Join Sustainable HRM Skillnet, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet and Vhi for an engaging lunchtime event that brings together HR professionals, business leaders and workplace practitioners to explore the global trends shaping the future of work.
Through expert insights and facilitated speed networking, you’ll have the opportunity to hear how leading organisations are responding to today’s workplace challenges, exchange ideas with peers, and build valuable professional connections across the region.
Speakers:
Alison Hodgson – Market Director and Chartered Companion of CIPD Ireland
Alison was recognised in Top 50 Most Influential CHROs 2024 in Ireland. She has held internal HR roles and C-suite positions across a range of sectors including retail, technology, telecoms, food
and drink, financial services, and a commercial semi-state. Alison’s expertise spans across human resources, learning and development, and organisational development and she has led significant change projects in Ireland and the UK.
Michelle O’Neill – Capability Development Manager, Culture & Capability Team, Vhi
Michelle brings over 26 years of experience at Vhi, with a career spanning the Contact Centre, leadership, and Learning & Development.
In her current role as Capability Development Manager, she is dedicated to supporting colleagues to grow their skills and deliver great outcomes for Vhi members.
Fiona Murphy – Group Sustainability Manager at Vhi
Fiona is working on the delivery of the organisation’s sustainability strategy. She began her career with Vhi in 2005 as a Customer Care Adviser in the contact centre and has since built a broad career
across customer service, learning and development, compliance, governance, and sustainability. In her current role, Fiona focuses on ESG governance and reporting, climate risk, and decarbonisation. She previously served as Compliance Manager and Assistant Company Secretary, gaining experience working with senior leadership and Boards, and has played a key role in advancing Vhi’s people and culture agenda, including diversity and inclusion initiatives. Fiona holds an Executive MBA from Smurfit Business School and professional qualifications across sustainable finance, organisational change, coaching, and ethical leadership.
Sara Mullally – Network Manager, Sustainable HRM Skillnet – CIPD
Sara is an experienced Skillnet manager with over 15 years’ experience in workforce development and industry collaboration. She works closely with stakeholders to identify skills gaps and address those gaps through targeted, funded training and development programmes. Throughout her career, Sara has supported the upskilling of thousands of professionals across Manufacturing, IT, Healthcare, Pharma, Tourism, and Services industries by helping businesses align talent development with strategic needs. She holds a Diploma in Project Management, an IMI Diploma in Management, and a Degree in Psychology, bringing a creative people focused approach to every project. As Skillnet Manager for CIPD, Sara is passionate about building future-ready workforces and supporting organisations embrace and embed sustainable people practices that drive long-term success. More recently, she has been instrumental in launching CIPD Ireland’s AI Community of Practice for HR and people leaders, creating a collaborative space where organisations can explore the practical application of artificial intelligence through peer learning, real-world case studies and responsible governance.
Ashling Ward – Network Manager Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet
Ashling has an extensive background in learning and development over her 30 year career in industry engaging across many sectors providing training and development solutions. As a qualified trainer and Network Manager of the Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, she fully understands the changing learning needs of all the sectors that the Skillnet supports in the region. Ashling work’s closely with companies to identify and analyse their training and development needs. From these needs Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet design tailored training interventions to upskill staff and develop talent in the region.
Global trends & speed networking for HR Professionals – 22nd September @ VHI Kilkenny, R95 WKK6
This interactive session provides an opportunity to:
- Meet peers from organisations across the region.
- Share ideas and workplace challenges.
- Learn what is working in other organisations.
- Build relationships that extend beyond the event.
Whether you’re new to HR or an experienced leader, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and valuable new connections.