Peter Cheese, CIPD chief executive, looks back on an enthralling annual conference and exhibition

Speaking as the conference drew to a close, Peter Cheese said: “A successful conference is all about an exchange of ideas – and I’m glad to say that the CIPD annual conference and exhibition in Manchester has been awash with rich debate and some truly captivating content. Gary Hamel set the scene with a clarion call for HR to change, to position itself as a key part of the very different organisations we will see in years to come. I know from speaking to many HR professionals at the event that Gary’s presentation was truly inspiring, and encouraged them to think differently about their own roles."

"A first-time visitor can’t fail to have been impressed by the size and scale of the event. Visitor numbers have risen, and there’s been a real buzz about the place. There was strong traffic through the exhibition hall, as well as some really interesting social media activity, and the whole convention centre proved a great opportunity to network," he added.

"I heard a lot of interesting exchanges, online and offline, about culture, values and ethics – themes that will only become more important against a backdrop of corporate and organisational scandals that are eroding the relationship between leaders and their organisations. It is only right that HR plays a key part in the far-reaching debate that will ensue: I believe the CIPD’s role is to empower the profession to engage on exactly these sort of topics, and help shape the agenda for the future. Everything I have seen in Manchester leads me to believe HR will rise to the challenge.”