Chris Howard is joined by Cathy Acratopulo and Chris Horton from LACE to discuss the differences between an HR strategy and a people strategy. Delving deeper into questions like, why we need both? and what are the strategic themes we are seeing?

HR strategy vs people strategy - What's the difference?

Host Chris is joined by Chris Horton as this week's guest is Cat Paterson, Director, HR Business Partner at Elastic. Her recent role has been to manage Elastic's EMEA workforce of around 3000 employees.

Like most companies in the technology sector they have had to undergo some kind of restructuring earlier on in the year, Elastic also had to do the same. Listen to learn how Cat was able to overcome the challenges she faced and to learn how using compassion and respect can help both your leaving employees as well as the remaining members of the organization.

Restructuring and change: How to navigate difficult journeys

In this podcast host, Chris along with Cathy Acrotopulo and Debbie Mitchell speak to guest Gethin Nadin, Chief Innovation Officer at Benefex.

Listen now for a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape and its growing significance. As part of our wider EX Revolution campaign, we’ll be unpacking the core components of good employee experience, sign up on our website to receive updates as our latest content is released.

What is wellbeing’s role in the employee experience revolution?

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris and Cathy Acratopulo introduce the co-founders of Engage Andy Brown and Sarah Jordan to discuss the evolution from descriptive engagement data to a more strategic, outcome-driven approach in the field of employee experience.

Listen now to learn how data-driven insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of your employee needs.

How can you use data and insights to optimise your employee experience?

In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris dives into the fascinating topic of storytelling and its important use case in HR. Joined by fellow LACEr Gemma Ryall and guest Karen Eber, author of "The Perfect Story", the discussion revolves around leveraging storytelling to enhance employee experience and communication and Karen shares some examples of impactful storytelling from her book.

Stories are not only memorable but also instrumental in shaping organisational culture, fostering engagement, and driving meaningful change. Listen now to learn the transformative power of storytelling in HR.

How can HR utilise the power of storytelling effectively?

In this episode of our HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris introduces the topic of discussion, the HR operating model, particularly focusing on the payroll aspect. He is joined by Chris Kirby, a senior manager specialising in Payroll at LACE, to delve into the intricacies of payroll operating models.

Listen now to learn how you can evaluate your organisation’s payroll operating model.

How can payroll operating models contribute to your organisation’s success?

In this podcast we discuss our newly released HR Shared Services Trends 2024 report. Chris is joined by the authors of the report, Emma Leonis-Hughes and Dawn Goodall, as well as guest Nadia Hutchinson, Global Director HR Services and Operation from the Cabot Corporation. Together, they chat through the evolving landscape of HR shared services.

What do HR Shared Services look like for 2024?

In the latest episode Chris introduces co-host, Debbie Mitchell, and guest Graham Norris, an Organisational Psychologist and Speaker. The focus of this episode is on HR professionals’ abilities to think strategically and long-term. The summary delves into various aptitudes necessary for navigating future HR challenges.

HR professionals need to confidently engage in strategic conversations about the future, thereby positioning themselves as drivers of change and innovation within their organisations. Listen now to learn how to cultivate a mindset that embraces uncertainty and anticipates change

Why does HR need to start thinking long-term?

In this podcast episode, Chris and LACE payroll experts Adrian Axtell and Sara Thompson discuss national minimum wage breaches. After delving into recent press coverage around companies facing allegations of underpaying their employees, the conversation moves on to the payroll teams’ responsibility in ensuring compliance and explores strategies for businesses to address this issue.

Overall, the discussion underscores the multifaceted nature of national minimum wage compliance. Listen now for proactive steps you can take to uphold ethical and legal standards while prioritising employee welfare and ensuring minimum wage compliance.

How should businesses ensure national minimum wage compliance?

In this episode, Chris brings in LACE Payroll specialists Simon Puryer and Chris Kirby to discuss the payroll fundamentals you need to get right. Listen now to learn why it's important to have the payroll basics right and why you should start thinking beyond the next tax year.

Do you have your payroll fundamentals in order?

In this HR on the Offensive podcast the conversation centres on how HR and people-centric strategies have evolved, particularly in the post-pandemic world. To explore this, Chris and fellow LACEr Cathy Acratopulo invite on Kathryn Dolan, Chief People Officer at Bureau Veritas, to share insights from her experience.

Listen now to learn how to better equip your HR team is to support the organisation's business goals.

How can you align your people strategy with your business goals?

In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris is joined by LACE payroll expert Adrian Axtell, along with Bronwynn Gordon, Global Payroll Director, and Claire Findell, VP of People Operations at Sage, to celebrate National Payroll Week. Together, they explore the importance of the payroll profession and dive into its evolution, current challenges and future opportunities.

Listen now as we celebrate National Payroll Week and highlight the essential role payroll professionals play within an organisation.

What does the future hold for the payroll profession?

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris, LACE CEO Cathy Acratopulo and guest Melanie Steel, one of HR Magazine’s most influential for 2024, delve into how different business drivers shape HR operating models. These drivers include agility, customer intimacy, growth, and productivity. This is part of our Demystifying the HR Operating Model campaign read more here - https://lacepartners.co.uk/demystifying-the-hr-operating-model/

Listen now to learn the necessity of aligning HR strategies with broader business objectives and the importance of adaptability.

How can HR operating models adapt to meet evolving business needs?

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast Chris and LACEr Gemma Ryall speak to Simon Gibson, Head of Talent at Center Parcs. The focus of the podcast is skills-based organisations and how companies can effectively transition to a skills-focused approach. More organisations are moving to a skills-based approach. That’s why we’ve launched our Becoming skills-Powered campaign to explore the key questions and challenges surrounding this shift - https://lacepartners.co.uk/becoming-skills-powered/

Listen now to learn how you can use a skills-based approach to bridge your skill gaps.

How can organisations leverage a skills-based approach to bridge skill gaps?

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris is joined by LACErs Charlie Frost and Aaron Lynch, our in-house AI experts, as they chat with Ben Williams, Founder and Managing Director of Sten10. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on organisations attempting to become skills-powered. 

Listen now to learn how AI is reshaping workplace dynamics, skill requirements, and organisational strategies.

How will AI impact organisations becoming skills-powered?

In today's fast-changing business world, transformation is no longer a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast Chris and LACE co-founder Aaron Alburey discuss our new campaign, Driving business transformation: HR as the conductors of change, exploring why HR should take the lead in reshaping organisations. Our campaign aims to position HR as the strategic leader, the conductor orchestrating productivity, efficiency, and sustainable growth. 

For HR professionals looking to lead transformation within their organisations, listen now for valuable insights into the mindset shift HR needs to lead the change. 

Sign up to our campaign to stay updated with exclusive content, events, and resources designed to put HR at the forefront of transformation. - https://lacepartners.co.uk/hr-driving-business-transformation/

Why HR should lead business transformation — and how it benefits everyone

What makes a great people manager? And how do you build the skills for the future super-charged people manager who is no longer just supervisor; but a coach, mentor and enabler of growth? 

Organisations that truly harness the potential of their people managers unlock new levels of productivity, engagement, and innovation. But what does it take to create these ‘supercharged’ people managers? And what role do they play in the success of a skills-powered organisation? 

This is what Chris and Debbie Mitchell discuss in this amazing episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, as part of our Becoming skills-powered series.

Listen now to hear more of Debbie’s thoughts on how by equipping line managers with the right tools you can supercharge employee engagement and productivity through skills approaches.  

What is the role of a super-powered people manager in a skills-based organisation?

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, organisations are looking for smarter ways to manage talent, align workforce strategies with business objectives, and leverage technology to stay ahead. As part of our Becoming skills-powered campaign Chris alongside LACE strategic workforce planning expert Becki Lovelady speak to Tom Shurrock VP of Product at Beamery. In this episode they unpack the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping modern strategic workforce planning (SWP).  

SWP is an approach that forecasts the skills needed to meet business outcomes, not just in moment but for the future. By looking ahead, you are able to evaluate the actions needed such as upskilling current workforce or hiring in new skills. They also discuss how Beamery’s AI-driven talent platform is transforming SWP, helping businesses build more agile, skills-based organisations that can navigate the complexities of the modern labour market. 

The future of SWP is about being proactive, data-driven, and human-centric. Companies that invest in their people will not only navigate the complexities of the modern workforce but emerge as industry leaders. Listen now to learn how you can use a skills-based approach to refine your SWP.

Is a skills-based approach the future of strategic workforce planning?

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report for 2025 highlights a massive transformation in the global job market. An estimated 170 million new jobs will be emerging in the next decade, alongside the displacement of around 92 million roles. That's a net increase, but it underscores the sheer scale of the skills evolution we're facing. In the latest HR on the Offensive podcast. Chris is joined by LACEr and talent expert Pavan Bilkhoo, as they discuss the looming skills gap facing UK organisation. This is not a distant problem; the Open University Business Barometer from last year already showed that a significant chunk of UK organisations – over 60% – are grappling with skills shortages right now. 

HR leaders must carve out time for strategic reflection. Making space to think critically about workforce transformation is what will set future-fit organisations apart. Listen now to learn how to modernise your workforce strategy and ensure the future readiness of your workforce.

How to modernise your workforce strategy to tackle skills gaps

Navigating the evolving world of global talent acquisition is no easy task—it's complex, fast-moving, and full of unexpected challenges. That’s why this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris and Pavan Bilkhoo speak to Monika Lubczak-Pufelska, author of Shortlisted for a Better Life. Monika unpacks the cultural nuances, strategic missteps, and hard-won lessons that define today’s international recruitment landscape. 

If you're navigating cross-border talent strategies and wondering why your efforts might not be succeeding, listen now for Monika’s valuable perspectives and practical advice.

The global skills map: Navigating cultural nuances in talent acquisition

In today’s evolving business climate, efficiency can no longer be synonymous with cost-cutting and headcount reduction. In our opinion, that's an outdated view risks undermining both performance and resilience. In our latest whitepaper The Efficiency Paradox, we outline a three-step approach to tackling this problem. For this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast Chris speaks with the authors of the whitepaper; Martin Colyer, Adam Morris, and Pavan Bilkhoo as they explore each step. 

Listen now for a brief overview of the three key areas of focus to tackling the efficiency paradox. Download our whitepaper to learn how you can unlock more with what you already have. 

How can HR solve the business efficiency paradox?

What if AI didn’t just reshape jobs, but reshaped how we think about work itself? Many organisations are rethinking the way that work get's delivered, whether that's through skills-based approaches or changes in strategic workforce planning. AI is central to conversations on this topic and is the core of this discussion on the HR on the Offensive podcast, where Chris Howard is joined by fellow LACEr Gemma Ryall as they speak to Dr Nicola Millard, Principal Innovation Partner at BT Business about the impact of AI on the workplace. 

AI isn’t here to replace people; it’s here to enhance how people work—if we’re thoughtful about how we implement it. Listen now to learn how AI can be used to transform the workplace for the better. 

Is AI the key to transforming the workplace?

In the latest episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard is joined by LACEr Gemma Ryall and guest Neil Carberry, CEO of the REC, for a great conversation about skills, productivity, and the changing world of work. They explore the challenges organisations are navigating in today’s fast-paced global environment—especially when it comes to embracing AI while maintaining the critical value of human connection. 

Listen now to learn how to strike the right balance between embracing new technology and understanding the human side of work. 

How can AI enhance productivity and transform the future of work?

Struggling to get the most out of your HR tech investment? You’re not alone. In the latest episode of HR on the Offensive, host Chris Howard, Ffion Bennett, and Louise Brown delve into “Less Stress Part Three,” a continuation of our Less stress series, which aims to guide businesses through their HRIS implementation journey. This third instalment tackles a commonly overlooked but crucial phase: post-implementation optimisation. 

Optimisation doesn’t happen by accident. By treating it with the same rigour as implementation—complete with dedicated resources and budget—prevents stagnation and ensures the system keeps pace with business growth. Whether you're post-go-live or planning your next tech move, listen now to learn how you can get the most out of your HRIS. Download our whitepaper for a more in-depth exploration. - https://www.lacepartners.com/less-stress-hris-part-three-beyond-launch-unlocking-the-full-value-of-your-hris/

How can you unlock the full value of your HRIS?

When you think of payroll, it’s easy to imagine a simple process: work, get paid, repeat. But behind that straightforward cycle lies an intricate network of operations, systems, and strategy that most employees—and many businesses—rarely see. In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard is joined by LACE payroll experts Chris Kirby and Nick Osborne-Moore to dive into our recent whitepaper, “Optimal Payroll Starts with the Foundations”. Together, they take listeners behind the scenes to explore what it truly takes to build a world-class payroll function. 

It’s evident that payroll has outgrown its transactional roots. For organisations looking to future-proof their payroll function, investing in the foundational elements outlined in the whitepaper is essential. Listen now for a concise overview of how to build the foundations of an optimal payroll function. For a deeper dive into the seven key pillars, download our full whitepaper. - https://www.lacepartners.com/payroll-foundations/

How can you optimise your payroll function for the future?

AI is transforming the world of work at speed—but with great potential comes a need for clarity, accountability, and smart, human-centred decisions. That’s why we developed the TRUSTED AI framework at LACE Partners: a practical, values-led model to help organisations adopt AI in ways that are responsible, secure, and truly useful.

In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris Howard sits down with LACE AI experts Martin Colyer and Charlie Frost to unpack the framework and what it means for forward-thinking HR teams wanting to trust in AI.

Introducing the TRUSTED AI Framework

We’ve also published two companion blogs that go deeper into each element of the model—but here’s a quick guide to what TRUSTED stands for:

T — Technology
Make sure your AI tools and infrastructure match the needs of your people and business—not the other way around.

R — Regulation
Stay compliant with evolving laws and ethical expectations. Responsible AI starts with knowing the rules.

U — Usability
If AI isn’t intuitive, it won’t get used. Prioritise design that blends seamlessly into everyday workflows.

S — Security
Keep systems and data safe. Robust protection is essential when dealing with sensitive HR information.

T — Transparency
Build trust by making it clear how AI decisions are made, and how tools are trained and evaluated.

E — Ethics
AI must be fair and accountable. Bias and unintended consequences must be actively addressed—not left to chance.

D — Data
High-quality, well-governed data is the fuel for reliable AI. Without it, everything else breaks down.

How can you build trust in AI and future-proof your HR strategy?

In this episode, Chris Howard and LACE founder Aaron Alburey unpack the results of a global study revealing the disconnect between HR’s ambitions and its real influence in business transformation. What needs to change—and how can HR step up? Tune in to find out.


Can HR play a role in driving business transformation?

What happens when two of the most culturally distinct functions in a business—HR and IT—are brought together under a single umbrella? In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, Chris Howard is joined by fellow LACEr Julian Holmes and guest John Guy, CEO at Simply Get Results, as they explore the implications of merging HR and IT in an era increasingly shaped by AI and workforce transformation. 

Why merging HR and IT could be the key to unlocking AI’s full potential

If you’ve ever asked yourself who’s looking out for the people who look after everyone else, the latest episode of HR on the Offensive dives straight into that question. Chris Howard is joined by clinical psychologist and Ultimate Resilience co-founder Dr. Jo Burrell to unpack a tough but important reality: HR professionals, who are responsible for supporting the well-being of others, are increasingly struggling with their own mental health.

This podcast doesn’t just highlight a problem; it offers a path forward. Listen to learn how you can turn insight into action before burnout becomes the new baseline.

Is HR facing a silent mental health crisis?

In a recent conversation, Chris Howard sat down with LACE payroll experts Simon Bunday and Simon Puryer to unpack the not only the insights from our latest whitepaper but also the power of our payroll community. They emphasised how the community, through shared insights, can support a more holistic approach to payroll strategy, that goes beyond day-to-day transactions and focuses on payroll as a strategic, foundational element of business operations. 

How our payroll community can boost your payroll strategy?

Addiction in the workplace is often a silent issue. In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast host Chris Howard and guest, Dr. Georges Petitjean, Clinical Director at Inclusion, cut through the taboo to reveal why HR leaders can’t afford to ignore it.  

Georges explains that addiction is as a spectrum, from low-risk use, on one end, to compulsive behaviours continued despite harm, on the other. This not only includes well-known addictions but also caffeine, prescription medication, or even behavioural addictions such as gambling. All of these challenges have an impact on the employee’s personal life but also their work life, and as such should be a consideration for HR leaders. 

How can HR leaders effectively tackle addiction in the workplace?

What does HR Shared Services and Payroll transformation look like in practice?  

That’s the question at the centre of the latest HR on the Offensive podcast, where Chris Howard and Dawn Goodall from LACE Partners were joined by Clare Phillips, Global Head of HR Services at IFS, and Michael Serbrock, Head of Change at Lloyds Banking Group. 

Clare and Michael recently spoke to our HRSS and Payroll networks about their transformation journeys, which was so insightful we wanted to share it with you! 

Case studies: How Payroll and HR Shared Services drive transformational change?

For many, the title has a different meaning depending on the business and the requirements (the scope also differs depending on which ‘hat’ a CPO wears), often seen as just another corporate rebrand of HR. Yet, as Kathryn Kendall, CPO at Saltus, explains in this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, the role is complex and nuanced. It’s about creating the conditions where people thrive so organisations can perform at their best. She discusses with host Chris Howard that the modern CPO is embedded in the business, understanding its culture, and championing its people strategy at every level. 

How can CPOs drive business success through people-first leadership?

Ever wondered what it really takes to run a world-class payroll function?  In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast, host Chris Howard and LACEr Julie Choudhury and special guest Melanie Pizzey, Founder of the Global Payroll Alliance (GPA), dive into the evolving landscape of payroll and the critical importance of getting the basics right. 

Listen now to learn how your Payroll function can support broader business goals and drive business success.

How can strong payroll foundations drive business growth?

Did you know not all breast cancers can be treated the same way? In this episode of the HR on the Offensive podcast host Chris Howard, a member from our CSR team Natalie Berkoff, and guest Robin Woolcock, chairman of the UK charity for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), pulls back the curtain on one of the most aggressive and least understood forms of the disease. 

The UK charity for Triple Negative Breast Cancer is one of LACE Partners’ chosen charities that we choose to support and to us, support is more than charitable donations, but it is also about raising awareness. That is what we hope to do with today’s podcast. ` 

How HR can better support employees facing Triple Negative Breast Cancer?

Are you an HR leader grappling with the complexities of HR tech, transformation, or change management? Then, listen to the HR on the offensive podcast for cutting-edge insights, actionable strategies, and real-world success stories to tackle your biggest HR challenges.

At LACE Partners, we pride ourselves on being a fundamentally different HR consultancy—innovative, and laser-focused on delivering impact. In each episode, we dive into the latest trends, expert advice, and practical solutions to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Whether you're looking to drive adoption of new technology, lead organisational change, or simply optimise your HR strategy, you'll leave every episode with fresh perspectives and tools to take your initiatives to the next level.

Subscribe now and join us on the journey to reshape the future of HR

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