Webinar
The Questions HR
Will Need to Answer
in 2027
Online | Friday 25 September 2026
12.00 – 13:00 BST
Event
The way organisations create value is changing. AI is becoming a practical force in how work gets done and how decisions are made. At the same time, businesses are competing in a more uncertain environment, shaped by technological change, new global competitors, resource constraints and a more fragmented international order.
This webinar will explore the questions CRF believes HR leaders will need to address in 2027, drawing on our research and conversations with senior practitioners.
We will explore:
- How should HR itself change?
What does effective HR transformation look like and where can AI and technology make a meaningful difference? - How can organisations get more value from their talent?
How can critical roles and capabilities be identified, developed and deployed against business priorities?
- What really drives organisational performance?
How do behaviours, leadership choices, incentives and organisational systems shape how work actually gets done?
- How will organisations sustain competitive advantage
What do technological, geopolitical and competitive shifts mean for organisational capability, talent and HR strategy?
- How can organisations make better hiring decisions
What does the evidence tell us about job analysis, interviews, assessment and the appropriate use of AI?
Underpinning many of these questions is the need for a solid understanding of work psychology – what the evidence tells us about people, behaviour and performance at work. Organisations must also continue to navigate an increasingly complex employee and industrial relations environment.
The session will explore each topic, providing key insights as to why they are business critical to help you assess your own approach and priorities for 2027.
To register for this event please ensure you are logged in. If you are not a member and interested in attending, please contact us below.
If you would like to amend or cancel your booking please contact events@crforum.co.uk.
Who Should Attend?
Senior HR leaders shaping their priorities for 2027 and considering where HR can make the greatest contribution to organisational performance.
CRF members: Please register by completing the form or contacting events@crforum.co.uk.
Non-Members: If you are not a member of CRF but are a senior HR leader working in-house then please register interest using the form or contact events@crforum.co.uk.
Speakers
Prof. Rob Briner
Associate Research Director, CRF and Professor of Organisational Psychology at the School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University of London
Rob is Professor of Organizational Psychology at Queen Mary, University of London and Associate Research Director at CRF. He is also currently a Visiting Professor of Evidence-Based HRM at Birkbeck University of London and Professor at Oslo Nye Høyskole. He was previously co-founder and Scientific Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management and has held positions at the Institute for Employment Studies, London School of Economics, Kings’s College (University of London), Bath University and University of Edinburgh. His publishing and research focus on topics including wellbeing, emotions, stress, motivation and everyday work behaviour.
Melissa Bull
Commercial Director, Corporate Research Forum (CRF)
Melissa is responsible for the growth of CRF through the acquisition of new corporate members and sponsoring partners of the annual programme as well as the growth of CRF Learning. Melissa also helps members optimise the value of their CRF membership through events, research, networking, and advisory services. Melissa brings 10 years of experience within the HR Advisory space from her experience at Korn Ferry, Hay Group and CEB.
Gillian Pillans
Research Director, Corporate Research Forum
Gillian has worked as a senior HR practitioner and OD specialist for several organisations including Swiss Re, Vodafone and BAA. Prior to her HR career, she was a management consultant with Deloitte Consulting and is also a qualified solicitor. Gillian has written various CRF reports on subjects including HR strategy, organisation design and development, leadership development, coaching and diversity.
John Whelan MBE
Director, CRF
John Whelan is a Director at Corporate Research Forum. Formerly UK HR Director of BAE Systems, the FTSE 100 defence, security, and aerospace company, John’s experience and strengths lie in business and HR Transformation, Organisation Development and Employee Relations. Prior to joining BAE, he held a variety of HR roles in engineering, technology and manufacturing businesses across the telecommunications and semi-conductor industries including Matra-Marconi Space where he was HR Director for the UK and, latterly, Group HRD.
