the WRC’s self-audit tools as a game-changer for compliance and best practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s episode we share highlights from our annual Wellbeing Conference:Dr. Mark Rowe, a renowned physician, shares insights on lifestyle medicine and its impact on employee health. We explore the Future of AI in Wellbeing with experts Ger Perdisatt of Lua Healthcare, Sarah Horne of Oracle, and CIPD’s David D’Souza. Discover how the power of embedding wellbeing into leadership practices can drive business success, featuring perspectives from Tobba Vigfusdottir Kara Connect, Catherine Fitzgibbon Core, and Cathal Divilly Great Place to Work Explore innovative ways to enhance employee wellbeing and listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Meg Dunphy, HR Policy and Engagement Manager, and Mary Connaughton, Director, CIPD Ireland as they unpack Budget 2025 and how it might impact you and your organisation, with a special focus on employment and taxation, social welfare and families and education and skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 October is World Mental Health Day and this year's theme is ‘Mental Health at Work’ so in this minisode, we discuss mental health in the Irish workplace. Meg Dunphy, HR Policy and Engagement Manager speaks to Mary Connaughton, Director, CIPD Ireland, about what our CIPD HR Practices research is saying as well as practical tips for opening up the dialogue in organisations and looking at the working environment.   You will also hear from Dr. Mark Rowe, our opening keynote at the annual CIPD Ireland Wellbeing Conference, giving us some tips for supporting our mental health. What are you doing in your organisations? Tell us by tagging @CIPDIreland and #WorldMentalHealthMonth #WorldMentalHealthDay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest episode, hosted by the CIPD Midlands region, you’ll hear committee members and co-hosts Marta Kenny and Aine Clehane speak with expert coaches Ursula Gilleran, a neurodivergence specialist with a background as a Global HR Director, and Sharon Dehmel, an intercultural leadership coach as they tap into the crucial role of coaching in today’s workplace.  Together, they explore the differences between traditional, intercultural, and neurodivergent coaching, and highlight how organisations can build a sustainable coaching culture that empowers individuals and drives business success.  Listen now to discover the key takeaways people professionals need to foster inclusivity and leadership in a rapidly changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this month's podcast, CIPD’s Lisa Hogan is joined by Dr. Declan Bogan, Goodbody Clearstream, Mary Connaughton, Director, CIPD Ireland, and Sara Mullally, Network Manager, Sustainable HRM Skillnet. They discussed how organisations are getting more focused on achieving positive social and human outcomes and drilled into how HR can align workforce development with their people practices, incorporating a sustainability lens to deliver the broader business sustainability goals.   For further information on sustainable people practices check out: - Our website: http://www.cipd.org/ie - Sustainable HRM Skillnet page: https://sustainablehrmskillnet.ie/ - Sustainable People Practices framework: https://www.cipd.org/ie/about/news/cipd-skillnet-launch-sustainable-people-practice-framework/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join guests Emma Anglim, director at Brightwater Recruitment, Steve George, Head of Learning at the CIPD, and Michael O'Brien, Manager (Munster & South East Region) at Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services Group, as they discuss the benefits of the CIPD as a career partner with host Meg Dunphy. The episode explores the value of CIPD membership for both employers and professionals, the evolving roles of the people profession, and the wealth of support the CIPD offers to help develop members' careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for part two of our Annual Conference highlights! This episode delves into insights on AI and features snippets from two popular panel discussions.  CIPD awards winners give advice on embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), maintaining it as a priority in all circumstances, and handling backlash against EDI efforts. Additionally, our HR Director panel explores the importance of workplace mental health, in line with our latest HR Practices report findings.   Tune in for essential insights and practical advice for people professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of the CIPD in Ireland podcast, Meg Dunphy, CIPD Ireland HR Policy & Engagement Manager, presents some of the highlights from our Annual Conference.  Our CIPD Ireland Director Mary Connaughton analyses our latest HR Practices in Ireland research while Paul Healy talks about cooperation between ourselves and Skillnet Ireland as we launch our new Sustainable People Practices guide. You'll also hear great leadership insights from a CEO panel as well as an excerpt from our keynote with the wonderful Deborah Meaden, businesswoman and star of BBC's Dragons Den. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into this month's podcast episode, where host Lisa Hogan, our Membership Development and Communications Manager, engages in a dynamic conversation with David D'Souza, Director of Profession at the CIPD. Together, they unravel the intricacies of CIPD membership, focusing specifically on its value and local offerings within Ireland.  Join us as we explore the benefits that come with CIPD membership and uncover how it can be leveraged to elevate your career journey. Whether you're seeking to maximize your professional network or enhance your skill set, this episode offers invaluable insights into how CIPD membership can propel your career forward. Tune in now to discover the wealth of support and opportunities awaiting you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.