Reward and Benefits leaders want to understand the influential factors that will shape their future strategies. This year's programme will help you make strategic and tactical decisions not just for now, or for 2025, but also for longer-term sustainability. Take a look at what's in store in the comprehensive and diverse programme to see why you should be joining your peers next month! Here's a printer-friendly overview of the agenda.
Thursday 21 November
2. Creating pay and reward strategies to support transparency; equity and inclusion
3. Evolving mental resilience: benefits and strategies to support mental health including digital stress; mental health and neurodivergence
4. Financial wellbeing strategies to support the changing needs of different generations
5. Impact of AI as a game changer for benefits communication; personalisation and engagement
6. International benefits design; delivery and alignment across different countries and territories
7. Navigating benefits tech – understanding the evolving market and implications for employers
8. Understanding the impact of the Labour government's employment policies on reward and benefits
8am – 8.25am
08:00 - 09:10: Registration and visit the exhibition - complimentary breakfast included
8.25am – 9.10am
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - How forward-thinking reward and benefits professionals are using AI-powered personalisation to make their people strategy unbeatable
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - How forward-thinking reward and benefits professionals are using AI-powered personalisation to make their people strategy unbeatable
Invite only workshop session
This invite-only workshop will bring together reward and benefits leaders to discuss the steps they are taking to turbo-charge their benefits personalisation using AI. As employers look to create hyper-personalised experiences for employees around the globe, Peppy’s new and updated platform unbundles the complexities of benefits, ensuring that employees receive the right support at the right time.
Following the peer-to-peer discussion, attendees will experience a live demo of Peppy’s cutting-edge platform to see firsthand how it personalises and consolidates benefits for employees in one seamless interface as well as the opportunity to engage in interactive Q&A and access exclusive platform offers.
Key discussion points:
- Next-level employee engagement: share insights and strategies on the steps you can take to elevate and enhance benefits engagement and utilisation
- Overcoming implementation challenges: share ideas and solutions to common hurdles like data security, integration and implementation, to move towards making hyper-personalised benefits a reality
- Unbundling benefits with AI: how AI can help simplify and enhance the visibility of benefits, creating cost savings and aligning benefits more closely with your Employee Value Proposition
Hosts:
Max Landry, Co-Founder, Peppy
Sarah Rees, Head of Marketing, Peppy
Any invitation enquiries or questions contact [email protected].
With strategic partner: Peppy
Speakers
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - Care in crisis: Why the NHS can no longer support and what employers can do to step in
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - Care in crisis: Why the NHS can no longer support and what employers can do to step in
Invite only workshop session
As the population ages, close to 8 million people are stuck on NHS waitlists for chronic illness and almost 3 million people are on long term sickness. Businesses face an often hidden but growing challenge: soaring numbers of long term sick employees and increasing demands of adult care on employees, particularly working carers. Join this session to understand how to reduce reliance on Private Medical Insurance and Group Income Protection, explore why building a future-ready workforce means investing in inclusive DEI strategies that address adult care needs. And why this isn't about elderly care, but ADULT care.
Join this workshop to discuss how to create a compelling business case for supporting working carers and how you can overcome budget challenges and constraints by reframing adult care benefits as future-proofing investments that protect both your people and the bottom line.
Key discussion points:
- The lifecycle of employees going through the caring journey and the looming financial risks of absenteeism, burnout, and productivity if left unaddressed
- What’s the impact on wider financial wellbeing such as pensions and property assets
- What HR can do to reduce risks, and ensure caring or long term sick issues are caught early
- Creating a DEI strategy that includes working carers, ensuring your workforce is diverse, inclusive, and fit for the future
- How to engage leadership and secure buy-in for investment in proactive care management: the steps to building a business case that highlights the ROI of short-term investment in carer support and benefits to prevent long-term costs from rising sickness and turnover
Hosts:
Stephanie Leung, Founder and CEO, KareHero
Rebecca Gill, Business Development Manager, KareHero
Any invitation enquiries or questions contact [email protected].
With strategic partner: KareHero
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - Navigating global pensions under the EU pay transparency directive
Breakfast/Pre-conference workshop - Navigating global pensions under the EU pay transparency directive
Invite only workshop session
As the EU Pay Transparency Directive reshapes the landscape of pay equity reporting and introduces pay transparency obligations, employers must take a more holistic approach to valuing and disclosing not just cash compensation, but the full spectrum of employer-provided pensions and benefits. Join this workshop to explore how you can prepare for compliance, considering not only your legal obligations but embracing the Directive’s ethos and the implications for pay transparency on a regional and global scale. Attendees will discuss how to quantify the value of benefits and build a compelling business case for pay transparency, as well as having the opportunity to discuss experiences and challenges amongst peers and industry experts.
Key discussion points:
- How the EU Pay Transparency Directive can enhance the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and support organisational goals around fairness, equity and retention
- Taking a global view of pay reporting and transparency and discussing how organisations can create a unified approach that aligns with diverse regulatory environments and cultural expectations
- Approaches for quantifying the value of global pensions and benefits in line with the EU Directive’s pay equity and transparency requirements and ensuring fair representation of the full reward package
Hosts:
Kay Leach, Partner, Multinational Advisory Team, Mercer Marsh Benefits
Bridget Moser, Principal, Multinational Advisory Team, Mercer Marsh Benefits
Any invitation enquiries or questions contact [email protected].
With strategic partner: Mercer Marsh Benefits
Speakers
9.15am – 9.40am
Chair’s welcome
9.40am – 10.25am
Opening keynote: How to make workforce data add up: Three tools to help you think clearly about reward and benefits data
Opening keynote: How to make workforce data add up: Three tools to help you think clearly about reward and benefits data
Keynote, Grand Hall
Tim Harford, BBC broadcaster, data detective and million-selling author on economics, psychology and the unexpected bits in between is described as a genius at telling stories that illuminate our world. In his compelling style, Tim will reveal how we can evaluate the claims that surround us with confidence, curiosity and a healthy level of scepticism and help you to think clearly about reward and benefits data as you plan for 2025 and beyond.
Tim Harford, Financial Times’ Undercover Economist and BBC Radio 4 More or Less Presenter
11am – 11.25am
Option 1: Navigating the impact of the Labour Government’s employment policies on future reward and benefits strategies
Option 1: Navigating the impact of the Labour Government’s employment policies on future reward and benefits strategies
Speaker session, Grand Hall 2
With the Labour government poised to make significant changes to employment law, businesses must adapt their reward and benefits strategies to remain compliant and competitive. Join this session to unpack the key Labour policies that will reshape the employment landscape and the potential impact on employers and employees. From flexible working policies to the Pensions Schemes Bill, we’ll examine the legal, financial and strategic implications for employers and assess how they can get ahead of the changes that are coming.
- New employment legislation: Explore the key policies affecting pay gap reporting, pensions, employment rights, and flexible working and what these mean for employers
- Legal and financial implications: Understand the legal risks and financial challenges businesses will face and why having accurate data is crucial
- Evolving reward and benefits strategies: Discover how these changes will influence reward and benefits strategies, including pensions, financial, health and wellbeing benefits
- Getting ready: How early action on data preparation and benefit strategy alignment will benefit employers
- Actionable steps for employers: Learn practical steps employers can take to review and update their policies and procedures, get their data in order and build the business case for changes to benefits
Mark Jones, Partner, Isio
Sarah Henchoz, Global Head of Employment Litigation & Investigations, A&O Shearman
Option 2: Investing in support for working parents to build mental resilience and mitigate future health and productivity costs
Option 2: Investing in support for working parents to build mental resilience and mitigate future health and productivity costs
Speaker session, Doddington 1
New mental health research from Deloitte has for the first time explored the personal and performance impact children’s mental health has on working parents. Join this session to understand why investing in support for working parents is not only the socially responsible thing to do but also a strategic imperative.
- Uncovering the mental, financial and productivity impact of poor mental health in children and young people on working parents: what’s the data telling us?
- Investing in support for working parents today to build a confident and resilient future workforce
- What actions can employers take to better support working parents and mitigate performance and productivity risks?
Elizabeth Hampson, Partner, Life Sciences and Health Innovation, Deloitte
Speakers
Option 3: Fireside chat with Dan Cobley: Using AI to build a healthier global workforce without increasing healthcare budgets
Option 3: Fireside chat with Dan Cobley: Using AI to build a healthier global workforce without increasing healthcare budgets
Speaker session, Grand Hall 1
The cost of providing employee benefits is rising globally, driven by deteriorating population health and strained public healthcare systems. At the same time, employees have increased their expectations for personalised experiences and solutions that address their diverse and individual needs. Join this session to explore how leading organisations are closing the gap in employee benefits and positioning themselves for future success.
- The evolving health and employee benefits landscape: how are disruptive technologies and innovation reshaping employee health and benefits programmes?
- The impact of AI adoption to health and benefits solutions: latest insights from WTWs Wellbeing Diagnostic and Global Benefits Attitudes Survey on where are we now and what’s coming down the line: key differentiators, positive benefits and pitfalls
- Next steps for employers: addressing practical hurdles and focusing on actionable steps to improve organisational outcomes and deliver more value without exhausting budgets
Kevin Newman, Head of Health & Benefits, Western Europe, WTW
Dan Cobley, Investor, Entrepreneur and Former CEO, Google
Speakers
Option 4: How the drive for reward transparency is shaping global pay strategies
Option 4: How the drive for reward transparency is shaping global pay strategies
Speaker session, Hardwick Hub
As the drive for pay transparency intensifies, organisations are rethinking their global pay strategies to foster fairer, more equitable workplaces. Join this session to hear about the latest trends and practical steps you can take to create a fair and consistent pay narrative that engages employees and strengthens compliance across borders.
- Evolving global talent trends and understanding employee expectations for fair pay
- Navigating the global regulatory landscape and the need for a consistent approach
- Conducting a readiness assessment to determine where you are now and identifying gaps in current pay practices
- Establishing a clear vision and roadmap, with a focus on storytelling to communicate your pay philosophy and strategy effectively to employees
- Empowering HR and managers to drive transparency
- A strategic approach to total rewards: going beyond base salaries to include benefits, pensions, and other components in your transparent pay strategy
Lucy Brown, UK DEI, Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Consulting Leader, Mercer Marsh Benefits
Speakers
11am – 11.35am
Option 5: Panel – Flexible Benefit Technology in Global Benefits Strategy: Enhancing Consistency, Equity, and Cultural Sensitivity
Option 5: Panel – Flexible Benefit Technology in Global Benefits Strategy: Enhancing Consistency, Equity, and Cultural Sensitivity
Panel session, Doddington 2
For global companies, implementing and managing employee benefits across diverse regions requires a strategic balance between consistency and flexibility. Leveraging flexible benefit technology, organisations now have unprecedented capabilities to create globally cohesive yet adaptable benefit structures. This session will explore:
- The role of flexible benefit platforms in fostering consistent and equitable global benefits strategies that respect regional variations and cultural nuances
- How technology-driven solutions enhance transparency and provide actionable insights into global benefits data, empowering organisations to make optimised, data-informed decisions
- The importance of designing benefits that maintain global alignment while addressing equity across various employee groups and regions
- Strategies for navigating the expanding landscape of global service providers and vendors, leveraging tech-enabled support to deliver scalable, flexible benefits programs
Moderator: Debi O’Donovan, Co-founder and Director, REBA
Carl Chapman, VP Professional Services, Ben
Jamie Davidson, VP Reward, Chart Industries
Fabio Mazetti, Global Benefits, Health and Wellbeing, Philip Morris International
11am – 11.45am
Option 6: Workshop – Leveraging data and analytics to empower reward and benefit leaders to make informed decisions and future-proof your workforce
Option 6: Workshop – Leveraging data and analytics to empower reward and benefit leaders to make informed decisions and future-proof your workforce
Invite only workshop session, Elizabeth Boardroom
As organisations face increasingly complex people risks, reward and benefits leaders need data-driven solutions to make better decisions and improve ROI. This workshop will explore how data analytics can be used to manage risk, optimise benefit strategies, and align them with broader organisational mission. Through real-world, tangible examples, you’ll learn how the right technology and insights can empower teams to make proactive, informed decisions that deliver the right benefits to the right people at the right time.
Key discussion topics:
- Understand the people risks facing your organisation – how data can help to identify and anticipate these challenges
- Implementing a preventative approach to deliver tailored benefits that meeting evolving workforce needs
- Exploring the technologies that drive better decision-making and improve ROI
- Building the foundational infrastructure for proactive, data-driven reward strategies
The session will provide you with a blueprint for success by providing tangible and real-life working examples of overcoming challenges. Additionally, all participants will receive a complimentary meeting with one of Aon’s strategic consultants to discuss how these insights can be applied within their organisation.
Hosts:
David Kirk, Growth Leader, Technology, Aon
Mark Witte, Head of Health & Risk Propositions & Consulting, Aon
Speakers
11.35am – 12pm
Option 2: Tools to support employers as they navigate the adult care crisis
Option 2: Tools to support employers as they navigate the adult care crisis
Speaker session, Doddington 1
Quick on the heels of a new Labour Government, Lord Darzi’s report has highlighted the growing care crisis led by the NHS. It's becoming impossible to ignore - but what does this really mean for employers? KareHero will share results from their recent research across 700+ HR leaders on what they are seeing and how ready they feel to handle this crisis. The demographic most affected – between 40 – 67 – also represents a significant, and growing, portion of the workforce, compounded by the decreasing birth rate and the impact of menopause.
- Why care support must move from being a nice to have to an essential offering to secure future workplace health
- Rethinking benefits strategies to incorporate care solutions to attract and retain talent
- Carer burnout and workforce wellbeing: understanding the impact on health and productivity of working carers
- How employers can take action with a people-first approach and practical solutions
Stephanie Leung, Founder and CEO, KareHero
Speakers
Option 3: From wellbeing washing to real impact: Building a unified employee proposition for a multi-generational workforce
Option 3: From wellbeing washing to real impact: Building a unified employee proposition for a multi-generational workforce
Speaker session, Grand Hall 1
In today’s diverse workplaces, offering wellbeing programmes that fail to address the real needs of employees – know as ‘wellbeing washing’ – can have damaging effects on trust and engagement. Join this session to explore how employers can move beyond surface-level solutions to create an authentic, impactful EVP that resonates across all generations. We look at how employers can prepare for the future of work and how how leveraging technology can bridge the generational gap.
- The dangers of wellbeing washing: superficial solutions and their risks
- Preparing for the future of work: Gen Z and beyond
- Crafting an inclusive, cohesive Employee value proposition that serves employees across all life stages and generations
- Leveraging technology to create personalised, meaningful solutions that bridge the generational gap
Graham Meinke, Chief Product and Innovation Officer, Zest
Speakers
Option 4: How financial wellbeing strategies are shifting to meet workforce demands
Option 4: How financial wellbeing strategies are shifting to meet workforce demands
Speaker session, Hardwick Hub
Revealing the key societal, economic and employee behaviour trends from REBA’s Financial Wellbeing Research 2024, in partnership with WEALTH at work. This session will delve deeper into the trends and provide actionable insights and practical advice from Sage on how they are using share plans to help build financial resilience.
- Exploring the big shifts toward supporting future savings
- How employers are taking action to address retirement adequacy
- Why mental wellbeing is the driving force behind financial wellbeing
- Practical view - how Sage, the global finance, HR and payroll software provider is supporting their employees to build financial resilience through share plans and targeted initiatives
Sarah Long, Head of New Business, WEALTH at work
Julie Shepherd, Director of Share Plans, Global Reward, The Sage Group plc
Jane Darlington, Employee Communications Director, Deloitte LLP
11.35am – 12.15pm
Option 1: Masterclass - Get behind the latest Benefits Trends research: Uncovering changing workforce needs, priorities and pressures to find out what you can do today to be future-ready for tomorrow
Option 1: Masterclass - Get behind the latest Benefits Trends research: Uncovering changing workforce needs, priorities and pressures to find out what you can do today to be future-ready for tomorrow
Masterclass, Grand Hall 2
Join this interactive session to get exclusive insights from the latest REBA and Barnet Waddingham Benefits Trends Research 2025. Hear directly from employers on the importance of understanding your Employer DNA to ensure your organisation is future-fit. Explore how macro trends are influencing the benefits of tomorrow and tap into what’s driving workforce trends to support your strategic planning for 2025 and beyond.
- Major trends, insights and key findings
- How digital transformation is impacting business, workforce, pay and benefits
- What demographic shifts will mean for your organisational and workforce resilience: supporting Gen X, preparing for Gen Z and beyond
- What practical steps can you take to address changing workforce needs, priorities and behaviours?
David Collington, Partner, Head of Benefit Consulting, Barnett Waddingham
Sarita Coleman, Head of Reward, RSPCA
Julia Turney, Partner and Head of Platform & Benefits, Barnett Waddingham
12.25pm – 12.50pm
Option 1: The practitioners guide to AI for benefits communication, personalisation and competitive advantage
Option 1: The practitioners guide to AI for benefits communication, personalisation and competitive advantage
Speaker session, Grand Hall 2
The HR industry has been wowed, scared and enthused in equal measure by the speed and size of the AI revolution that’s coming at us. We’ve debated when we’ll start using AI at scale, how AI will change how we do our jobs in reward and benefits ─ and if and when it will take those jobs away forever. Maybe it’s time to get practical. Join Matt Macri-Waller, Benefex Founder and CEO, as he shares his view on what’s happening in AI in reward and benefits today, what future applications are emerging, and some of the bridges that might take us on the journey.
- The consequences, boundaries and ethics of AI in a benefits setting, where getting the wrong advice has enormous risk
- Powering your benefits design with AI and scaling global benefits design to the nth employee to reflect culture and remain competitive
- Turning opaque policy documents into interesting content and genuine decision-assist tools
Matt will talk about how AI has already given us the first steps on the path to complete personalisation in benefits, and where that’s likely to end up.
Matt Macri-Waller, CEO, Benefex
Speakers
Option 2: Global financial wellbeing: how the financial health of the world is evolving and how employers are supporting the change
Option 2: Global financial wellbeing: how the financial health of the world is evolving and how employers are supporting the change
Speaker session, Doddington 1
In today’s complex world, ignorance isn't bliss. For billions of people, it's hardship, hassle and lost opportunity. This session will reveal how financial health differs across the globe and how leading employers are supporting their employees' needs with personalised, localised impartial financial education. Join to gain unique insights and actionable steps for building a resilient, future-focused financial wellbeing programme.
- Latest global financial health data and the macroeconomic pressures impacting employees
- A playbook for implementing an inclusive global financial wellbeing programme
- Client case studies and practice advice
Tim Perkins, Co-founder and CEO, nudge
Speakers
Option 3: Mitigating people and health risks: Future-proofing your workplace wellbeing benefits for 2025 and beyond
Option 3: Mitigating people and health risks: Future-proofing your workplace wellbeing benefits for 2025 and beyond
Speaker session, Grand Hall 1
Today's workforce is under pressure with employees facing a range of challenges, from the cost of living crisis, to difficulties accessing healthcare. Employers are dealing with rising health-related absence, and the diverse needs of five generations in the workplace for the first time. Join this session to find out about the affordable, actionable steps you can take to help employees get the support they need.
- Access to digital healthcare – whilst demand for out-of-hours support continues to rise
- Connected health journeys, promoting multiple aspects of wellbeing including physical, mental and financial – both in and out of work
- Proactively managing short term absence and in turn reducing longer term absences
Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development, Unum UK
Speakers
12.25pm – 1.05pm
Option 4: Masterclass - Preparing for pay transparency: leveraging change and setting new standards for fair pay
Option 4: Masterclass - Preparing for pay transparency: leveraging change and setting new standards for fair pay
Masterclass, Hardwick Hub
With pay transparency legislation already in place in the US and the EU Pay Transparency Directive coming in April 2026, businesses have an opportunity to be proactive in preparing for this significant shift. Join this masterclass session to explore the push and pull factors driving pay transparency, understand the steps employers can take to get ahead, and get practical, first-hand insights from an employer’s journey.
- The regulatory and legislative landscape: existing pay transparency laws in the US, upcoming EU regulations and compliance measures expected in the future
- Push factors: societal pressure for fairness and equity alongside government efforts to close wage gaps and promote pay equity
- Getting started: mapping the pay transparency journey and understanding the benefits, challenges and opportunities
- Building the business case to secure leadership buy-in: how pay transparency can drive higher employee engagement, trust and retention
- Practical insights and lessons learned: real-world examples and advice on implementing pay transparency including key considerations for HR, managers and employees
Justine Woolf, Director of Consulting Innecto
Judith Moore, Global Head of Reward & Mobility at Wise Plc
Alison Hanlan, Reward Director, Brambles
12.25pm – 1.10pm
Option 5: Panel - Future benefits 2030: Adapting to evolving employee needs and preparing for the next generation workforce
Option 5: Panel - Future benefits 2030: Adapting to evolving employee needs and preparing for the next generation workforce
Panel session, Doddington 2
As the future of work rapidly evolves, driven by technological advancements, remote flexibility, and changing societal values, employers face a significant shift in the needs and expectations of tomorrow’s workforce. The panel will explore how the next decade will reshape employee benefits and what employers can do today to stay competitive and design benefits packages that resonate with the changing needs of an increasingly diverse workforce.
- Tech transformation and benefits – how technological advancements are changing the expectations and possibilities for benefits and what Gen Z and Alpha employees will expect from employers
- Adapting to new expectations – how to keep benefits relevant for an increasingly diverse workforce and meet their rising demands for flexibility
- Holistic care and empowerment – how to support employees’ overall quality of life and empower them to future proof their lives
- Understanding the unique financial concerns of the next generation: from student debs to personalised financial planning and the role of employers can play
- Driving impact – how to utilise benefits to express a company’s purpose and values
Moderator: Jo Gallacher, Content Director, REBA
Michele Haeusler, Head of Customer Experience and Growth, Zurich Integrated Benefits, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
Isha Smith, Global VP, Total Rewards, Soundcloud
Morag Lynagh, Global Future of Work Director, Unilever
Kate Whelan, Global Reward Director, Dentsu
Option 6: Workshop - Successful execution of a global retirement strategy: Getting visibility, control and governance of DC plans for a global workforce
Option 6: Workshop - Successful execution of a global retirement strategy: Getting visibility, control and governance of DC plans for a global workforce
Invite only workshop session, Elizabeth Boardroom
As employers shift focus away from Defined Benefit (DB) pension plans toward the growing assets in Defined Contribution (DC) schemes globally, the issues associated with managing multiple DC plans are becoming increasingly complex and challenging. Many organisations are realising they lack comprehensive oversight of the assets, liabilities and governance of their DC plans spread across the world.
Join this workshop to explore how employers can gain better visibility, control and management of their global retirement plans and ensure they meet local requirements while aligning with wider HR and corporate objectives. From data management to governance structures, we will discuss strategies for improving oversight, ensuring compliance, and supporting workforce growth through robust global retirement planning strategies.
Key discussion points:
- Employers key concerns around managing global retirement plans, prioritising the issues and how to manage them more effectively
- How to gather accurate data and information to report to key stakeholders on their global retirement assets and improving data management for better decision-making, governance and compliance
- How employers can ensure global DC schemes align with broader corporate objectives and talent strategies
- Exploring the pros and cons of different approaches to managing global retirement plans - centralised, regionalised and localised - and how organisations can best tailor governance and management to their specific needs
- What does best practice look like in terms of governance and compliance, risk management and ensuring that local retirement plans are supporting global workforce growth and retention strategies?
Hosts:
Helen Hatt, Partner, International Wealth Team, Aon Global
Catherine Engelhardt, Associate Partner, International Wealth, Aon Global
2.10pm – 2.35pm
Option 1: Case study: Demystifying pay equity with lessons from Diageo
Option 1: Case study: Demystifying pay equity with lessons from Diageo
Speaker session, Grand Hall 2
Ross Elmsly from beqom and Prakriti Sarkar from Diageo will explore the common misconceptions around pay equity and share best practices, drawing from Diageo's journey. They will demonstrate how collaboration between solution providers and enterprises can help address pay inequity on a global scale.
- Debunking major myths about pay equity, including biases and affected demographics.
- Best practices for conducting pay equity audits and ensuring fairness.
- Insights into Diageo's pay equity journey, addressing global and local challenges.
- The role of technology in driving and supporting pay equity initiatives.
- Practical lessons and experiences from both Diageo and other global enterprises.
Ross Elmsly, Head of Solution Advisory, beqom
Prakriti Sarkar, Head of Global Compensation Programs, Diageo
Option 2: Case study - Engaging the disengaged to mitigate rising health costs: Unlocking employee health ownership with lessons from NatWest
Option 2: Case study - Engaging the disengaged to mitigate rising health costs: Unlocking employee health ownership with lessons from NatWest
Speaker session, Doddington 1
With an ageing workforce and rising chronic illness across all ages, employers face escalating healthcare costs and the challenges of keeping employees healthy and productive. In this session, NatWest and GoJoe discuss strategies for engaging hard-to-reach employees, how gamified health and fitness can drive inclusivity and boost engagement and reduce long-term health costs.
- Strategies for reaching hard-to-engage employees through innovative strategies and the impact of gamified health and fitness programmes in inspiring participation across all fitness levels and health stages
- Strategies to better link mental and social health with physical health and how exercise can support employee mind and body
- Using a proactive health and wellbeing strategy to mitigate rising health costs by empowering employees and driving healthier lifestyles
- Health as a DEI driver: using health and wellbeing initiatives to support DEI goals and align with ESG principles by creating a level playing field, fostering inclusivity regardless of age, disability, or fitness level, and driving social cohesion within the workplace.
- Strategies to support employees to age well, remain active, and stay productive to ensure ensuring long-term sustainability and cost management
Will Turner, CEO and Co-Founder, GoJoe
Alan Mochrie, Benefits and Wellbeing Manager, NatWest
Option 3: Rethinking pensions: the benefit employees overlook but can’t afford to ignore
Option 3: Rethinking pensions: the benefit employees overlook but can’t afford to ignore
Speaker session, Grand Hall 1
In today’s rapidly changing retirement landscape, traditional pension models are no longer enough to meet the needs of employees facing longer lifespans, evolving work patterns and increasing financial pressures. Join this session to explore how increasing engagement, leveraging financial tools and reframing conversations on this often overlooked benefit – can drastically improve retirement outcomes for employees at every life stage.
- The new retirement landscape: how shifting work patterns, longevity and housing market pressures are reshaping retirement and why traditional models are no longer fit for purpose
- Reframing the conversation on pensions and retirement to increase engagement: making it relevant and engaging for employees across all ages and stages
- Employees engaging with their pensions can drastically improve their retirement outcome (we’ve got some data to show how even “default” funds from each provider vary over time).
- Simplifying retirement: using new tools like pensions consolidation services and financial coaching to integrate all aspects of an employee’s financial life into one place
- Practical tools and tactics employers can use to start conversations about pensions
Ruth Handcock, CEO, Octopus Money
Speakers
Option 4: Rethinking global benefits design: using AI to transform strategy and solve complexity
Option 4: Rethinking global benefits design: using AI to transform strategy and solve complexity
Speaker session, Hardwick Hub
Designing and delivering a cohesive global benefits strategy remains challenging today and both companies and their employees are missing out. Why is that? Complexity! Local regulations and tax compliance are hard to navigate, employee needs differ from country to country, and providers work very differently. Join us to explore how data and AI will overcome some of the fundamental blockers that have been holding back the benefits industry for decades.
- The complexity of global benefits today: Navigating diverse regulations, cultures and employee needs and why businesses struggle to create cohesive plans
- Data: The underappreciated lifeblood of the global benefits ecosystem
- Global benefits design: A perfect use case for generative AI
- A glimpse into the future of AI-enabled benefits design
- Practical steps to accelerate your global benefits journey
Sebastian Fallert, Co-founder and CEO, Ben
Speakers
Option 5: Innovation Demo - Unlocking financial wellbeing and improving financial inclusion through secure digital income and employment data sharing
Option 5: Innovation Demo - Unlocking financial wellbeing and improving financial inclusion through secure digital income and employment data sharing
Innovation Demo, Doddington 2
Discover how Experian is innovating with data to address the challenges of financial exclusion, support employee wellbeing and improve access to essential financial services. Join this demo to see how Experian’s new data-driven solution enables employees to share income and employment data directly, securely and digitally with financial lenders and service providers, helping to alleviate mental stress at key life moments – and at no cost to employers or employees.
- Learn how Experian can reduce unnecessary time, effort and admin, improve accuracy and expand access to financial services and lending for all employees
- Explore the key benefits of the approach including increased financial inclusion, better employee experiences and reduced risk and cost for businesses
- Understand why this is a free, no hassle or cost service and how it works in practice
- Alleviate security and data concern by hearing how the proposition adds security and privacy versus hindering it
- Drawing on real-world examples and industry data, Experian will demonstrate how this digital data sharing solution can improve employee experiences at pivotal financial moment such as buying or renting a home or applying for credit, transform financial outcomes and unlock new opportunities for financial empowerment
Laura Hughes, Employer Solutions Consultant, Experian
Speakers
2.10pm – 2.55pm
Option 6: Workshop - Future-proofing beyond pay: Navigating new government employment policies and how they are impacting workforce strategy planning
Option 6: Workshop - Future-proofing beyond pay: Navigating new government employment policies and how they are impacting workforce strategy planning
Invite only workshop session, Elizabeth Boardroom
As the Labour government’s manifesto proposals start to translate into new employment policies and regulations, businesses will need to think beyond pay to sustain competitiveness. The rising National Living Wage along with enhanced employment rights, and increased redundancy protections has potentially far-reaching financial implications and unintended consequences for both employers and employees. Join this workshop to explore how businesses can future-proof themselves by creating reward strategies that go beyond pay and focus in on protection and insurance benefits.
Key discussion points:
- How will changes to government employment polices and regulations financially impact both organisations and frontline workers, and what are the unintended consequences?
- With financial constraints, what non-pay-related benefits (e.g., protection and insurance) can businesses offer to attract and retain talent? How can employers use these strategies to enhance their employee value proposition?
- Enhanced redundancy protections and worker rights from day one create both opportunities and challenges. How can businesses adapt their recruitment strategies to ensure compliance while still maintaining flexibility and managing costs?
Hosts:
Andrew Walker, Business Development Director, PG Group
Sarah Lardner, PG Group
2.45pm – 3.10pm
Option 1: Using technology and AI to support the shift to skills based organisation, while enabling pay transparency readiness and equal pay governance
Option 1: Using technology and AI to support the shift to skills based organisation, while enabling pay transparency readiness and equal pay governance
Speaker session, Grand Hall 2
Today’s organisations often have a complex combination of strategies that need a flexible yet structured approach to data, making traditional approaches to job structures outdated and cumbersome. The emerging agile, skills-based organisation requires flexible work structures and dynamic skills-based data models while increased legislation and fair compensation strategies require a more structured approach to managing work and pay. Organisations need to rip-up the outdated job model rulebook and shift to a data-driven flexible approach to jobs, work and skills. Join this session to explore how the advancement in technology and AI can:
- Rapidly consolidate and categorise job, work and skills data to enable both flexibility and structure
- Design skills-based, future-proofed job architectures
- Shift from static job models to dynamic, bespoke skills-based frameworks
- Fast-track pay transparency readiness and support ongoing governance
- Build inclusive work and support equal pay for equal work
Sara Hill, Founder and CEO, RoleMapper
Speakers
Option 2: How the climate outlook will reshape risk, the benefits supply chain and the wider benefits ecosystem
Option 2: How the climate outlook will reshape risk, the benefits supply chain and the wider benefits ecosystem
Speaker session, Doddington 1
As climate risk becomes an increasing threat to business performance and long-term quality of life, hear how employers must prepare for these challenges and how they will redefine the future of employee benefits. In this session you’ll learn how failure to address climate-related HR responsibilities could leave businesses falling short of their climate commitments and we hope you’ll leave inspired to think differently about benefits and climate goals.
- How climate risk is becoming an increasingly real threat to long-term quality of life and business performance and outcomes
- How climate commitments from governments and employers will lead to major interventions to reduce risk which will bleed into people strategies
- How people teams will need new policies, skills recruitment, ways of working and benefits to support employer goals and employee needs
- How people teams will need to look at their benefits supply chain differently to demonstrate their commitment to change
- How, if left unaddressed, the elements of climate policy owned by HR will mean businesses will fall short of their commitments
Matthew Gregson, Executive Director, Howden Employee Benefits
Rowan Douglas CBE, CEO of Climate Risk & Resilience, Howden Group
Option 4: Case study: Putting an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) at the heart of the business to align with strategic ambition at Nationwide
Option 4: Case study: Putting an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) at the heart of the business to align with strategic ambition at Nationwide
Speaker session, Hardwick Hub
In a dynamic and ever-evolving business environment, organisations must prioritise a robust Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to stay competitive and align with their workforce planning needs. Join this session to delve into a case study of Nationwide's strategic approach to developing and embedding an effective EVP, showcasing how it supports the company in navigating current challenges and strengthening its employer brand status.
- Understanding the role of your EVP: developing and defining the EVP so it supports enhanced employee experiences and integrates with organisational goals and values
- Learn how Nationwide’s EVP development process enables the review of reward, benefits and performance strategies in line with key HR and business needs and drives higher employee engagement
- Approaching colleague experiences with a consumer-graded mindset
- Establishing clear metrics and feedback mechanisms to support continuous improvement and innovation
Andrew Drake, Director, People Experience Consulting, Gallagher
Carmen Coombs, Head of Employee Experience & Proposition, Nationwide
2.45pm – 3.20pm
Option 5: Panel - AI’s transformative role in shaping future benefits strategies
Option 5: Panel - AI’s transformative role in shaping future benefits strategies
Panel session, Doddington 2
As AI continues to reshape industries, its transformative potential in employee benefits is starting to become clear. Exploring how AI-powered platforms are revolutionising the way benefits are delivered, personalised and analysed, the panel will discuss the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the future of employee benefits.
- How AI is reshaping the design, delivery and management of employee benefits
- AI-powered personalisation and engagement
- Data analytics for smarter decision-making: leveraging AI to track usage, forecast employee needs, predict trends and deliver cost savings
- AI integration: what are the key challenges and opportunities for employers generally and the impact on reward and benefits teams specifically?
- Balancing innovation with trust: addressing concerns around AI adoption, including privacy, fraud and trust issues from both employer and employee perspectives
- The future vision and art of the possible: exploring the long-term potential of AI to influence company culture and performance
Moderator: Jo Gallacher, Content Editor, REBA
Evan Harris, Co-founder and CEO, Peppy
Peter Frampton - Global Head of Talent, Performance, and Reward at Teneo Securities LLC
Samantha Sergent, Director, International Benefits, Microsoft
3.20pm – 3.45pm
Option 1: Unlocking life’s key moments: Empowering employees to navigate financial milestones and build a more inclusive financial ecosystem
Option 1: Unlocking life’s key moments: Empowering employees to navigate financial milestones and build a more inclusive financial ecosystem
Speaker session, Grand Hall 2
Employees are facing increasing pressure when navigating critical life moments and financial milestones such as buying a home, securing a loan or applying for credit and rental agreements. Often, one of the biggest hurdles is the need to verify income and employment, which can delay processes, increase stress and limit access to better financial opportunities. Join this session to understand how these challenges impact financial inclusion and the practical steps employers can take improve financial wellbeing and help secure better financial outcomes for employees.
- Exclusive insights and in-depth analysis into the financial pressures and pain points impacting different workforce demographics
- Enhance your Employer Value Proposition by offering meaningful support and alleviating the stress of income verification during pivotal financial events such as applying for a rental agreements, buying a home or securing credit
- Align with DEI and financial wellbeing goals by addressing financial inclusion challenges and improving access to essential financial products and services
- Reduce the admin burden for HR teams through automated, data-driven payslip sharing processes while enhancing your financial wellbeing strategy
- Learn how robust data security protocols can protect employee information and increase trust in the verification process, while creating a more efficient financial ecosystem
Natalie Hammond, Head of Marketing (Data & Propositions), Experian
Speakers
Option 3: Preparing for rising costs and new trends: How employers can lead the way in designing inclusive, global women’s and family health benefits
Option 3: Preparing for rising costs and new trends: How employers can lead the way in designing inclusive, global women’s and family health benefits
Speaker session, Grand Hall 1
As family health needs evolve, employers have a unique opportunity to shape a more inclusive and supportive care ecosystem that spans fertility, pregnancy, menopause, midlife care, and working parents' needs. Join this session to dive deep into the trends reshaping women's and family health globally and explore how to design equitable care solutions that meet the diverse needs of a global workforce. During this session, we'll explore:
- Emerging global and top trends shaping family health in 2025 and beyond—and what they mean for employers
- Why employers must go beyond relying on NHS and engage in global health solutions to support women's and family health
- How to design culturally sensitive, equitable health benefits that leverage data and technology to provide personalised care solutions
Will Porteous, Chief Growth Officer, Maven Clinic
Dr. Hiba Sher Khan, UK Medical Director, Maven Clinic
Option 4: Tackling inequalities in workplace healthcare: Creating fair and equitable access for all employees
Option 4: Tackling inequalities in workplace healthcare: Creating fair and equitable access for all employees
Speaker session, Hardwick Hub
Health equity in the workplace is vital for fostering employee wellbeing, reducing absenteeism, and addressing the growing challenges in employee health. Join this session to learn about the challenges facing UK healthcare, the rising costs impacting both employers and how by addressing these inequalities, employers can help reverse the workplace sickness epidemic and alleviate pressure on recruitment and improve staff retention.
- Addressing the barriers: Exploring the key challenges in the UK workplace healthcare landscape and how employers can remove barriers to access
- Bridging the gap: The role employers play in providing affordable healthcare solutions in the face of rising NHS pressures and the ongoing cost of living crisis
- Employer-driven solutions: Practical steps employers can take to create fairer healthcare access and help employees navigate the complex health system
- Future employee health strategies: How to assess and address the diverse healthcare needs within your organisation, ensure policies and benefits are inclusive, effective and will support the future health of your workforce
Tina Kennedy, Product Director – Healthplan, Simplyhealth
Camilla Brooke, Head of Corporate, SME and Intermediary, Simplyhealth
3.20pm – 4pm
Option 2: Masterclass - Harnessing innovation and benefits optimisation to manage future health costs and improve outcomes
Option 2: Masterclass - Harnessing innovation and benefits optimisation to manage future health costs and improve outcomes
Masterclass, Doddington 1
As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers face increasing challenges in providing sustainable, effective employee healthcare benefits. Drawing on insights from REBA’s reports into societal health in partnership with Mercer Marsh Benefits, the Masterclass will explore how employers can harness innovation and optimise their benefits strategies to not only manage future health costs but also improve employee health outcomes. Join this Masterclass session to better understand the wider healthcare ecosystem and how employers can future-proof their employee healthcare strategy, meeting the diverse needs of their workforce while controlling long-term risks and costs.
- How employers can approach societal health from a broader perspective, aligning benefits strategies with workforce needs and risk management
- Laying the foundation for innovation: getting future-ready with a digitally-enabled, innovative benefits strategy that caters to diverse workforce needs and prepare for future healthcare challenges
- Using digital tools, AI, and personalisation to streamline access to benefits, enhance clinical outcomes, and create a more cohesive approach to employee health that reduces risks and costs
- Taking a proactive approach to managing employee health risks by integrating innovation into benefits strategies and focusing on productivity, early intervention and cost control
- How to engage employees with innovative healthcare solutions and ensure they benefit from advancements in digital health and personalised care pathways
Guy Clarkson, UK Digital Growth Leader, Mercer Marsh Benefits
Mike Naulls, Growth Leader and Principal, Mercer Marsh Benefits
3.35pm – 4pm
Option 5: Innovation Demo - Tackling the hidden cost of MSK: leveraging cutting-edge technology to proactively predict and prevent musculoskeletal issues
Option 5: Innovation Demo - Tackling the hidden cost of MSK: leveraging cutting-edge technology to proactively predict and prevent musculoskeletal issues
Innovation Demo, Doddington 2
In this demo session, discover how Vitrue Health leverages the science behind professional athlete injury prevention to reduce MSK pain in the workplace. Musculoskeletal health issues are now the second highest PMI cost and the second most common cause of short and long term absence. Often issues like back pain are considered inevitable, join this demo to see why, through advanced sports approaches, that is a myth.
- Learn why shifting from reactive solutions (like PMI) to proactive MSK prevention is key to tackling MSK in the workplace
- Explore how AI and professional athlete technologies are used to predict injury risk, personalise interventions, and prevent MSK issues before they escalate
- See how Vitrue’s solution works seamlessly across different regions, ensuring consistent results while meeting local compliance requirements
- Understand how you can reduce absence rates, minimise health claims, and drive substantial cost savings
Dr. Shane Lowe, CEO, Vitrue Health
Speakers
4.10pm – 4.55pm
Curated roundtables or visit exhibition
Curated roundtables or visit exhibition
Curated roundtable discussions
1. Changing societal health and responsibility: managing health; risk and prevention benefits2. Creating pay and reward strategies to support transparency; equity and inclusion
3. Evolving mental resilience: benefits and strategies to support mental health including digital stress; mental health and neurodivergence
4. Financial wellbeing strategies to support the changing needs of different generations
5. Impact of AI as a game changer for benefits communication; personalisation and engagement
6. International benefits design; delivery and alignment across different countries and territories
7. Navigating benefits tech – understanding the evolving market and implications for employers
8. Understanding the impact of the Labour government's employment policies on reward and benefits
Speakers
1. Changing societal health and responsibility: managing health; risk and prevention benefits
3. Evolving mental resilience: benefits and strategies to support mental health including digital stress; mental health and neurodivergence
5. Impact of AI as a game changer for benefits communication; personalisation and engagement
6. International benefits design; delivery and alignment across different countries and territories
7. Navigating benefits tech – understanding the evolving market and implications for employers
8. Understanding the impact of the Labour government's new Employment Rights Bill on reward and benefits
4.55pm – 5.30pm
Celebrity guest speaker: Simon Reeve, Adventurer, TV presenter and New York Times bestselling author with a passion for travel, wildlife, history, current affairs, conservation and the environment.
Celebrity guest speaker: Simon Reeve, Adventurer, TV presenter and New York Times bestselling author with a passion for travel, wildlife, history, current affairs, conservation and the environment.
Keynote, Grand Hall
Celebrity guest speaker: Simon Reeve, Adventurer, TV presenter and New York Times bestselling author with a passion for travel, wildlife, history, current affairs, conservation and the environment.
As one of the world’s most adventurous travellers, Simon’s journeys have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world. Join Simon as he takes time out from his ‘To the Ends of the Earth’ national theatre tour to share stories, surprises, deeper thoughts and some laughs too. With behind the scenes footage and stunning imagery, he’ll encourage us to get out of our comfort zone, exploring issues around resilience and head health and inspire and remind us that we all need more journeys -and a bit more wild - in our lives!
Speakers
