The Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) has launched a new HR Leaders Forum in partnership with specialist recruitment agency HNH Human Capital.

Aimed at providing a platform for HR leaders to learn best practice and attain new skills for the boardroom, the forum was launched at a special event at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

IoD NI Chairman Gordon Milligan said:

“Without exception, the priority issues raised with us by members are a lack of access to skills and labour shortages, whether it is concerns about being unable to attract talent locally or how to recruit from outside Northern Ireland in the face of changing immigration laws.

“There has therefore never been a better time to ensure HR professionals are occupying senior positions in our businesses and taking up leadership roles on our boards.

“Our new HR Leaders Forum presents a real opportunity for those operating in HR and personnel roles to meet, learn from each other and gain new skills.

“This will empower them to interface with the boardroom and influence conversations happening at that level.”

Sarah Orange, Managing Partner, HNH Human Capital added:

“In business, we often talk about investment in physical capital, buildings, equipment and infrastructure, all of which are vitally important in supporting growth – but people make the greatest impact.

“This is obvious to us as we work to place executives at companies in a diverse range of sectors across Northern Ireland.

“Given the nature of their positions, with insight across all departments in organisations, we see a tremendous role for HR professionals in helping to grow our business and in turn, the economy.

“We are delighted to champion their work and support them in their continued development through the HR Leaders Forum.”

The Forum will meet regularly, with a dinner planned this August to be addressed by Jackie Henry Deloitte UK Consulting People & Purpose Lead and Northern Ireland Office Senior.

For further details about the HR Leaders Forum, contact IoD NI Business Development Manager Heather White on heather.white@iod.com.