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 People Leaders' Circles 

Trusted peer groups for Chief People Officers and Senior People Directors

Overview
Value
Locations
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Where CPOs come to think, connect, and grow

Chief People Officers sit at the centre of organisational complexity, shaping culture, navigating strategy, and supporting others. Yet, the role can be uniquely isolating.

These small, confidential peer circles (regional or virtual) offer space to connect with trusted peers, reflect on challenges, and gain fresh perspective.

A valuable space for connection, development and support, benefiting your organisation, your team, and most importantly, you.
Join a Circle near you
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"An incredible source of knowledge, experience, support and friendship."

Circle Member

 Your Circle,  the first year and beyond

In the first year, your Circle is supported by a RISE facilitator, either in-region or remote, to help the group build trust and establish a strong rhythm. This guided start lays the foundation for meaningful conversation and lasting peer support.

After the first year, many Circles choose to continue in a more self-directed way, sustained by the relationships and shared commitment built over time, with access to facilitation or support when needed.

 

First year overview

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What's included?

 

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Facilitated Sessions
Bi-monthly sessions, virtual, in-person, or blended, led by a RISE facilitator.
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Peer Touchpoints

A virtual space for ongoing peer connection and exchange.

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Leadership Prompts*

Monthly reflections to support continued leadership development.

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1:1 Strategic Review

An annual session to reflect on leadership, culture, and priorities.

*Can be complemented by 1:1 coaching with one of our experienced coaches, or integrated with any coaching work you’re already engaged in.

More Questions? Try our FAQs

Join a ‘Taste of Circle’ Event

Join one of our in-person breakfasts or virtual taster sessions to meet other potential members and experience what a Circle is like, before deciding if it’s right for you.
View Upcoming Events
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The Value of a Circle

  • Fresh perspective - gain insight from diverse experiences and sectors, helping you see your own challenges in new ways.

  • Personal and professional growth - develop greater awareness, intentionality, and leadership depth.

  • Supportive challenge - Be supported and stretched by people who care enough to challenge you.

  • Resilience and renewal -
    Reconnect to what really matters in your work and life.

  • Long-term relationships and network - form meaningful connections with people who become part of your long-term journey.

Thoughtfully Curated Circles

We carefully curate each Circle to ensure the right mix of people, perspectives, and context. With over a decade of experience designing and sustaining these processes, we know that the integrity of the group is what shapes the quality of the experience.

Circles are formed regionally or remotely, depending on the needs and preferences of prospective members. We take time to understand each participant’s context, leadership challenges, and what they’re seeking, so that the group can meaningfully support, stretch, and grow together.

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Reflective Question

Who supports you while you’re supporting everyone else?


Flip the card

You’re not meant to carry it all alone.

 

Leadership happens in relationship, with others, and with the messy, changing realities you’re part of. The Circle gives you space to think out loud, be supported, and stay steady in the face of everything you’re holding. It’s not about fixing, it’s about being alongside others who get it, and making sense of things together.

What's it like, in their words...

★★★★★

Honesty, stretch and a lot of generosity

Being with peers who understand the complexity and pace of this work was a breath of fresh air. There’s honesty, stretch, and a lot of generosity.

People & Culture Director, Technology Business

★★★★★

Shifted how I lead

The Circle helped me see the patterns I was stuck in. It wasn’t just supportive, it shifted how I show up with my team and board.

Chief People Officer, Manufacturing business

★★★★★

Become a real anchor

This has become a rare anchor in my month, space to step out of the noise, reconnect with my own leadership, and remember I’m not doing this alone.

HR Director, Professional Services 

Circle  Locations 

In three regions, with more to come

We are forming People Leaders Circles in London, Manchester, and virtually. Additional regions will follow, register your interest to hear when new Circles open get started near you.

 Investment 

RISE Circles for CPOs are launching for the first time in Autumn 2025, with a special introductory rate for early members. From year two onwards, ongoing membership is offered at a lower annual fee.

Year 1 Fee

£1,600 
£1,350

(reduced fee only for 2025)

Includes circule curation, facilitated circle sessions, annual 1:1 strategic review and access to in between support. Excludes additional 1:1 coaching or consulting beyond Circle sessions. Exclusive of VAT if applicable.

Flexible payment options are available

 Register Your Interest 

Register your interest below, and we’ll be in touch to arrange a short 30-minute intro conversation. It’s a chance to ask questions, explore fit, and hear more about groups forming in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

The People Leaders Circle is for Chief People Officers and senior HR executives who hold significant complexity in their roles and want a reflective, confidential space to grow their leadership capacity and connect with peers.

Members should preferably have: 

  • More than 10 years of work experience in HR
  • An agenda for change
What’s the commitment?

We ask members to commit to an initial year, with 7 sessions over the course of 10 months, either virtual or in person, depending on your group. Many choose to continue year by year after that, as the value deepens over time.

Circles work best when members prioritise attendance and come with openness and curiosity. The strength of the group comes from the quality of presence and contribution each person brings.

How are the groups formed?

Each Circle is carefully curated to ensure diversity of thought, role alignment, and psychological safety. We hold short introductory calls with all prospective members to make sure the group is a good mutual fit.

Is it confidential?

Absolutely. Confidentiality is a core principle of the Circle. What’s shared in the group stays in the group. This enables trust, honesty, and depth in the conversations.

What will I get out of it?

You’ll feel more supported with clearer insight into how you lead, renewed focus for the challenges ahead, and a network of a trusted group of peers who understand the pressures and complexity of your role.

View more here