Chief Exec @CIPD - supporting HR to make a difference to performance & productivity. OBE. MAT Trustee. FWA Board. Co-owner @jamtarts. @rfu ref. Views personal.
Based in United Kingdom
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Speedie, Wattie, Allan, Cox, Philip, Hawthorn, Harker. And those who did come back, unable to play, and hundreds of fans.
Our wee fitba team.
ALT Heart of Midlothian 1914
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At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
The flowers of these islands will never wither.
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Love a conference…
Delighted to join colleagues from HR in Scottish Local Govt at the SPDS conference. Spoke about the role of the profession, stepping up to influence the future of local govt, & our renewed commitment to members through @cipd Scotland. Fantastic Qs & feedback!
ALT NC and colleagues from SPDS at the conference
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What a two days! 4,000 people professionals together in Manchester, focussing on the difference our profession can make in rapidly changing times. We know @cipd has to rise to meet the moment - and your feedback on how we do that has been fabulous! To work!
ALT NC at a member Q&A
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A little of Christmas Eve to the night before my first @CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone over the next two days. A few thoughts over on @LinkedIn...
lnkd.in/p/efB49ibJ
ALT NC checking out the stage in preparation for tomorrow!
ALT A key message on the CIPD stand - the profession is us, together. Your CIPD, relentlessly useful to you in meeting the performance challenges you face
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Great to support our @CIPD CPO community on Weds with a discussion in partnership with @DukeU Exec Ed and speaker @SharmlaC - focussed on supporting leadership development & decision making in a more uncertain world. New forms of performance intelligence needed!
ALT NC speaking on the panel with Sharon Benson of Axa, Fran Sacre of Randstad and Andres Saint-Jean of Duke
ALT Sharmla Chetty speaking. The room seated at round tables, panel at the front.
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That requires confidence, commercial understanding and an ability to cope with taking big decisions when the path ahead isn't entirely clear. We are going to do everything we can to help professionals navigate this world. (2/3)
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They let me loose on the CIPD podcast!
Thanks to Lisa for hosting a chat where I reflect on the challenges we face as a profession - but also why the answers to many organisational performance and productivity now flow through people professionals getting things right. (1/3)
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Here’s what reffing for the @OxfordshireRFU taught me about leadership for the @CIPD… (1/billions)
lol. Just nice to get back out there after three weeks in the new job to keep a decent game between @DidcotRUFC and @BuckinghamRUFC on the road. @Oxonrugbyrefs
ALT NC’s kit in the ref’s changing room at Didcot.
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After speaking with hundreds of members, it was great to have our @CIPD team together this week! As we prepare a new strategy, hearing their voices as specialists is important. It's about workplaces that perform, walking by members' side & being relentlessly useful every day.
ALT Team members feed back on future plans for the CIPD.
ALT Team members feed back on future plans for the CIPD.
ALT Team members feed back on future plans for the CIPD.
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Home sweet home. As comfortable a home win for @JamTarts as I can remember. Could not love Josh McPake more. 5 for @ReadingFC and @EdinburghRugby top of the URC too. Saturday night’s alright…
ALT Tynecastle Park
ALT NC, TC, and a blowout on the scoreboard
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An absolute pleasure, as always, to speak at the @ESgloballaw Labour Relations Conference today. Here's my wrap on @LinkedIn - lots to do to get the collective picture right. lnkd.in/p/esUtiAeT
ALT NC speaking from the podium at Eversheds
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It was great to spend yesterday with colleagues from the Fair Work Agency Board at our first assembly, hearing from businesses, unions and experts on the state of prctice, compliance and enforcment. A critical part of shaping our future strategy.
ALT Delegates gathering over coffee at the Fair Work Assembly.
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Busy day yesterday in Edinburgh and Belfast meeting HR practitioners and discussing the challenges and opportunities the profession has. Lots to do! @CIPD
ALT Barclays CPO Lynne Burns speaks at the Talent Gathering 2026, Edinburgh
ALT CIPD members at the 2026 CIPD NI awards
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Two and a half days of meetings primarily @CIPD HQ done. Greta to meet the team but also key members and volunteers, like our Regional Chairs. Now, on to part two of week one - let’s get out and about to see some members!
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Absolutely zero surprises. If I put a flat cap on, there is absolutely no-one who looks more like an Irish farmer than me.
What a great resource I’ve just been sent. Thank you @Dublinate
You just type in your surname and you can see where it’s historically and recently found in GB, associated first names, ethnic origin, characteristics of the areas etc.
apps.geods.ac.uk/gbnames/
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After eight years at the helm of the REC, this week we're saying farewell to @RECNeil as he moves on to the CIPD.
Neil has led the REC and our members through some of the most challenging and defining moments our industry has faced. He has been an inspirational leader and his energy, optimism and determination have left a lasting mark on our organisation.
While we're sad to see him go, we're delighted that he'll continue to champion the talent industry in his new role and wish him every success for the future.
Neil leaves the REC in good hands, with Maxine Bligh stepping in as Interim CEO before we welcome Louise Hanson later this year.
Thank you Neil for everything you've done for the REC, our members and the wider recruitment industry. You'll be greatly missed!
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Scenes we love to see…
HE CAN PASS, HE CAN SCORE
HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE
WO-OH
JOSH MCPAKE
WATCH HIM PLAY ON A SATURDAY… (or a Thursday)
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Delighted to have the chance to be in Dublin today to support the @cipdireland team on a fabulous event on AI and building human capability in the new world. Thanks to @version1 for hosting us and sharing expertise and to @DeptEnterprise for EU Presidency sponsorship. (1/)
ALT Photo of a busy room at the CIPD/EU presidency event
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This has gone straight into my top 10 all-time Hearts photos.
ALT Rogers Mato in front of the away end, Rapid Wien.
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WHAT A TEAM! WHAT A NIGHT!!
Best entertainment the @RECmembers boardroom big screen has ever seen!!!
Up. The. Gorgie!!!
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...was pleased to introduce Yorkshire lass Louise Hanson as my successor - while @MaxineBligh spoke to BBC News this morning as we saw less than expected progress on unemployment.
Prosperity comes from backing business. (2/2)
ALT Max Bligh on the BBC for REC talking about labour market stats
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A busy 24h in the media for team @RECPress as we make @RECmembers' argument that you solve the cost of living crisis by backing business and tackling the cost of doing business. I spoke to the great @gregwrightYP about this.. (1/)
ALT Yorkshire Post article featuring NC - Burnham can show he is backing business in employment law moves.
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Condolences Kieran. My best mate died a couple of years back, and it hits you hard. All those away days over decades. The mishaps and misadventures. But the memories are cherished, and it’s why we should keep making them while we can.
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I've waited a long time to see a politician as senior as @andyburnham talk about the labour market and workforce as more than skills provision/need. @RECmembers across the country will agree with the principal point the Prime Minister is making here... (1/)
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World Cup, World Schmup. The Gorgie are back tonight, in the Champions League Qualifiers. 'mon the @jamtarts!
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Rupert Lowe may want to belittle the loss of these flowers to cravenly beg support in the US, but they will not be forgotten.
Disgraceful comments about Dunblane from someone in a position that suggests he should know better.
Never forgotten, never sold out.
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Thanks to our fabulous @RECmembers Board for their support at a successful AGM and packed Board yesterday. And particular thanks to @Frencheconomics for giving us such an insightful economic briefing before we got to the business of the AGM! @RECPress
ALT The REC Board and Exec on the Albion House rooftop, July 2026
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Delighted to be at @TRNTweets Retreat today connecting with #recruitment leaders from around the country. There is a huge opportunity to see the changes in the talent market now as a chance to find new models of performance and prosperity for our businesses. @RECPress @RECmembers
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Heading home tonight after one of the great football weeks. Thank you Boston. Go and do it on Wednesday Scotland!
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What a week! Report On Jobs, RECLive, CEO interviews, REC Awards deadline. All go @RECPress for our @RECmembers! Plus @CIPD #FestivalOfWork. Phew! Time for a wee break. Max is running the REC show next week - I am off elsewhere…🏴
ALT Shipping Up To Boston…
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That’s me away from work. 🔜🛫🇺🇸
Walked out the office. Pressed shuffle. This…
Meant to be. 🏴
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No other instructions are necessary. The greatest city in the world setting it out. Having waited well over 10,000 days, it's dreamlike to be in the last 3.
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Almost ready to go for #RECLive26! Looking forward to welcoming members soon.
ALT The theatre at RECLive.
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Ending a busy 48h which included a fantastic day with our @RECPress team, and representing @RECmembers at the Professional Services Industrial Strategy Council with @CBItweets dinner. @RainNewtonSmith rightly calling for leadership and focus on growth from govt, not navel gazing.
ALT CBI CEO Rain Newton Smith speaking at CBI annual dinner
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Fantastic to be in Leeds today with @wendymcdougall and @osborne_tweets for our latest recruitment leaders’ roadshow! Tech, client and regulatory issues on the agenda! @firefishnow @TRNTweets @RECPress @RECmembers
ALT REC-TRN meeting in Leeds. Wendy speaking.
ALT TRN-REC meeting in Leeds, James in foreground.
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