SSF UK members came together today in Oldham at member organisation The Guinness Partnership for an insightful and engaging HR & Payroll network event, exploring the real challenges and opportunities shaping the function right now.
The day began with a warm welcome, SSF UK update and icebreaker, before hearing from Katie Myers , Head
HR Service Improvement Specialist at The Guinness Partnership. Katie shared an insightful introduction into their shared services journey, the progress made and the challenges and lessons learned along the way.
From the ongoing Oracle implementation and payroll audit developments to the organisation's ambitions as it moves towards its 2027 strategy, it was a valuable and honest perspective on transformation in action.
Thank you Katie brilliant session.
The morning then turned to employee financial wellbeing, with Katie Duxbury from Bupa exploring why organisations are increasingly taking an active role in supporting employees to better manage their pay. The session highlighted the importance of executive buy-in, measuring impact, and recognising that education alone does not change behaviour. A key theme was the role emotions play in financial decision-making and what this means for organisations looking to make a lasting difference.
Next up it was time to breakout and network. An interactive discussion session, giving members the opportunity to share insights on financial wellbeing. Building on the morning’s session, conversations focused on what’s working in practice, common challenges, and the practical actions we can take to turn awareness into real impact.
After a lovely networking lunch, the focus shifted to compliance, with guest speaker Jeni Morris, CEO of Fair Work Solutions, delivering an essential session on minimum wage risks currently affecting many organisations. The session highlighted how everyday workplace practices, often entirely well-intentioned can inadvertently push employees below minimum wage thresholds. Through practical case studies and real calculations, members gained a clearer picture of where these risks may exist within their own operations. A powerful session that challenged thinking, raised awareness, and gave our members a clearer view of where to look within their own organisations. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights Jeni!
The final session of the day explored how AI is placing HR centre stage, looking at how organisations are progressing at different speeds and the key strategic decisions leaders need to consider. The discussion also reinforced the ongoing importance of human skills as technology continues to evolve.
From financial wellbeing to compliance and AI, today’s event brought together a wide range of topics that reflect the evolving HR and Payroll landscape. With a strong focus on practical insight, shared experience and open discussion, members left with new ideas, fresh perspectives and valuable connections.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today, thank you to Katie Myers and Katie Duxbury for their insightful contributions, to Jeni Morris for an excellent and highly relevant session , to thank you to our Network Leaders Sanj Sangray and Claire Meadows for all your hard work putting the event together and making a huge success and a big thank you from all of us at SSF UK to The Guinness Partnership for hosting us, keeping us refreshed and fuelled all day and sharing your journey with us.
The next network event will be our forward focus session taking place this September online, more details coming soon.
