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Marking the launch of the University’s People Strategy, the People Department welcomed over 300 attendees to the inaugural People Conference at the Mathematical Institute on 25 March 2025.
Centred on the theme ‘Shifting the Dial – Inspiring Change’, sessions focused on the three People Strategy outcomes: a great place to work for all; enabling talent to thrive, and high-quality People services supporting academic delivery.
Reflecting on the day, HR Director Dr Markos Koumaditis expressed his gratitude: “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of our inaugural People Conference. The energy and commitment shown on the day reflects our shared passion for shaping a culture that values, supports, and invests in our people. This marks an exciting step forward in delivering our People Strategy and building an outstanding work environment across the University."
The conference featured inspiring talks and discussions from academic and industry experts, including Professor Anne Trefethen, David Blackburn, and Professor Michael Wooldridge, who shared insights on People priorities, workplace change, and the impact of generative AI. The event also provided valuable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities for the wider HR community.
A post-event survey highlighted the conference’s positive impact on connection, recognition, and community across the University’s HR network.
One participant noted:
“It was inspiring to come together across Central, Divisions, Departments, and Colleges. The warmth and enthusiasm for a typically less visible community of HR professionals was much needed. It felt like Professional Services Staff were finally able to benefit from the academic excellence of the University.”
Another shared:
“I now feel more connected to the HR community at Oxford, more valued and supported, and more confident thanks to the knowledge gained during the conference.”
The conference has laid a strong foundation for future engagement as the University continues to implement its People Strategy, highlighting the value of bringing colleagues together to learn, share and drive progress. We thank all attendees, speakers and contributors whose collaboration and energy made the event a success, reaffirming our commitment to creating a great place to work and supporting talent to thrive.
Resources
A selection of slides from the conference are available below.
Shifting the Dial – Inspiring Change
Dr Markos Koumaditis, HR Director.
View the slides.
Change - how people strategy can turn uncertainty into opportunity and transform the workplace
David Blackburn, Managing Director of David R. Blackburn Consulting.
View the slides.
Thrive in your role: wellbeing for People professionals
Ruth Collins, Staff Mental Health Training Service Lead and Frances Parkes, Staff Wellbeing Programme Manager.
View the slides.
Strategise, Mobilise and Thrive: building a future-ready workforce
Sarah Kilgour, Head of Strategic Workforce Planning.
View the slides.
Developing your career & setting the direction for leadership development at Oxford
Julie Rees, Interim Head of People & Organisational Development, Sophie Brotherston, Leadership and Organisational Development Lead, Kate Bunce Organisational Development Consultant.
View the slides
Artificial Intelligence: how did we get here and what does it mean?
Michael Wooldridge, Ashall Professor of the Foundations of AI, University of Oxford.
View the slides.
From data to action: evidence-based decision making
Dave Smith, Enterprise IT Architect.
View the slides.
