Old Course Hotel, St Andrews | 6-7 November 2025
The SPDS Annual Conference brings together HR and OD professionals from across Scotland’s local authorities and the wider public sector for two days of connection, learning and discussion centred on how we can shape meaningful transformation across our organisations.
This year’s theme, Transformation Through People, puts the spotlight on HR’s role as a driver of change.
At a time when we are under increasing pressure to do more with less, and to do it better, our focus is on how we build the capability, culture and confidence needed to deliver change.
Over two days, we’ll explore how HR can help strengthen workforce capability and productivity, embrace technology, and support leaders as they navigate some of the biggest challenges facing local government.
From attracting talent into the public sector and creating environments where people can thrive, to digital leadership and evolving employment law, the programme reflects the value HR and OD bring to our organisations and our pivotal role in shaping how they evolve.
Our Chief Executive panel will explore what senior leaders expect and need from HR. We’ll also look at neurodiversity in the workplace, alongside an energising personal development session packed with practical ideas to help sustain motivation, boost energy, and bring more joy into our working lives.
Above all, this is an opportunity to look ahead and learn from one another.
Whether you’re looking for practical ideas to help you with current and future challenges or the chance to connect with peers facing similar workplace issues, we hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a highly engaging event.
organisational culture
leadership
of work
conversations
to change
reform
of HR
dynamics
law
transformational change
and technology
Collaborative
working
and mindset
wellbeing
Join us in St Andrews in November
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
Panel Discussion
Breakout Sessions
Exhibition
Charity Dinner
The evening will include some top after dinner entertainment and a disco.
Networking Opportunities
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.
Thomas Glen
Chief Executive Officer, Perth & Kinross Council
Leatham Green
Transformation Director: Public Service UK&I, Oracle
Stephen Miller
Partner, Clyde & Co
Graham Mitchell
Partner, Clyde & Co
Conference Sponsors
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...
Venesky Brown
We are leading providers in the Scottish Public Sector and have grown year after year since our appointment to the Scottish Government Interim Frameworks in 2019. Venesky-Brown offers a range of staffing solutions allowing clients to choose the solution that best fits...
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.
The MJ
The magazine offers comprehensive news coverage of all the latest breaking stories. The editorial team is the most experienced in the sector with more than 50 years’ combined service reporting on local government. This means the team is able to publish incisive...
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...
Conference exhibitors
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...
The MJ
The magazine offers comprehensive news coverage of all the latest breaking stories. The editorial team is the most experienced in the sector with more than 50 years’ combined service reporting on local government. This means the team is able to publish incisive...
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...
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,...