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.

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.

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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What do you do when your business is hit with rising costs, regulatory changes, and mounting pressure to deliver more with less? In this episode of HR on the Offensive, Chris is joined by Simon Fowler, CEO at Empowering People Group, to discuss how HR leaders can strategically navigate cost pressures—including minimum wage increases and recent changes to National Insurance contributions (NIC).

Listen now to learn how you can empower your people managers in this new financial landscape.