Welcome to the first People Matter Newsletter of 2025!
In this edition, please find our Round Up Report of the year, including our 2025 Member Proposition. It shows that our commitment to member-driven initiatives is stronger than ever. We’ve set out our proposition and initiatives for 2025, all of which will help our members to grow, adapt, and thrive in a stronger, more productive future.
In this issue, you’ll also find our action-packed schedule of events for 2025, including over 90 events across 10 themes – and much more besides.
Our latest People Matter podcast on “What does 2025 bring?” featuring the leaders of three of our Special Interest Groups has also been released – listen now in the Member’s Only Section.
Click below for all this and to read more brilliant expert insights from our contributors. And do keep an eye on your inbox for the release of our Benchmarking Survey.
2025 Events Schedule
After another full and successful year of events we have an action-packed schedule of events for 2025. These consist of both virtual and in-person events, including HR community chats, roundtables and of course, our annual conference in November. We look forward to welcoming as many of our members as possible. Please click on the link below for a full overview – and join us there!
Round Up Report: including Member Proposition 2025
Our new Round Up Report including Member Proposition sets out our agenda for 2025, detailing how we can support our members in the year ahead as they navigate these developments. It’s already clear that this year will be a transformative one for our member organisations. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges, and we are committed to ensuring that they are well-positioned for success. Click below to find out how.
CPO Symposia Series
Following a successful pilot last year, we are delighted to present the 2025 CPO Symposia Series. This exclusive offering comprises eight 90-minute in-person curated discussions hosted at our offices.
Each session begins with a 30-minute presentation or provocation from a world-class thought leader in the people and culture space, followed by a facilitated discussion among CPOs from our member firms. This year, we are thrilled to include an exclusive conversation with the FCA, particularly timely given the anticipated release of the NF Misconduct details.
Our impressive line-up of past participants rated their experience highly (9/10 would recommend). We expect similar engagement and insights this year, and we hope to see you there. If you are interested in participating, contact Sam or Meena.
Exciting new partnership with the LSE
We’re excited to announce our partnership with the London School of Economics MSc (LSE) on their HR Work Shadowing 2025 scheme. This allows City HR members to host MSc HRO work shadowing students this April to June 2025. It’s a great opportunity to nurture future HR talent, contribute to volunteering and CSR efforts, and make a positive impact on higher education. For more details, see LSE’s brochure and if you’d like to be a host, please submit an application form by Friday 28th February. Both are linked below.
City HR’s 10 themes for 2025
Each year at City HR, we aim to curate 10 themes that HR professionals across financial services are prioritising. Based on helpful feedback from our members, we have compiled a list of themes covering issues such as Culture, HR technology, The Labour Government, Employee Experience and much more. To view our list of themes for 2025 in more detail, please click below.
New study reveals what matter most to employees
Aon has surveyed over 9000 employees across 23 locations to discover the workplace initiatives most valuable to them. Their resulting Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study also reveals why this matters more than ever, with the majority of employees already having an eye on their next move. Click below to download the results and other fascinating insights from the survey.
New Members!
Welcome to our new City HR members! We’re delighted to have you join our community of HR professionals dedicated to enhancing people and culture initiatives. If you enjoy being a member, why not refer a friend to join and broaden our network? To find out about the events and opportunities available, do check out our Membership Brochure for more details.
Changes to remuneration rules for banks
In November 2024, the PRA and FCA released a joint consultation paper on the proposed changes to remuneration rules for banks and building societies in the UK. A new report from PwC highlights the key proposals of the paper including: changes to the MRT identification criteria, reduced deferral periods and adjustments to the payment of dividends and interest. To read more about the proposed changes and the timeline for next steps, please click below.
Preventing sexual harassment: lessons from recent headlines
Sexual harassment has been at the forefront of the work of byrne-dean, and they’ve applied insights to some of the most talked-about stories. These include: Gregg Wallace: What can employers learn from how allegations are managed in high-profile cases? A prominent law firm tribunal: What does this recent employment law ruling teach us about handling investigations effectively? From Harrods to Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs: How can HR address a culture of silence that protects powerful predators, even when “everyone knew”? Click the link below for answers and practical takeaways on these important issues.
What does 2025 have in store for employment law?
In recent months, there have been multiple changes in UK employment law, with many more expected for 2025. Although some of the major law changes won’t have an immediate effect, it’s essential for organisations to be prepared for these transformative reforms. In a new report, Fox Williams outline some of the upcoming changes, including new rules on dismissal, health and safety and paternity leave. Read more below.
Members Only Content
Podcast: What does 2025 bring?
Our recent podcast focuses on ‘What does 2025 bring?’. We were joined by leaders of three of our special interest groups (SIG) who each shared their reflections on 2024 and their expectations and focus for the coming year in the areas of ESG, Reward & Compensation and Legal & Regulatory issues. Click below to listen.