Searchlight HR Forum 2025 – Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation and the Evolving Workplace
On Thursday 3rd April 2025, Searchlight hosted its HR Forum for the 16th year in a row at the elegant Cinema at Selfridges. The day brought together HR professionals across arts, media and entertainment for a series of discussions, valuable updates and practical takeaways.
The event opened with a welcome from Searchlight’s Managing Director Cathy Alford who set the stage for the first session from NBCUniversal, which focused on engaging Gen Z in the workplace. Their careers team presented an overview of their innovative internship programme, which has grown from 91 interns in 2023 to 100 in 2025. Interns have the opportunity to work in a number of roles across the company gaining superb insight into careers available. A current intern also shared their personal experience, highlighting development opportunities and the value of being heard and empowered early in their career. The session emphasised the importance of adapting to Gen Z’s expectations through structure, communication and support.
Following this, Russell Brimelow, a partner at Lewis Silkin delivered his annual legal update, addressing recent changes in UK employment law, including neonatal leave and third-party harassment protections. He also examined the potential UK impact of the US current political challenges to DEI. Attendees left with clear actions to consider, including reviewing internal policies and keeping note of legislative shifts.
A panel discussing workplace sexual harassment followed. Experts from Lewis Silkin, Senseia and Hat Trick Productions discussed best practice for both preventing sexual harassment and handling complaints, especially in environments with freelance talent. Emphasis was placed on proactive training, open dialogue and fostering safe reporting cultures. Panellists highlighted the need for early conversations, clear policies and generational understanding as essential tools in addressing misconduct.
Next, Dee Davison, the founder of Beyond Zero Ventures explored the growing link between ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and HR. With candidates placing increasing importance on a company’s values and sustainability efforts, the session outlined how ESG can strengthen employee trust and attract purpose driven talent. Key recommendations included showcasing ESG commitments during recruitment and embedding these values into company culture.
AI is a popular topic and we had speakers from Lewis Silkin, All3Media, VCCP and Agora Gaming Partners discussing the evolution of AI, tools like ChatGPT and how organisations can responsibly integrate AI into hiring and development. Insights included training how managers can adapt AI without feeling overwhelmed and viewing AI as a support tool instead of a substitute for human creativity.
The final session, led by Searchlight’s Deputy Managing Director Amy Osterley, was a powerful panel on championing DEI in the current political climate. Speakers from Octagon, Foster Diversity and Channel 4 shared strategies for building inclusive workplaces through long-term planning, inclusive language and authentic representation. The panel stressed that DEI must be fully integrated into everyday culture, not treated as a standalone initiative.
The feedback received has been very positive and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year!
