The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum

An exclusive member-only group for HR professionals

For over a decade, The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum has consistently delivered informative, educational and thought-provoking events to all its members who work within the HR industry. 

Born from a one-off breakfast meeting in 2009, the forum now has over 600 members and is widely recognised as a leading HR networking group.  

Sharing knowledge…staying connected

Apply for free membership now.

HR Forum Annual Conference

The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum

An exclusive member-only group for HR professionals

Widely recognised as a leading HR networking group, the forum brings together HR professionals with a programme of free seminars and webinars that are held throughout the year. 

If you work in human resources, why not become a member?

Apply for free membership now.

HR Forum Conference

The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum

An exclusive member-only group for HR professionals

Widely recognised as a leading HR networking group, the forum brings together HR professionals with a programme of free seminars and webinars that are held throughout the year. 

If you work in human resources, why not become a member?

Apply for free membership now.

What is the Surrey & Sussex HR Forum?

The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum

Starting as a one-off breakfast meeting in 2009, The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum has evolved into a highly respected member-only community for HR professionals and hiring managers, now comprising of over 600 members across Surrey and Sussex.

At the core of the forum’s objectives is the commitment to keep members informed and connected through an annual programme of free events, featuring topical seminars, legal updates, webinars, and conferences.

These events provide an invaluable space for members to collaborate, learn, and engage in discussions about the most pressing challenges facing the HR industry—all within a strictly ‘no-sales’ environment.

In addition to our event programme, we’ve established a members-only LinkedIn group. Here, HR professionals can share insights, legal updates, and other crucial information.

Excitingly, as of 2024, we’ve introduced a new members benefits package. This exclusive package includes offers and services available solely to members of The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum

If you work in human resources, why not become a member?  It’s free and only takes 2 minutes to apply.

Why become a member?

Attend professionally-run FREE workshops, conferences, seminars and webinars.

Network with HR peers from a range of industry sectors in your local area.

Receive priority booking invitations for all Surrey & Sussex HR Forum webinars, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Learn from professionals about the biggest opportunities (and threats) that affect your sector and your role in HR.

I always look forward to the next Surrey HR Forum event. I find them very informative, but not heavy, and I am able to take away a new idea or information each time. It helps hugely that the speakers are always engaging as well as very knowledgeable in their subject, so they are very enjoyable, relaxed events… read more >

Fiona O'Nions, Jigsaw School
I haven’t been a member of the Surrey Forum that long, but in the short time I have been, it’s been so helpful! I’ve attended various seminars and workshops, which have helped me to keep up-to-date in the world of HR! It’s great to also meet other HR professionals and learn about different experiences from the local businesses. One of the great things I love about the Surrey HR Forum is that the events are always local and at convenient times so it doesn’t impact my day too much.
Jessica Hay, DJO Global
The Surrey HR Forum is a fantastic free resource for local HR professionals. The workshops are relevant, informative and always well organised and communicated. They really add value and enable us to enhance our HR knowledge and skills – thank you and please continue the great work!
Julia Goddard, Alexander Dennis
Thank you for an amazing conference! I attend regular HR seminars but I was blown away by the speakers so knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen topics.
I thought Mitesh demonstrated what a true leader is … read more >
Tania Adams, Solventis
I could not let today pass without expressing my gratitude for today’s Forum in addition to my formal feedback form comments. It was my first Forum and it exceeded my expectations with good speakers and a lot of actionable insights to read through again and put into action.
Richard Maybury, IoD
I have attended a number of the Surrey HR Forum events and I can highly recommend them to anyone working in HR. The topics presented to date have dealt with highly relevant and topical subject matter… read more >
Emma Dawas, Scitech
I have attended a variety of Surrey HR Forum hosted events including training workshops, seminars and mock tribunals and in my experience these are always seamlessly organised and hosted in a friendly yet professional way. The event topics are always current and presented in an informative way and as an attendee I always leave Surrey HR Forum events feeling positive and well-equipped to cascade and share the knowledge learnt with my colleagues.
Karen Parrant, Halow Project

The Surrey HR Forum is a valuable support to me in my role providing up to date, relevant information and an opportunity to meet with others in similar roles. The forums and workshops are particularly helpful and enable attendees to keep abreast of current HR matters and legislation…. read more >

Jo Ashman, Risk Assurance Management Ltd
I try to attend all the Surrey HR Forum events as they are consistently informative and relevant, the speakers always engaging and knowledgeable and I thoroughly enjoy them. Without fail I come away armed with useful information and ideas which I can use and apply within my role.
Kathi Churchill, Fordway Solutions Ltd

The Surrey HR Forum, always goes straight into my calendar. I have sampled the delights of many seminars run by various organisations, but Sharon’s team are streets ahead and very professional. Their regular presenters cover a wide spectrum of personalities. … read more >

Susan Doherty, Wise & Co

The speakers were fantastic and gave a lot of food for thought.

Holly Creedon, English Heritage

Fantastic seminar, the speakers were incredible, so much to take away and apply into my role.

Tania Adams, Solventis

First time at a Surrey HR Forum event – absolutely loved it!

Kay Newman, Alexander Dennis Ltd

Another fantastic and insightful event that leaves you charged up to go back and make a difference.

Jon Formby, Guildford Borough Council

Mitesh Sheth was a fantastic speaker, inspirational & thought provoking. Janine Chamberlin was also impressive, with lots of relevant insights.

Kimberley Baylis, English Heritage

Another fabulous, well organised and managed event by the Surrey HR Forum team… congratulations and thanks.

Carol Newton, Trafalgar Entertainment

My first event, exceeded my expectations!

Richard Maybury, IoD

Excellent event as always! Food for thought and so good to have time to reflect on some great ideas.

Isobel Venner, PSI

Great networking opportunity and strong speakers.

Chris Ward, The Guinness Partnership

Best Ever! So relevant, engaging. Great job!

Sarah Mason, The Mason Partnership

Brilliant as always! Thank you and well done to all who was involved.

Jessica Mastromarco, Consult Hyperion

All guest speakers were great. Kevin was fantastic as always!

Rob Vallis, McLaren Automotive

Why choose our events?

As a member of The Surrey & Sussex HR Forum, you’ll receive free event invitations via email and find details posted on our exclusive LinkedIn Group – a ‘closed group’ reserved just for members.

We take pride in delivering quality experiences, collaborating only with high-profile speakers, trainers, and industry professionals for our workshops, training sessions, and events.

Furthermore, we actively seek feedback and suggestions from our members to ensure that our events remain relevant, informative, and effectively address the pressing issues confronted by professionals in the field. Our primary objective is to keep our members well-informed and at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of HR.

Our members participation and insights contribute to the collective success of the forum

Our current event - booking now...

Booking now...

I always look forward to the next Surrey HR Forum event. I find them very informative, but not heavy, and I am able to take away a new idea or information each time. It helps hugely that the speakers are always engaging as well as very knowledgeable in their subject, so they are very enjoyable, relaxed events… read more >

Fiona O'Nions, Jigsaw School

The Surrey HR Forum is a valuable support to me in my role providing up to date, relevant information and an opportunity to meet with others in similar roles. The forums and workshops are particularly helpful and enable attendees to keep abreast of current HR matters and legislation…. read more >

Jo Ashman, Risk Assurance Management Ltd

The Surrey HR Forum, always goes straight into my calendar. I have sampled the delights of many seminars run by various organisations, but Sharon’s team are streets ahead and very professional. Their regular presenters cover a wide spectrum of personalities. … read more >

Susan Doherty, Wise & Co
I haven’t been a member of the Surrey Forum that long, but in the short time I have been, it’s been so helpful! I’ve attended various seminars and workshops, which have helped me to keep up-to-date in the world of HR! It’s great to also meet other HR professionals and learn about different experiences from the local businesses. One of the great things I love about the Surrey HR Forum is that the events are always local and at convenient times so it doesn’t impact my day too much.
Jessica Hay, DJO Global
I try to attend all the Surrey HR Forum events as they are consistently informative and relevant, the speakers always engaging and knowledgeable and I thoroughly enjoy them. Without fail I come away armed with useful information and ideas which I can use and apply within my role.
Kathi Churchill, Fordway Solutions Ltd
Thank you for an amazing conference! I attend regular HR seminars but I was blown away by the speakers so knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen topics.
I thought Mitesh demonstrated what a true leader is … read more >
Tania Adams, Solventis
I have attended a variety of Surrey HR Forum hosted events including training workshops, seminars and mock tribunals and in my experience these are always seamlessly organised and hosted in a friendly yet professional way. The event topics are always current and presented in an informative way and as an attendee I always leave Surrey HR Forum events feeling positive and well-equipped to cascade and share the knowledge learnt with my colleagues.
Karen Parrant, Halow Project
The Surrey HR Forum is a fantastic free resource for local HR professionals. The workshops are relevant, informative and always well organised and communicated. They really add value and enable us to enhance our HR knowledge and skills – thank you and please continue the great work!
Julia Goddard, Alexander Dennis
I could not let today pass without expressing my gratitude for today’s Forum in addition to my formal feedback form comments. It was my first Forum and it exceeded my expectations with good speakers and a lot of actionable insights to read through again and put into action.
Richard Maybury, IoD
I have attended a number of the Surrey HR Forum events and I can highly recommend them to anyone working in HR. The topics presented to date have dealt with highly relevant and topical subject matter… read more >
Emma Dawas, Scitech

Some of our recent events...

We host a programme of events throughout the year, encompassing a broad range of topics that reflect the ever-changing challenges faced by HR.

Other topics we have covered as workshops and training sessions include:

Mental health wellbeing

Exploring mental health and mindfulness in the workplace. With one in four of the population affected by poor mental health and one in six workers experiencing poor mental health as a direct result of work, it is vital that businesses understand how to manage this key area.

Employee benefits update

A topical update on the key employee benefits and related issues of the year: Ageing workforce, UK productivity, people management changes, supporting employees in times of change, absence management, UK worker poverty and managing overseas employees.

Bullying, harrassment and culture

The impact of our society’s shifting attitude towards discrimination brings new challenges for employers, inspired by the #metoo movement. Learn the current law on sexual harassment and bullying. How do we ensure we are creating an inclusive culture? A highly topical and thought provoking session.

Financial education in the workplace

A session that will provide you with the tools to actively support your employees with their finance management. You will leave the session with simple ideas and top tips to manage more complex financial and benefits situations. A practical and essential lesson for the workplace and beyond.

Our latest annual conference

Held at the WWF Living Planet Centre, Woking our last annual conference was a sell-out.

Focusing on the external forces that are rapidly changing the face of HR, the event was aptly named ‘The Future Face of HR’ and was attended by over 130 members. The whole event looked at how businesses needed to evolve and embrace change, if they want to find and retain the best talent in the market. The interesting mix of speakers included:

Janine Chamberlin, Director of Talent Solutions at LinkedIn

Kevin Green, CEO of What’s Next Consultancy & author of best seller ‘Competitive People Strategy’

Mitesh Sheth, CEO, Redington Ltd

Steve Herbert, HR and Employee Benefits Specialist

My first event, exceeded my expectations!

Richard Maybury, IoD

Excellent event as always! Food for thought and so good to have time to reflect on some great ideas.

Isobel Venner, PSI

First time at a Surrey HR Forum event – absolutely loved it!

Kay Newman, Alexander Dennis Ltd

The speakers were fantastic and gave a lot of food for thought.

Holly Creedon, English Heritage

Best Ever! So relevant, engaging. Great job!

Sarah Mason, The Mason Partnership

Great networking opportunity and strong speakers.

Chris Ward, The Guinness Partnership

Another fantastic and insightful event that leaves you charged up to go back and make a difference.

Jon Formby, Guildford Borough Council

All guest speakers were great. Kevin was fantastic as always!

Rob Vallis, McLaren Automotive

Brilliant as always! Thank you and well done to all who was involved.

Jessica Mastromarco, Consult Hyperion

Fantastic seminar, the speakers were incredible, so much to take away and apply into my role.

Tania Adams, Solventis

Mitesh Sheth was a fantastic speaker, inspirational & thought provoking. Janine Chamberlin was also impressive, with lots of relevant insights.

Kimberley Baylis, English Heritage

Another fabulous, well organised and managed event by the Surrey HR Forum team… congratulations and thanks.

Carol Newton, Trafalgar Entertainment

Don’t just take our word for it, see what our members have to say…

Our chosen charity

Oakleaf Charity logo
Man in Surrey discussing work related training

We proudly support Oakleaf Enterprise, a local mental health charity serving vulnerable adults in Surrey since 1997. Addressing issues like social isolation, unemployment, poverty, and discrimination, Oakleaf actively trains and supports adults aged 16-67 with various mental illnesses. They provide work-related courses in upholstery, horticulture, and IT, allowing clients to gain qualifications and practical experience. What sets Oakleaf apart is its unique social enterprise model, offering upholstery and gardening services, with all proceeds directly supporting the charity’s mission.

Many Oakleaf clients experience social isolation due to their illnesses, often leaving their homes solely for Oakleaf activities. To combat isolation, Oakleaf offers diverse wellbeing activities, including yoga, football, Tai Chi, and confidence-building pursuits like art therapy, guitar lessons, and literacy/numeracy classes. Additionally, the charity provides a valuable support service for as little as £3 an hour to aid client recovery.

Oakleaf serves as the base for the Guildford Safe Haven, a 365-night alternative to A&E for those in or approaching a mental health crisis.

Man in Surrey discussing work related training
Man in Surrey discussing work related training

We proudly support Oakleaf Enterprise, a local mental health charity serving vulnerable adults in Surrey since 1997. Addressing issues like social isolation, unemployment, poverty, and discrimination, Oakleaf actively trains and supports adults aged 16-67 with various mental illnesses.

They provide work-related courses in upholstery, horticulture, and IT, allowing clients to gain qualifications and practical experience.

What sets Oakleaf apart is its unique social enterprise model, offering upholstery and gardening services, with all proceeds directly supporting the charity’s mission.

Many Oakleaf clients experience social isolation due to their illnesses, often leaving their homes solely for Oakleaf activities. To combat isolation, Oakleaf offers diverse wellbeing activities, including yoga, football, Tai Chi, and confidence-building pursuits like art therapy, guitar lessons, and literacy/numeracy classes. Additionally, the charity provides a valuable support service for as little as £3 an hour to aid client recovery.

Oakleaf serves as the base for the Guildford Safe Haven, a 365-night alternative to A&E for those in or approaching a mental health crisis.

Woman discussing employment options
Woman discussing employment options

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