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ATU-HRM event hears how authentic communications crucial during organisational change management
Human Resources Managers from public and private organisations in the west and north west gathered in ATU Mayo on 7 March to discuss “Culture, Communications and Change in People Management”.
Human Resources Managers from public and private organisations in the west and north west gathered in ATU Mayo on 7 March to discuss “Culture, Communications and Change in People Management”.
Organised by the staff and Programme Board of ATU’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management, the group explored the challenges of managing people during periods of major organisational change, emphasising the importance of nurturing a culture of openness and transparency through authentic communication with all stakeholders.
The audience of over 80 people drawn from members of the public, as well as students, and staff from various organisations, heard from a number of speakers.
Patricia McLoughlin, Head of Business Preparedness at AstraZeneca delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the interdependence between the successful execution of change and fostering an organisational culture that is conducive to change. Patricia highlighted the ‘change paradox’ whereby as many as 60% of change initiatives fail to achieve their objectives due to cultural misalignment, poor communications and insufficient stakeholder management.
Kevin Neary, CEO of Orcawise, spoke about AI’s potential in promoting a positive culture in an organisation, contrary to the impression of employees who are often suspicious, or worried, about such technologies. Organisations and their people need to be ‘consistently in change mode’ and to be ‘known for embracing change’ and should be constantly learning and educating them in this space.
Laura McHugh, of Vantive Manufacturing Ltd, reflected on the challenges of getting the ‘Vantive name out there’. Vantive, which was formed after Carlysle Group bought Baxter’s former Kidney Care division in 2024, is now the global leader in renal care products, a position occupied for many decades by Baxter.
Fiona Keane, HR Business Partner with Corrib Oil, and a graduate of ATU’s BA in HRM, spoke about the exciting plans Corrib Oil have around expansion and the challenges with recruitment and retention. Fiona addressed a question on resolving conflict from a student on the programme who used her voice enhancement technology to ask the question.
Maria Ferguson, Regional Director of People at HSE West and North West highlighted the important role the human resource department plays in developing a positive workplace. She spoke about the importance of employee wellbeing during periods of significant change citing some examples of successful initiatives that have enhanced employee wellbeing and contributed to staff retention.
Declan Sheridan, Senior Manager Human Resources at Hollister, spoke on how effective leadership can led to a positive cultural change. He gave examples of different communication strategies that work best to engage employees and encourage the employee voice. He cited the CIPD on key behaviours for the HR professionals, one being the ability to influence others and shared some top tips for influencing others.
Pat Howley, Director of Organisational Support & Development, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board, talked about the enormous change that occurred when Mayo VEC became part of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB and the later merger with Solas. Pat reflected on the length of time that it took for the new organisation to emerge, but 12 years down the road many benefits, and improved ways of working have emerged.
Michael Gill, Head of Department of Organisational Development, said: “having an event such as this and programmes such as the BA (Honours) in Human Resource Management and the Certificate in Supervisory Management in the region are key to our future so that people of this region can develop from continuous learning. Our people define our future and our region. The insights gained today were excellent with our highly qualified speakers bringing a much deeper level of thinking to what we are truly about: Good People and their Development / Daoine maithe agus a bhforbairt”.
Caroline Clarke, Chair of the BA (Hons) in HRM programme, said: “this event was a fantastic opportunity for our students to network, engage and hear from industry experts on these highly relevant topics. The event allowed industry speakers to connect and to create new contacts and business relationships.”
The BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management is delivered by the Department of Organisational Development in the Mayo Campus of Atlantic Technological University. The programme was developed in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the global professional body for the HRM sector. Graduates of the programme are eligible for Associate Membership of the CIPD.
In supporting the development of individuals and organisations, ATU continues to offer a part time honours degree in Human Resource Management. The part time nature of the programme makes it accessible to students who are working or who have other commitments and cannot attend the University five days a week. Instead, students attend on a Thursday and Friday once a month with two residential weekends taking place in the academic year. There is also the option of completing a Certificate in Supervisory Management before advancing to the third year of the honours degree programme.
Applications for September 2025 are now open for both programmes. Further information is available at:
Human Resource Management – Atlantic Technological University
Supervisory Management – Atlantic Technological University
Photo caption: Front row: Caroline Clarke, ATU, Declan Sheridan, Hollister ULC, Maria Ferguson, HSE, Kevin Neary, Orcawise, Celene Dunphy, ATU. Back Row: Shane Byrne, ATU, Declan Hoban, ATU, Jean Gilligan, ATU, Bridie Killoran, ATU, Michael Gill, ATU, Anne Conlon, ATU, Pat Howley, Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, Laura McHugh, Vantive Manufacturing Ltd formerly Baxter Healthcare SA, Fiona Keane, Corrib Oil, Clodagh Geraghty, ATU, Patricia McLoughlin, AstraZeneca. Missing from Photograph Niamh Hearns ATU].
