Employers, leadership experts and skills providers from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire came together in Newbury for the latest Leadership & Management Development Forum, reinforcing the critical role of people-focused leadership in navigating economic change, skills shortages and technological disruption.
Hosted at the Orida Hotel Newbury on 12 March 2026, the forum formed part of ongoing engagement to shape the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2.0. Opening the session, Simon Barrable highlighted the scale of employer insight gathered to date, with over 1,700 engagements across the two counties since October 2025. This extensive consultation continues to reveal shared challenges, including shortages in technical and digital roles, weak entry-level pipelines in sectors such as care, logistics and construction, and a growing demand for flexible, modular training.
Despite distinct economic profiles, both Berkshire and Oxfordshire face common workforce pressures. The forum therefore focused on how strengthening leadership and management capability can support resilience, productivity and workforce development across the region.
A series of keynote speakers explored how leadership must evolve in response to rapid workplace transformation.
Jon Matthews and Rosemary McLean of The Career Innovation Company examined how digital acceleration and AI adoption are reshaping employee expectations and experiences. They emphasised that effective career conversations are now essential for engagement and retention, helping individuals feel heard, valued and equipped to contribute. Their session also challenged common assumptions about generational differences, highlighting that many perceived divides are better understood through life stage, shared experiences such as the pandemic, and individual context.
Dr Naeema Pasha of Henley Business School introduced the concept of the “T-shaped leader”; combining deep technical expertise with broader relational, strategic and cross-functional skills. She stressed that in an increasingly complex and ambiguous environment, leaders must balance human capability with technological advancement, particularly as organisations move towards Industry 5.0 models.
Lisa Lloyd of It’s Time for Change addressed the growing reluctance among employees to step into leadership roles. With more than half of workers reportedly not aspiring to management, she highlighted issues including burnout, lack of clarity and insufficient support. Lisa called for a shift towards leadership cultures built on coaching, clarity and visible fulfilment, alongside more practical, behaviour-focused development approaches that embed learning through real-world application.
A fireside panel discussion brought together employer and expert perspectives, focusing on how to translate these ideas into practice. Panellists emphasised the importance of creating time and space for developing critical skills such as resilience, adaptability and communication. They also explored how organisations can make leadership more aspirational by embedding it into everyday roles, rather than treating it as an additional burden.
The discussion highlighted the importance of transparency and frequent communication in reducing uncertainty, particularly during periods of change. Panellists also acknowledged the pressures faced by managers in SMEs, where limited resources can make leadership responsibilities more challenging, and stressed the value of structured support, practical tools and opportunities to rehearse difficult conversations.
The forum concluded with an update on LSIP 2.0 priorities, including strengthening Workforce Development Partnerships, addressing specialist recruitment shortages, improving productivity through upskilling, and enhancing entry routes into key sectors. A strong emphasis was placed on embedding digital and green skills, improving workplace readiness and expanding modular continuing professional development opportunities.
Simon Barrable closed the session by thanking attendees and reiterating the importance of employer input in shaping the future skills landscape. Businesses were encouraged to continue contributing through ongoing engagement activities, including deep-dive discussions, events and partnership initiatives.
The Leadership & Management Development Forum forms a key part of the Thames Valley’s coordinated, employer-led approach to tackling workforce challenges and building a more adaptable, future-ready economy.
For more information or to get involved, employers can contact TVBerksLSIP@tvchamber.co.uk or TVOxonLSIP@tvchamber.co.uk.
