HR on The Solway - Networking Group - Feb Meeting
Schedule
Wed Feb 04 2026 at 12:00 pm to 02:00 pm
UTC+00:00Location
The Usual Place | Dumfries, SC
About this Event
HR on the Solway: Feburary Networking Event
"Managing Managers: Are Your Line Managers Really Managing?"
We're thrilled to introduce you to our next fantastic trainer & speaker Joanna van Wel who'll be joining us for our Feb HR on the Solway networking meeting in Dumfries.
Meet Joanna van Wel
Joanna is an accomplished Learning and Development specialist with over 20 years' experience designing and delivering leadership, management development, and organisational change programmes across the UK and internationally. She is a licensed trainer for multiple leadership programmes (including Management 1st and Women 1st) and is currently completing a Master's degree in Cross-Cultural Communication at Newcastle University.
What's her expertise?
Joanna specialises in closing skills gaps, embedding performance management, and shifting organisations from reactive crisis management to proactive people leadership. She has worked with organisations including the NHS, RBS, Armstrong Watson, Mental Health Matters, and numerous SMEs – helping them develop managers who actually manage, so HR can focus on strategy rather than firefighting.
Who has she worked with?
Joanna has advised and supported clients of all shapes and sizes across public, private, and charitable sectors, taking a practical, outcome-focused approach that benefits organisations by equipping managers with the skills and confidence to lead well.
She'll be talking to us about: "Managing Managers: Are Your Line Managers Really Managing?"
Let's be honest – how many times this week has HR been pulled into a situation that should never have reached your desk? A performance issue that's been left to fester. A conflict that's spiralled. A resignation that could've been prevented.Line managers are the backbone of any organisation, but too often they're promoted into people management roles without the skills, support, or confidence to actually manage. And when things go wrong? HR becomes the crisis manager.This interactive, facilitated workshop will tackle the real challenges HR and L&D professionals face when it comes to equipping managers to lead well – before the crisis hits.
You'll explore:
✅ Why so many managers avoid managing (and what that costs the business)
✅ The gap between promotion and capability – and how to close it
✅ Practical, proactive strategies to upskill existing and new managers
✅ How HR and L&D can shift from reactive firefighting to strategic enablers
✅ Real-world challenges from the room – and collaborative solutions
What you will get?
This isn't a lecture. It's a conversation. Bring your frustrations, your war stories, and your ideas. Leave with a toolkit to help your managers manage – so you can get back to the strategic work that actually moves the needle.
Schedule
Date: Wed 4th Feb
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Usual Place, Dumfries
Parking: Free 2 hour parking nearby
12:00 - 12:30 PM: Complimentary Cakes, Coffee & Tea with Networking
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Guest Speaker Session - Joanna van Wel
1:30 - 2:00 PM: Continued Networking - Further opportunity to build connections and discuss insights from the session
Registration
Places are limited, so please register early to secure your spot.
What is HR on The Solway?
An HR specific Networking Group for HR professionals who live and/or work in South West Scotland!
⭐ A collaborative, inclusive community for HR professionals at all levels
⭐ Bi-monthly lunchtime meetings with knowledge-sharing and networking
⭐ A friendly, informal space where you can connect with peers
⭐ CPD and learning opportunities and guest speakers
No CIPD membership required - all HR professionals welcome!
We already have a friendly, lovely bunch of HR professionals confirmed to attend, and the vibe will be welcoming and informal.
Brought to you by Lyndsey Fitheridge from Foxgroves Recruitment & Jennie Griffiths from Foster Your People HR, two female HR and Recruitment entrepreneurs serving South West Scotland.
Where is it happening?
The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
