Bright Futures summit ‘to put human capital centre stage’
A MAJOR conference on the future of work is being held in Guernsey.
The CI Human Capital Summit: Future of Work event on 14 March at St James aims to provide expert insights into the changing face of the workforce – highlighting areas that individuals, corporate leaders and policy markets should consider when developing their strategic plans.
Speakers from the Financial Times, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Confederation of British Industry, Skills Development Scotland, education business Edease, Quintillion and a range of technology businesses will share their insights at the conference organised by the Bright Futures LBG charity and sponsored by law firm Mourant.
‘A skilled workforce, inspirational leadership and a blueprint for growth are important factors for sustaining the health of any economy and Guernsey is no different,’ said Yuri Bender, editor-in-chief of Professional Wealth Management, which is published by the Financial Times.
‘There are many financial centres in competition with each other, so it is important to encourage debate on the island about how these factors can help Guernsey prosper.
‘Industry engagement, including the work of voluntary bodies such as Bright Futures LBG, can play a major part in developing this strategy. I look forward very much to hosting a lively discussion during this event.’
Susie Crowder, pictured, who established Bright Futures with the objective of boosting the skills of the island’s workforce, said: ‘While Guernsey remains an attractive place to do business, the island faces challenges with which we will endeavour to assist.
‘The changing nature of the finance industry, the ageing population and the infusion of artificial intelligence and automation into the workplace will all have an impact, as will, of course, the fallout from Brexit.’
She added: ‘The island’s challenge is to ensure that existing and new employers, together with employees, are able to respond and participate in the transformation in a way that supports stronger economic growth and the creation of higher-value-added jobs in the Bailiwick.
‘Our funding and support programme is aimed at helping to facilitate this transformation.’
To date, the charity has assisted 19 islanders as part of its objectives – with indicators suggesting that number will increase over the next year.
As well as upskilling the workforce, Bright Futures aims to raise awareness of the latest key trends in learning from across the globe and provide an annual skills analysis report that can be used by local businesses to support strategic planning.
It has also said that the human capital summit will be the first of many events that aim to put the subject centre stage on the boardroom agenda.
Tickets for the conference can be booked via Eventbrite.
