Honouring Charles Handy: Insights for today, inspiring for tomorrow

The CIPD Eastern Committee is proud to host a special event honouring the work of Charles Handy, a pioneering voice in management and people leadership, and a long-standing friend of the CIPD. His ideas continue to shape how we think about work, not only in terms of what has been or what challenges arise in today's world of work, but in how we look to the future and emerging trends in the world of work.

This event is both a tribute and a timely reflection. As organisations navigate rapid change, shifting societal expectations, and evolving workplace cultures, the role of the people function has never been more critical. Today’s work demands thoughtful leadership, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose.

We are delighted to welcome Claire Gubbins, Professor in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management at Dublin City University. Her research and practical engagement with organisations offer valuable insights into the current and emerging landscape of Human Resources, people leadership and the broader societal impacts on the world of work. Professor Gubbins will share her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing people professionals now and do some ‘future gazing’ about how we may evolve in the future.

Her contribution will echo Charles Handy’s spirit of inquiry and foresight, helping us to honour his legacy while applying it meaningfully to the realities we face today. Through her lens, we’ll explore how to prepare our organisations for ‘what’s next’, with relevance, insight, and skill.

This promises to be a rich and forward-thinking conversation, grounded in the present and inspired by the future.

Attendees will gain:

• a deeper understanding of how current and emerging trends are reshaping the world of work

• thought-provoking perspectives on the evolving role of the people profession

• practical insights from Professor Claire Gubbins, whose research bridges academic thinking and organisational practice

• a chance to participate in a live Q&A session, exploring real-world implications and future possibilities

• inspiration to lead with purpose, adaptability, and foresight in today’s dynamic work environment.

Who should attend?
This event is ideal for people professionals and people leaders/managers with an interest in the future of work, organisational development, and the evolving role of the people profession, and will particularly resonate with those who value thoughtful leadership and strategic foresight.

Event information

This is an in-person event taking place in the College Hall at the Royal College of Surgeons building at 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 YN77.

Access to the building is via the doors on St. Stephen’s Green, through the Front Hall, up the staircase and into the Boardroom where registration will take place. Accessible access to the RSCI building is via York Street – please indicate when booking your ticket.

Tickets are free for CIPD members and €20 for non-members.

Claire Gubbins is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour & HRM at DCU, Director of the Masters in Strategic Learning ; Development with L&DI, Chair of the Irish Academy of Management Early Career Development Network, an Elected member of the Board of the US Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD), an Invited Fellow of the Centre for Evidence Based Management.

Claire’s research centres around workplace social relationships including impact of new work arrangements, Human-AI Collaboration and impact on informal in the flow of work learning.

She also researches and teaches on evidence-based HR decision making and bridging research and practice. In this regard, she regularly collaborates with industry on research projects and on development programmes.

Claire is an Advance HE teaching Fellow and an IRC Research Ally. She is a former Fulbright scholar to Carnegie Mellon University, Associate Editor for Human Resource Development Quarterly and Government of Ireland Scholar.

Please Note:

The CIPD in Ireland is committed to improving our sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint this year, and one of the ways we are aiming to do this, is by reducing waste at our events. If you are uncertain about your ability to attend in-person, we encourage you to inform us as early as possible, allowing us to make responsible arrangements and minimise any waste of materials, food and beverages.

Professional photography and video production may be taking place at the event and these images may be used on future promotional materials for CIPD. Please note that by attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.

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