This event has taken place
MAKE WORK BETTER
CONFERENCE 2025
9 September 2025 | Kings Place, London
On 9th September 2025, over 380 delegates joined Investors in People at Kings Place in London for the third Make Work Better Conference on 10th September 2025.
Focusing on supportive leadership and management, the Make Work Better conference featured an exclusive roster of experts who delved into the latest trends in workplace culture.
With a line-up featuring renowned celebrities like Jamie Laing and Sara Davies, , there was plenty to take away from the day for all attending to consider and implement within their organisations.
WATCH THE SESSIONS
Every session from the day, free to watch back.
Make Work Better Conference 2025 - Keynote
Speaker: Paul Devoy - CEO, Investors in People
At the Make Work Better Conference 2025, Investors in People CEO, Paul Devoy starts the day with his own reflections on his early management lessons and the power of supportive leadership. He calls for investment in managers and challenged delegates to have start the conversations they need to make work – and management – better. Watch Paul Devoy's MWB 2025 Keynote Who'd
Who'd be a manager?
Speaker: Blaire Palmer - Leadership Coach, Author, Producer
Rethinking Leadership for a New Era… Management is one of the toughest jobs in the modern workplace, but are we setting our leaders up for failure? In this provocative session, renowned thought leader Blaire Palmer challenges conventional ideas about leadership, drawing from new research on the realities of management. 43% of UK employees have quit a job because of a bad manager, so it’s no wonder that many managers struggle with motivation, team engagement, and their own wellbeing. Blaire will unpack the systemic issues behind poor management, explore the emotional and psychological toll of leadership, and offer bold new ideas for reshaping the way we train and support managers. Expect a candid, no-nonsense discussion with practical takeaways for organisations that want to foster better leadership from the ground up. Watch Blaire Palmer at MWB 2025
Keep Your Head
Speaker: Kimberley Wilson - Psychologist, Author, Nutritionist
In an ever-changing, competitive market, mental clarity and emotional resilience aren’t optional, they’re essential. But constant demands, stress, and unhelpful habits can quietly chip away at the very systems that keep you focused, sharp, and in control. This practical and energising session explores how food, movement, sleep, and daily micro-habits directly impact brain performance, both now and in the decades ahead. The talk bridges the latest neuroscience with actionable, time-efficient strategies you can use to: · Boost focus, memory, and decision-making · Reduce stress and mental fatigue · Protect against burnout and cognitive decline · Understand which foods fuel your brain—and which quietly sabotage it · Discover why protecting your brain isn’t just a health issue, it’s a leadership skill This session will teach you how to protect your greatest asset: your mind. Watch Kimberley Wilson at MWB 2025
Fireside chat: Leading with Personality
Jaime Laing in conversation with Paul Devoy. Hosted by Anna Richardson
93% of employees say having a supportive manager is very or fairly important factor to their overall job satisfaction. So what makes a great leader in today’s workplace? Is it technical expertise, emotional intelligence, or simply the ability to inspire? In this engaging fireside chat, entrepreneur and media personality Jamie Laing brings his signature energy and insight to the world of management. Jamie will share his experiences building businesses, leading teams, and learning from failure, offering a fresh perspective on what leadership should look like in 2025. Expect honest reflections, practical advice, and plenty of entertaining stories as we challenge outdated ideas about management and explore how personality, authenticity, and creativity can shape better leaders. Watch the Fireside chat with Jamie Laing at MWB 2025
The Management Crisis: Why We Must Rethink Leadership Development
Ann Francke OBE
Great management is the backbone of a thriving organisation, yet too many managers are overwhelmed, unsupported, and struggling to lead effectively. Ann Francke, CEO of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), dives into the findings of recent research that reveals a troubling pattern: 82% of managers are ‘Accidental Managers’, promoted for their technical expertise, not their leadership ability. Ineffective managers have a deep impact on employee motivation, satisfaction and likelihood to leave their job. Clearly, it’s time for a radical shift. In this session, Ann will explore the urgent need for better management training, the impact of poor leadership on employee wellbeing, and practical strategies to ensure managers have the skills they need to succeed. Attendees will leave with a clear vision of what transformative workplace leadership looks like: a skillset that prioritises emotional intelligence, coaching, and people-first management. Watch Ann Francke at MWB 2025
Fireside chat: From Manager to Leader
Sara Davies MBE in conversation with Paul Devoy. Hosted by Anna Richardson
Lessons in Growth with Sara Davies Management isn’t just about overseeing a team, it’s about inspiring, motivating, and leading with confidence. In this dynamic fireside chat, entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies shares her journey from business founder to leader, offering candid insights into the challenges of managing people, building a strong workplace culture, and developing the skills that truly make a difference. Sara’s experience gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to lead effectively, whether you’re an aspiring manager or a seasoned one. Watch the Fireside chat with Sara Davies at MWB 2025
From the conference
THE BROKEN LADDER
Why people are avoiding manager roles – and how to fix it. Investors in People’s whitepaper, The Broken Ladder, looks at the true picture of the UK workforce’s attitudes towards management roles and to investigate what senior leaders can do to solve the reluctant manager issue.
- 52% of the UK workforce don’t see management as an aspirational career path
- Less than 1-in-5 employees with no management responsibilities see manager roles as aspirational.
- Managers and employees agree that greater access to professional development, clearer career paths, and increased reward & recognition would make management roles more attractive.
THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE
The Make Work Better Conference returns for another day of honest, practical thinking for senior HR and people leaders.