Helping employees thrive

As people professionals, we are often the first point of contact when employees need support, guidance or help navigating change.

Join the CIPD North of Scotland & Islands Branch for an engaging evening exploring some of the newest resources available across the North East.

You will hear from:

David Loumgair, SAMH

An introduction to The Nook Aberdeen, SAMH's new walk-in mental health support hub, and how employers and employees can access its services.

Laura Paterson and Andrea Buchan, NorthBridge

A look at NorthBridge, the new Aberdeen hub supporting people facing redundancy, career transition and employment uncertainty. Discover how the service is helping individuals access opportunities, support and practical guidance.

James Biggs, Employee Benefits Collection

A lively and thought-provoking session examining women and pensions, financial wellbeing, and the practical steps individuals can take to improve long term financial outcomes.

The evening will conclude with a panel discussion and audience Q&A hosted by Laura Simpson, Chair of the CIPD North of Scotland & Islands Branch.

Whether you're supporting employee wellbeing, managing workforce change or simply looking to expand your knowledge of the support available within our region, this event will leave you with practical information and useful local connections.

Event programme

17:00 – 17:30 Networking

17:30 – 18:30 Speaker presentations and panel discussion

18:30 – 19:00 Networking and close

Why attend?

By attending, you will:

• Learn about two significant new support facilities now operating in the region.

• Understand how employees can access these services.

• Gain practical signposting knowledge you can use in your organisation.

• Explore current issues around financial wellbeing and pensions.

• Network with fellow HR and people professionals from across the region.

Hybrid attendance will also be available, although we encourage members to attend in person to maximise networking opportunities.

Speakers profiles:

James Biggs, Employee Benefits Collection - James has had a career dedicated to helping employees become better with their pensions and wider money challenges. His first group pension scheme was Frankie and Bennies in 1997. He has been called ‘The Martin Lewis of Pensions’, so brings a huge amount of knowledge and energy to his engagement sessions. He has latterly specialised in supporting employees around their financial wellbeing and especially focussing on women and pensions – being a mouthpiece for his ‘pension angry’ wife!

David, North Fundraising Lead at SAMH, – David is an experienced charity fundraiser who has worked in a diverse range of roles across the third sector for over a decade. He specialises in delivering large-scale events, leading complex projects and driving successful fundraising campaigns, with a passion for working with organisations which uphold powerful ethical missions and strong core values. He works as the North Fundraising Lead at SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), alongside volunteering as a Committee Member with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Laura, NorthBridge Hub Co-ordinator – Laura is skilled in career guidance and recruitment operations management within technical energy sector recruitment, specialising in drilling & well management for onshore & offshore positions both in the UK and globally. Laura is highly experienced in recruiting across senior disciplines within technical engineering including expert personnel for energy clients including oil & gas operating companies, global service companies, and consultancies. Laura has a proven track record of outstanding customer service delivery adding value to all areas of businesses as a recognised customer service champion having recently moved into the role of Hub Co-ordinator at NorthBridge - a practical support hub for workers facing redundancy and uncertainty.

Andrea Buchan (Chartered FCIPD) – Head of People & Culture Aberdeen Cyrenians - Andrea has well over 25 years working within HR functions having worked across Oil & Gas, Transport & Logistics and is now currently working and supporting the Third Sector as Head of People & Culture at Aberdeen Cyrenians.Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across the wider Human Resources remit and is a specialist in turning complex employment legislation and HR theory into actionable strategies that drive growth.

Please note:

1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.

2. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.

3. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.

4. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, responding to this email.

5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.

6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.