The future of human resources in the public sector will be debated by some of Scotland’s leading industry professionals at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, on Tuesday 1st September.

The 6th Annual Human Resources in the public sector event will address the challenges facing human resources professionals in the age of austerity. Topics will include best practice in staff retention and engagement, recruitment, transformational change, corporate culture, diversity, inclusion and innovation.

Delegates will benefit from peer-to-peer learning sessions, including a presentation from Barbara Allison, Director of People at the Scottish Government.

Other key speakers at the event are Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People (Scotland); Jacqui Jones, Director of HR & Workforce Development at NHS National Services Scotland; Alex Killick, Director of People at Glasgow Caledonian University; Pat Browne, Head of Business Improvement at University of Aberdeen and Dr Colin Lindsay, Reader in Human Resource Management at Strathclyde University.

Dr Sukhomy Das, Speciality Physician at NHS Lanarkshire will reflect on his experiences of being involved in HR processes from an employee perspective and share with delegates his experience as the only NHS doctor in Scotland to contribute to the high profile ‘Francis Review: Freedom to Speak Out’.

Attendees will also take part in an open space session looking at the future of training and development within the sector.

Dr Ian Elliott from QMU’s Division of Business, Enterprise and Management, which delivers the MSc Public Services Leadership, said: “ If you’re keen to take part in some serious discussions about the role of HR during some of the most challenging years in living memory, then this is a great opportunity for you to have your say and debate the issues with your colleagues across the industry.

“The event is particularly timely given recent announcements about continued restraint in public sector pay, cuts in the number of people employed in the public sector and growing social needs.”

The event will appeal to HR professionals from Scotland’s public sector, as well as those across the UK industry. Registered delegates already include senior HR professionals from the Highlands and Islands, NHS Shetland and Audit Scotland.

The event is organised by Holyrood Conferences in association with Queen Margaret University and is CPD accredited.

A limited number of remaining tickets for the event are available on a first come first served basis by contacting Jim McKay, Head of Events at Holyrood Communications, E: jim@holyrood.com , T: 0131 272 3108. Delegates who quote reference ‘QMHR2015’ when booking will receive a 25% discount on the standard delegate rate.

For more information on the event, visit http://bit.ly/QMHR2015