At the start of November, Greenwich Business School hosted its much-anticipated 2024 'Unconference' - "Reimagining HR: Our manifesto for the People Profession."
This year's event - which followed successful 'Unconference' Human Resources events in previous years at Greenwich - explored how HR professionals and students could re-think their roles and strategies by delving into the CIPD Manifesto for Good Work (2023) and its interconnections with AI, sustainability, and wellbeing. The goal? To create a manifesto which champions skilled, fair, and healthy work - while embedding these principles into organisational cultures and wider society.
Keynote speakers and provocations
The day kicked off with an inspiring keynote by Denise Scott-McDonald, President of the National Members Council of Co-op and former Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Denise shared insights into the evolving role of HR in shaping a fair and inclusive workplace.
Provocation sessions, led by thought leaders, followed:
- "Skills for work" (Michelle Rankin) addressed how HR can prepare the workforce for evolving employment landscapes.
- "Wellbeing and healthy work" (Jane Keep) shared practical approaches to improve organisational health.
- "Fair work: a deserved promotion" (Amari Pinnock) discussed the importance of fairness and inclusivity in recruitment.
- "Sustainability and societal change" (Simon Goldsmith) highlighted how organisations can align their values with sustainability goals.
The power of collaboration
Participants - who included Human Resources students from Greenwich Business School, HR leaders, and academics - engaged in dynamic World Café discussions and brainstormed how to embed manifesto values into policies, strategies, and practices. Questions such as "How can we deepen our understanding of skilled work?" and "What can HR practitioners do to promote fairness and wellbeing?" spurred some lively debates.
Creativity in action
The afternoon brought a unique art & drama challenge, where groups visualised and enacted their ideas for reimagining HR. These creative outputs not only inspired participants but also reinforced the importance of thinking beyond conventional frameworks.
Key takeaways
- HR professionals must address intergenerational fairness and mental health to foster a healthy work culture.
- The intersection of AI and HR requires ethical and thoughtful integration to support workplace wellbeing.
- Sustainability should be at the core of organisational strategies, promoting societal change.
A look to the future
As the day concluded, attendees shared their "aha" moments and voted for the most impactful ideas, closing with networking over refreshments in the Old Brewery, where the whole event took place. This event laid the foundation for a transformative people profession manifesto, empowering HR to shape fairer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces in 2025 and beyond.
We extend our gratitude to all speakers, participants, and the dedicated team behind this event. Let’s continue the journey of reimagining HR together!
