Old Course Hotel, St Andrews | 5-6 November 2026
The SPDS Annual Conference brings together HR and OD leaders, practitioners and partners from across Scotland’s local government and the wider public sector for two days of connecting, learning and knowledge sharing, centred on how we shape meaningful transformation across our organisations.
As we strive to deliver more responsive, resilient, and best value services to communities in a context of unprecedented change and challenge, the conference offers a unique opportunity to collectively explore how we can accelerate transformational change.
This year’s theme, Transformation Through People, highlights that meaningful and sustainable change must be driven through our workforce, and it puts the spotlight on the critical role HR and OD play in shaping transformation.Â
From strategic workforce planning and organisation development to building inclusive, healthy and high performance workplace cultures, aligning people strategies to organisational priorities will ensure our councils adapt, innovate, and continue to deliver vital services to our communities.
Over the two days, through expert speakers, shared insight and practical examples, we will explore how we can act as drivers of change, supporting our organisations to create the conditions for transformation, and build the workforce skills and capability to be fit for the future.
We will hear from senior leaders about what they need from HR and OD and look at how we can attract and retain talent, harness digital transformation, build leadership capability and drive performance through employee engagement. Sessions will also offer practical advice on how to navigate the changing employment law landscape, lead with confidence and unlock the potential of a diverse workforce.
And above all, the conference offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, share challenges and ideas, while gaining tools and tips for your own personal development.
We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a highly engaging event.
HR as a
driver of transformation
Digital Leadership
Creating conditions
for people to thrive
Building a performance culture
Employment law
Talent acquisition
Neurodiversity
The Venue
We are delighted to be returning to the wonderful Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, where you can experience Scottish hospitality and service second to none.Â
The main presentations and charity dinner will take place in the Hall of Champions, with the exhibition and coffee area in the Hall of Champions foyer.Â
Keynote Speakers
Keynote PanelÂ
On Thursday morning our keynote panel will feature three Chief Executives discussing their key challenges and what they need from HR to deliver on these. Â
Networking
Networking is an important part of the conference, and we will be building in plenty of time for networking and discussion into the programme so delegates can share what’s happening in their Council, and hear about what’s working for others.
Exhibition
Our exhibition will showcase a range of organisations with products and services that can help you to support and develop people and your organisation.
Charity Dinner
Our charity dinner is always a memorable event, and our dinner will feature some top-class entertainment, all in aid of Variety Scotland, the children’s charity.
Personal development
Gain tools and tips for your own personal development.
Most of our keynote sessions will include time for group discussion and feedback so delegates can share and learn with like-minded people professionals from across the the SPDS network.
Robyn Adamson
Programme Manager, myjobscotland
Huss Azzan
Account Director, LinkedIn
David D’Souza
Director of Profession, CIPD
Louise Fraser
Programme Officer, myjobscotland (COSLA)
Conference Sponsors
PAM Group
We deliver a full range of occupational health and wellbeing services to allow our clients to work towards achieving their Health & Wellbeing goals while protecting their people. We are proud to be supporting over 20 local authority organisations across Scotland...
Broadbean
Broadbean is a recruiting software leader with 25 years of experience helping businesses streamline hiring, manage candidates, and deliver actionable hiring insights to improve return on investment (ROI). Broadbean simplifies the hiring process through consolidation,...
Clyde & Co
Our experience ranges from handling straightforward unfair dismissal claims (where capacity issues prevent these being managed in-house) to sensitive and high value whistleblowing and discrimination claims and civil court litigation including judicial review.
myjobscotland
myjobscotland is the national shared recruitment website for Scotland's local authorities, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Leisure Trusts, Further Education establishments and various other public and third sector organisations. It is a UK and international first in...
NEREO
NEREO’s function is to support local authorities and partner organisations in the fields of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Employee Relations in all their complex and varied forms. NEREO is a small organisation with a big reputation. Our staff have...
Salary Finance
We’ve already partnered with over 180 public sector organisations, and on average staff save over £2000 a year against existing debt repayments. Scottish employers such as Scottish Fire and Rescue, Aberdeenshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council and Falkirk Council...
Conference exhibitors
Benenden Health
We're proud to be a not-for-profit, mutual society offering businesses an affordable alternative to private health insurance. Plus, there's are no medical exclusions on joining meaning our membership gives employees immediate access to all our services from day one,...
Broadbean
Broadbean is a recruiting software leader with 25 years of experience helping businesses streamline hiring, manage candidates, and deliver actionable hiring insights to improve return on investment (ROI). Broadbean simplifies the hiring process through consolidation,...
Brodies
With more than 100 partners and 850 colleagues working across our offices in London and throughout Scotland, we support our clients in the following core business areas: real estate, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and risk, banking and finance and...
CIPD
We help organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. We're the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals - experts in people, work and change. With almost 160,000 members globally - including more...
Cornerstone OnDemand
Our complete AI-powered workforce agility platform, Cornerstone Galaxy, seamlessly integrates to help you identify critical skills gaps, foster professional growth, and deliver diverse learning experiences. With Galaxy, you can retain and engage top talent, ensuring...