REBA Future Forum 2025

The future of work is evolving fast, with digital technology paving the way for a more data-driven approach to designing benefits strategy. AI revelations are becoming a game changer for engagement, communication and personalisation. Meanwhile, there is a wave of incoming legislation and regulation affecting employment and financial benefits such as pensions and pay.

The REBA Future Forum is designed to help you navigate this shifting landscape and harness it to drive greater effectiveness, return on investment, and ultimately business performance.

Join your fellow reward and benefits leaders in London on Thursday 20 November for a day of innovative thought leadership and practical, actionable insights to shape a future-ready strategy that delivers real value for your people and your organisation.

 

Opening Keynote: Professor Paul Dolan

Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science

Recognised as one of the 100 most influential academics worldwide, Paul Dolan will explore why UK productivity has flatlined while other OECD countries are back on trend, and what employers can do amid shifting work culture

He will also delve into the radical uncertainties businesses face around AI and the future of work more broadly, unpacking the impact of political influences and drawing on his research around what he terms as ‘Beliefism’ and how it impacts decision making in both organisations and wider policy thinking.

Closing Keynote: Jo Whiley

Radio DJ and Television Presenter

One of the most iconic voices in British broadcasting, Jo Whiley, will bring the REBA Future Forum to a close with a candid conversation on how she has seen the world of work evolve, what it takes to stay relevant in times of change, and what excites her about the future.

Jo first made her mark as music booker for the seminal Channel 4 show The Word, where she booked Nirvana for their unforgettable UK television debut. She went on to co-present the groundbreaking evening session on Radio 1, host Top of the Pops, and front Glastonbury TV since the early 1990s. Over the past 30 years, she has interviewed the world’s biggest acts - including the day Jay-Z came to her house for tea.

In her trademark conversational style, she will reveal the secrets behind her enduring relevance, from championing emerging artists to offering sharp insights into Gen Z - connecting effortlessly to the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce and the world they’ll shape.

A day of insight, impact and innovation

From visionary issue-led sessions and dynamic demos to in-depth masterclasses, lively panels, real-world case studies, and peer-driven roundtables, every REBA Future Forum session is designed to help you tackle today’s challenges, anticipate emerging issues, and sharpen your strategy for what’s next.

This year’s in-depth agenda will include:

• Navigating a rapidly evolving benefits landscape - unpacking how employers can leverage data, AI and personalisation to enhance benefits design and delivery, control costs and improve employee experiences. The day delivers critical insights into how emerging technologies and evolving solutions are reshaping visibility, decision-making and value across the benefits ecosystem.
• Getting ahead of regulatory shifts and financial wellbeing challenges - sessions will tackle the difficult questions around supporting immediate financial security while securing long-term retirement outcomes. Shared updates and approaches to potential changes to pension salary sacrifice rules, new day-one rights for leave, flexible working, and sick pay will provide a clearer understanding of the reforms shaping future benefits strategies.
• Reframing benefits strategies for a future-ready workforce - challenging reward and benefits leaders to rethink whether their offering truly meets the needs of a modern workforce. This is a chance to tap into the latest thinking on how AI, data insights and personalisation can transform employee engagement, how to maximise value from existing benefits spend, and address gender pay and benefits equity gaps.

Curated exhibition of leading benefits providers and consultants

An essential part of the day is getting to speak to the people in the know. In addition to meeting your peers through the extensive networking opportunities, you can explore the comprehensive exhibition filled with established market leaders demonstrating new services, and exciting fresh innovators providing solutions for future challenges.