Disrupt North East returns on November 18th! Join us to network and see multiple lightning talks by world of work experts. This edition is produced in partnership with the team at Ward Hadaway and supported by HR Gazette and Tribero.

Disrupt North East is an information exchange designed to energise, inform and empower executives, business leaders and people in HR*

Professionals will come together at the beautiful Ward Hadaway HQ on Quayside for an afternoon of inspiring speakers and networking:

• Hear what HR leaders and workplace innovators are doing in 2025 to improve the workplace
• Discover innovative approaches to how companies are disrupting current practices and adding value to the local HR community
• Network with forward-thinking HR and Tech people – we want to ensure we network and build connections

Agenda

1:00 – 2:00 – Registration and networking

2:00 – 2:15 – Event introductions

2:15 – 2:30 – Partner talks

2:30 – 4:15 – Multiple 5-minute presentations from well-known HR, Talent, Leadership and Tech experts including:

• Kathryn Wharton, Director & Co-Founder at Women in Tech North East CIC
• Kirsty Russell, Head of People at One Utility Bill
• Mark Charlesworth, Neurodiversity & Neuroinclusion Consultant and Founder of Neuro Tide
• Ray’n Terry, former Global Director ESG at Stepstone
• Jon Dudgeon, Co-Founder of Blu Sky
• Trevor Norman, Founder & Director at Tribero
• Bill Banham, Editor at HR Gazette

4:15 – 4:45 – Panel: The Employment Rights Bill – What You Need to Know. Featuring Jamie Gamble, Partner, Employment at Ward Hadaway, Zoe Bell, Head of People at Aspire, Bill Banham, and others.

4:45 – 5:00 – Thanks and wrap up

5:00 – 5:30 – Final networking