The recent PPMA (Public Services People Managers Association) event in Manchester was a vibrant gathering of HR and workforce professionals, marking the association’s 50th anniversary. Held at The Midland Hotel from April 9th to 11th, 2025, the conference offered a mix of inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
The event featured an impressive line up of speakers who shared their expertise on leadership, innovation, and workforce transformation, below are key takeaways from the event:
– Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, opened the conference with insights on shaping the future of Manchester through strategic vision and innovative leadership.
– Kirk Vallis, Global Head of Creative Capability Development at Google, captivated the audience with his keynote on unlocking innovation through leadership, emphasising traits that inspire creativity and experimentation.
– Shonette Bason-Wood, founder of Spreading the Happiness, brought her unique energy and humour to the stage, focusing on the importance of happiness and positivity in professional and personal life.
– David D’Souza, CIPD Director, discussed the evolving role of HR in shaping the future of work, offering valuable perspectives on workforce transformation.
– Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global and specialist in cultural intelligence, Ratika is a crowd favourite – she highlighted the significance of inclusive leadership in fostering diverse and dynamic workplaces.
The conference also included engaging fringe sessions, such as employment law updates by Claire Gilbert and Sean Hick, and practical workshops on topics like mindfulness, workplace culture, and digital transformation.
The PPMA event was not just a platform for learning but also a celebration of the HR community’s achievements, with social events like the PPMA Awards Gala Dinner adding a touch of festivity. It was a truly enriching experience for all attendees, leaving them inspired and equipped with actionable insights to drive positive change in their organisations.
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Huge congratulations to London Borough of Sutton winner of the PPMA – Public Services People Managers Association 2025 Award for Best Inclusion and Diversity Programme.
Championing diverse, representative leadership that reflects and benefits communities is part of our DNA. That’s why we are proud to sponsor this award.
If you’d like to explore how to remove barriers and facilitate candidates from all backgrounds, please get in touch with our Local Government team by emailing us at GSLLocalGovernment@gatenbysanderson.com
Author:
Camille Revuelta
Consultant,
GatenbySanderson
Find out more about the Local Government practice at GatenbySanderson.