To comply with the law, businesses must abide by HR practices. People are the greatest resource in business, and so it is vitally important that people are treated correctly in professional settings – something made possible by HR policies. Although businesses must have certain HR policies to comply with the law, an HR policy can be made special for each business – honing in on things that are important to a business’s vision and mission.

What Is HR and Why Is It Important?

In an organisation, HR is vitally important. A department that takes charge of employees and employee-related operations, HR ensures that employees have everything that they need to perform their day-to-day jobs effectively. Also helping to create a healthy working environment and positive workplace culture, the HR department of an organisation complies with laws that are crucial for business operation.

Working to maintain a positive workplace culture, the HR department of an organisation is also responsible for both attracting and retaining talent. They do this by focusing on recruitment, employee relations, providing employee benefits and creating policies, such as diversity and inclusion policies, to ensure that everyone feels equal in the workplace.

It is important to have an HR policy because:

• They address employee grievances and outline processes to resolve them
• They help employees receive fair compensation
• They maintain a disciplined workforce
• They ensure that all employees are taken care of without discrimination or prejudice
• They outline clear standards and conduct in the workplace, advising employees on how to behave in the workplace

Source: Resources for Employers & Indeed

If you want to hone your skills as an HR professional or are a beginner looking to learn the ropes of HR, why not hire an HR speaker?

The Official Best HR Speakers Ranked on Popularity!

• David Smith – 9.5/10
• Naomi Sesay – 9.2/10
• Catherine Garrod – 9.4/10
• Nina Goswami – 9.5/10
• Asif Sadiq – 9.8/10
• Linda Moir – 9.7/10
• Jean Tomlin – 10/10
• Beth Davies – 7.7/10
• Matt Dunsmoor – 9.1/10
• Tom Goodwin – 8.9/10
• Lucy Adams – 9.2/10
• Michelle King – 9.6/10
• Samantha Clarke – 9.4/10

David Smith

Former People, IT and Loss Prevention Director at Asda

A leading expert on HR, David Smith has enjoyed the past three decades building his expertise in change management and business turnaround. Transforming the business from a bankrupt failing retailer to a high-performing profitable retailer, David is renowned for his former role as the People, IT and Loss Prevention Director for Asda and Chairman of the Board of the Institute for Employment Studies.

Having navigated Asda to success, helping them to achieve the status of no.1 Best Place To Work by the Sunday Times, David is booked as an HR speaker to detail his expertise on performance management, leadership for effective change and powerful business communication.

Official Testimonial for David:

"David was excellent and provided a very good speech – we are already receiving lots of questions about when the next event will be." - RAF Wyton

Naomi Sesay

Head of Creative Diversity for Channel 4

With over two decades of experience in television and media, Naomi Sesay is currently working as the Head of Creative Diversity at Channel 4. Formerly working as a presenter for MTV, Naomi is now dedicating her career to advocating for diversity and inclusion in business, demonstrating to businesses how they can improve their HR policies by paying attention to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Spreading messages on the importance of a diverse workforce, Naomi engages audiences on how cultural intelligence can increase business success. Also the author of The Human Upgrade, Naomi is determined to help people become increasingly successful, and does so by ensuring that businesses have the best HR policies in place to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Official Testimonial for Naomi:

"Naomi is a captivating speaker and has a unique style in which she takes her audience on the transformational journey with her! She is passionate and authentic and I have heard Naomi speak at event a few times now and can honestly say, she is incredible each and every time." - Sufia, McCann

Catherine Garrod

Founder of Compelling Culture & former Head of Inclusion for Sky

On a mission to build diverse and inclusive workplaces, boost employee engagement and evolve organisational culture, Catherine Garrod is famed as the Founder of Compelling Culture. Working with corporate clients to generate company-wide inclusion plans, Catherine helps companies to expand their HR policies to ensure that there is no discrimination or prejudice in the workplace. Having formerly worked as the People Involvement Manager, Inclusion Manager and Head of Inclusion for Sky, Catherine’s expertise is backed by several years of experience at a world-class company.

Having led Sky to no.1 on the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list, Catherine helps businesses to build HR policies on diversity, inclusion and equality. Having also formerly launched Blue Sky, Catherine has worked to enhance paternity pay to boost gender equality and pioneered domestic abuse support. When looking to improve your HR policies with the best practices in diversity and inclusion, book Catherine Garrod today.

Official Testimonial for Catherine:

"Catherine brings a positive attitude and creative approach to everything she does. Not only is her enthusiasm infectious but she inevitably brings others along with her." - Anthony, Sales Director, PepsiCo

Nina Goswami

Head of Inclusion for Clifford Chance & the first Creative Diversity Lead for the BBC

A pioneer of diversity and inclusion, Nina Goswami is renowned for her former role as the first Creative Diversity Lead for the BBC. Now the Head of Inclusion for Clifford Chance, Nina is campaigning for improved representation in the workplace and a greater gender balance in organisations. Setting the standards for diversity, inclusion and equality, Nina has been named as a Top 20 Global Diversity List Champion and recognised with a Highly Commended Asian Women of Achievement Award.

Noted for her work on the 50:50 scheme at the BBC, Nina is booked to speak on HR and how important it is to pay attention to diversity and inclusion within HR policies. Encouraging people to be more inclusive toward ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, Nina will help you improve your HR policies when booked as an HR, diversity and inclusion speaker.

Official Testimonial for Nina:

"Nina is brilliant at making things happen. She is strategic as well as excellent at delivery and implementation. She has a flair for partnerships and excellent leadership skills. Nina has deep knowledge and expertise in running diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as strong storytelling skills. She is a joy to work with." - Katie, Global Head of Culture & Organisational Development, The LEGO Group

Asif Sadiq

Chief Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros.Discovery

Asif Sadiq is a multi-award-winning diversity and inclusion expert, who has dedicated several years of his career to improving the HR policies of world-leading corporations to include the best practices of diversity and inclusion. Currently the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery, Asif is working to drive culture and meaningful connection by improving the film giant’s HR policies to attract and retain diverse talent.

Having formerly worked as the Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights for the City of London Police, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for The Telegraph Media Group and Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact for Adidas, Asif has a truly decorated career history as part of some of the biggest HR departments of the world’s leading brands. Injecting diversity and inclusion into HR policies across the country, book Asif to learn more on why diversity and inclusion is an essential part of HR.

"Asif is very knowledgeable around the EDI subject matter, leaving thoughts on how we can implement an open culture. Recognising that we make mistakes and how we learn from them? Asif also speaks openly about some of his personal experiences, which allows his audience to open up to him. I would have no hesitate in using Asif again around this subject matter and can see how he has an MBE. Thank you for giving me some insightful ideas, that got the cogs moving." - Charlotte, Open Uni

Linda Moir

Former Head of HR for British Airways & Head of Event Services (Staffing) for the London 2012 Olympic Games

Linda Moir is a leading expert on customer service strategy and HR, who is famed for her role as the Head of Event Services at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Having planned and delivered the front-of-house service that hosted an impressive 9.5 million spectators, Linda showcased British hospitality at its best. Before this incredible role, Linda worked as Head of HR for British Airways and Director of Customer Service for Virgin Atlantic Airways, building her expertise in people management and creating positive workplace cultures.

Having spearheaded the ‘Putting People First Again’ programme during her role as Head of HR for British Airways, Linda is now hired as an HR speaker for a range of events. Detailing how she created a united workforce during her time as an HR professional, Linda will expertly help other HR professionals to improve their management development, performance management, industry relations and disciplinary matters. When looking for an HR speaker with a history at credible businesses, hire Linda Moir today.

Official Testimonial for Linda:

"Linda did an amazing job for us yesterday. Everyone was buzzing for the rest of the day and evening. Her story had such an impact and the key messages have made it into everyone’s presentations today without any instruction. We are super delighted and I think having an external speaker will be a key feature I am sure for any future conferences. Thank you again." - Andrea, Benefit Cosmetics

Jean Tomlin

Former Director of HR, Workforce and Accreditation for the London 2012 Olympic Games & HR Director of Egg Plc

Jean Tomlin is a renowned HR professional who forged her success as the Director of HR, Workforce and Accreditation for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Responsible for the biggest peacetime workforce in British history, Jean is an expert in implementing organisational systems that ensure the business runs effectively. With a long and decorated career in HR to her name, Jean has also formerly worked as the Group HR Director for Marks & Spencer’s Plc and the HR Director of Egg Plc.

With Jean’s knowledge of HR spanning all aspects of accreditation, retention, industrial relations, workforce engagement, diversity and inclusion, Jean is the number one choice when looking for an HR speaker for your next event. Don’t miss your chance to discover the HR wisdom of Jean Tomlin. Book today!

Official Testimonial for Jean:

"The audience was moved and inspired, Jean did a great job." - The Institute for Family Business (UK)

Beth Davies

Former Director of Learning & Development for Tesla & Founding Lead Consultant of HR Reimagined

Beth Davies has forged a successful career as a preeminent authority on learning and development, having worked with companies including Tesla, Microsoft and Apple. Famed as the former Director of Learning & Development for Tesla, Beth has also worked as the Director of Retail Training and Director of Worldwide Talent Development for Apple. A leading expert on HR, Beth specialises in the training and employee development sector of HR, developing future leaders and improving organisational performance.

Now the Founder and Lead Consultant for HR Reimagined, Beth is working to revolutionise the sector of HR and modernise the age old industry. Working with start-up companies to improve their leadership skills and provide direction for ongoing development strategies, Beth pushes the importance of incorporating learning and development into HR strategies to motivate employees with educational opportunities. Don’t miss out on an engaging and informative speech on HR from Beth Davies.

Official Testimonial for Beth:

"Just wanted to pass on big thanks to Beth for participating in the webinar yesterday – it was a big success and she was really a brilliant panellist – we’ve had some great feedback including ‘thought-provoking because the messages come with real-world best-in-class experience’ and ‘love the insight, love the honesty too’. Thanks again." - Eden, Marketing, North Highland

Matt Dunsmoor

Founder & Chief Vision Officer of Octopy.io

Matt Dunsmoor has enjoyed a successful business career, currently working as the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Octopy.io. Motivated to create a more human-focused workplace, Matt is now booked as a speaker on HR, corporate culture, teamwork, positive leadership and the future of work. Dedicated to improving cohesion in teams and prioritising human connection, Matt is booked to help HR professionals improve their policies to put the proper treatment of people in their organisation at the heart of their agendas.

When looking to improve HR strategies that will generate improved team cohesion and workplace culture, hire Matt Dunsmoor as an HR speaker today. Pioneering a human-focused workplace culture, Matt engages audiences on how they can make the workplace a better place for all, both attracting and retaining talent.

Official Testimonial for Matt:

"Matt’s knowledge of the material is phenomenal – he was able to answer all our questions and show us how this would apply at an individual, team and business level for our company specifically." - Amy, Product Manager, Tempur Sealy International

Tom Goodwin

Co-Founder of ALL WE HAVE IS NOW

Tom Goodwin is an internationally renowned business transformation expert, and the Co-Founder of ALL WE HAVE IS NOW. Advising Fortune 500 companies on business transformation and innovation, Tom engages HR professionals on how they an improve their policies to ensure that businesses are transformed into successful organisations that both attract and retain talent. Dedicating his career to studying the changing rules of business and workplace behaviour, Tom is a leading expert on what businesses can do to improve their HR policies, attract and retain talented employees.

A proponent of ‘nowism’, a more practical form of futurism, Tom is pushing the importance of digital transformation and innovation in business. With expertise spanning the impact of new technology, new consumer behaviours and the changing rules of the workplace, book Tom Goodwin to speak on HR and how business can improve their processes to prioritise transformation and innovation.

Official Testimonial for Tom:

"Tom is one of the smartest folks I’ve worked with and excellent at managing client relationships… at the same time he is quick to recognise game-changing innovations that can deliver strong business results for clients. Last but not least, Tom is a genuinely good person and a positive asset to any workplace atmosphere." - Andy, VP Creative Technology, Spark Foundry

Lucy Adams

Former HR Director for the BBC, former Group HR Director for Serco & founding CEO of Disruptive HR

Lucy Adams has enjoyed a decorated career in HR, best known for her former role as the HR Director of the BBC. Having spearheaded the HR of the BBC during turbulent periods for the company, Lucy has dealt with situations including the executive payoffs and the Jimmy Savile scandal. Responsible for over 20,000 employees, Lucy oversaw everything from talent retention to employee development and remuneration. Having also worked as the HR Director of Eversheds, Group HR Director of Serco and HR Director of Serco Rail, it is without a doubt that Lucy is a preeminent authority on HR.

With many people complaining about the lack of impact HR has, Lucy is now the CEO of Disruptive HR, creating a fresh and practical approach to HR. Offering HRDs and CEOs new ways of conducting HR, Lucy is an expert on creating irresistible places to work. When looking for an HR speaker who will provide a fresh and unique perspective on HR, book Lucy Adams today.

Official Testimonial for Lucy:

"Lucy spoke at an internal HR event for our senior management team and left a lasting impression, for all the right reasons. She spoke with honesty and humour about the challenges for the HR profession faces and gave really practical examples of how we can change this. What can be quite a tough audience, were visibly energised after her presentation and even now, a couple of months on, Lucy’s session is still talked about. If you’re after an engaging and hugely experienced HR professional who’s a brilliant speaker and great to work with, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lucy." - Lucy, Head of Internal Communications – Strategy and Planning, BT

Michelle King

Former Director of Inclusion at Netflix & Founder & Managing Director of Equality Forward

A decorated diversity and inclusion expert, Michelle King has forged a successful career in HR, specialising in workplace culture and the future of work. Passionate about gender equality in the workplace, Michelle is now the Founder and Managing Director of Equality Forward, a business dedicated to building cultures of equality in the workplace. An expert on HR policies, Michelle has formerly worked as an HR Consultant for PwC, a Senior HR Business Partner for Fonterra, an HR Business Partner for Suncor Energy and an HR Manager for BHP Billiton. Having also worked as the Director of Inclusion for Netflix and the Senior Manager of Development for Diversity and Employee Engagement for UN Women, Michelle is an expert in cultivating DE&I strategies to include in HR policies.

Named a LinkedIn 2020 Top Voice for Equality, Michelle is now booked as an HR, diversity and inclusion speaker for the likes of Dior, Travis Perkins, LinkedIn and Amazon. Having also delivered the TEDx talk, It’s Not You, It's Your Workplace, Michelle is booked time and time again to share her HR-related knowledge on gender equality, women’s advancement in work, navigating invisible barriers of discrimination and the next generation of female leaders. When looking for an HR professional who knows the ins and outs of creating a healthy workplace culture, hire Michelle King as an HR speaker today.

Official Testimonial for Michelle:

"Michelle is a speaker who sparks fire in her audience around the issues she cares about. Her in-depth knowledge and insights, paired with her ability to clearly and vividly create the case for its importance, is a unique gift to the groups she speaks to. Our community still asks us about Michelle and where to access her talks and upcoming events." - Jenn, Founder, Be Social Change

Samantha Clarke

CEO of Love It or Leave It & internationally renowned happiness consultant

Samantha Clarke is an internationally renowned happiness consultant who has worked to improve corporate culture with the likes of Pizza Hut, Virgin Media, the British Fashion Council, Elle Magazine and Harrods. Passionate about fostering workplace cultures of happiness and wellbeing, Samantha is a leading HR professional who generates positive company cultures that both attract and retain talent. A Faculty Lecturer at The School of Life, Samantha is sought after as a preeminent authority on making the workplace the best it can be for all, no matter their personal circumstances.

Helping clients to manage stress and release employee potential, Samantha inspires widespread organisational change that prioritises the wellbeing of a company’s employees. If you are looking to improve your HR policies to ensure that employees feel appreciated and rewarded, don’t hesitate to hire Samantha Clarke as an HR speaker for your next event.

Official Testimonial for Samantha:

"A huge thank you Samantha! The delivery and content was incredible! The content was spot on for our requirements and we couldn’t have picked a better speaker for our employees. Look forward to working with you again." - Josh, CEO, MediaCom UK

What Should be Included in an HR Policy?

There are nine must-have HR policies that businesses need to consider:

• At-Will Employment Policy – reiterating that an employer or employee can terminate employment at any time for any reason.
• Anti-Harassment & Non-Discrimination Policy – prohibiting harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
• Sexual Harassment Policy – informing and educating employees on what to do if they are sexually harassed in the workplace.
• Employment Classifications Policy – clearly defined employment classifications, dictating eligibility for benefits and overtime pay.
• Leave and Time-Off Benefits Policy – encompasses everything regarding holidays, sick pay and all other benefits related to time away from the workplace. This policy should include time off that is required by law, such as domestic violence leave, family leave and voting leave.
• Break Policy – outlining the duration and frequency of breaks that an employee is permitted.
• Timekeeping and Pay Policy – inform employees of how to record the time they are working and when and how they will be paid for the time that they work.
• Health and Safety Policy – outlines the health and safety procedures that are in place should work-related incidents occur. Organisations with five or more employees must have a health and safety policy by law.
• Employee Conduct, Attendance and Punctuality Policy – outlines when an employee must be at work, and what will happen if they are not punctual.

There are also several other policies that are popular, such as:

• Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Policy
• Remote Working Policy
• Dress Code Policy
• Mobile Phone Policy
• Social Media Policy
• Bereavement Leave Policy

Source: SpriggHR and Kisi Blog

Hire an HR Speaker Today!

If you are interested in booking an HR speaker to help you become an expert on HR, don’t hesitate to contact Champions Speakers to speak with one of our dedicated booking agents! Get in touch by calling directly on 0207 1010 553 or by completing our online contact form.

This exclusive article on the top HR speakers to hire was written by Emma Tolhurst MCIPD and Louisa Mason-Hayes, using a comprehensive survey of over 200 corporate clients and their experiences with leading HR speakers.

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