A gathering of industry professionals examined how hiring practices are transforming.
The event was organised by recruitment firm Acorn by Synergie alongside commercial law practice Darwin Gray, held at Cardiff’s Hodge House on March 26 as part of the Wales HR Network series.
Discussions centred on the obstacles and possibilities confronting businesses as employment legislation evolves, artificial intelligence expands its role, and organisations strive to maintain culture while promoting diversity.
The expert panel featured S4C human resources director Nadine Beaton, Confused.com senior recruitment manager Tara Edwards, Acorn by Synergie HR adviser Mike Ives, and Kristian Kurbalija, senior consultant at Acorn by Synergie.
Danielle Haynes, marketing director at Acorn by Synergie, observed that assembling such experienced specialists alongside active participants proved valuable. She noted the exchange provided hands-on insights into how companies can manage the intricacies of contemporary hiring while prioritising what truly counts: discovering and nurturing suitable talent.
Beaton stressed the significance of ensuring job applicants share organisational principles while continuing to pursue wider diversity and inclusion targets.
The panel also addressed the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in talent acquisition, acknowledging its capacity to enhance productivity but underscoring the importance of maintaining human decision-making for ultimate choices.
Ives discussed navigating the adjustments required due to regular updates to employment legislation, while Kurbalija pointed to the advantages of evaluating candidates beyond their CVs to spot those possessing appropriate mindset and flexibility.
The Cardiff gathering represented the second instalment of a 2026 programme of specialist panel discussions, established in collaboration with the Wales HR Network and Beam Development and Training.
The initiative aims to provide executives, managers and HR practitioners with access to specialist knowledge spanning employment law, human resources, hiring, wellbeing and professional growth.