The final EAPM board meeting of 2024 took place in a hybrid format and was hosted by the Co-op Group. Berna, David, Elli, Kai, Natalia, and Rebecca convened in Manchester, while Darko, Ulrik, and Solveiga joined remotely. As always, the board focused on procedures, processes, projects, people, risks, and strategy.

Financial Overview and Budget Approval

Following the Delegates’ Assembly, the 2025 budget was finalised and approved. The board also reviewed the current financial position as of November 2024. Additionally, discussions were held about streamlining the fee payment process, with improvements set to be implemented.

Risk Management and Strategic Review

The board revisited the risk management framework initiated during the June 2024 meeting in Iceland. To ensure proactive handling of potential challenges, it was agreed that an annual risk assessment update and strategy review will take place every June moving forward.

Delegates’ Assembly Feedback and Future Planning

Positive feedback from delegates about the Cyprus meeting was acknowledged, with special thanks extended to the Cyprus association for their outstanding organisation. Preparations for the next Delegates’ Assembly, scheduled for 16th October in Brussels, are progressing well.

Progress on Projects and Working Groups

The board reviewed the ongoing work of EAPM’s projects and working groups, which are vital to the organisation’s success. Highlights include:

  • Website and File Sharing Platform: The website is being updated to reflect the new branding, and migration to a dedicated EAPM platform for file storage and information sharing will be completed by 1st January 2025.
  • International HR Day: Preparations are in full swing, with the theme focusing on change.
  • EU Working Group: Progress continues with the submission of the first EU funding application.
  • Events Group: Plans include a December webinar followed by quarterly events in 2025.
  • Awards and Survey Groups: These teams are advancing their initiatives.
  • Communications Group: Leadership will change in 2025, but the group’s activities remain ongoing.

Recognising the significant activity across all working groups, a meeting of working group leaders will be held in February 2025, aligned with the next board meeting, to strengthen collaboration. All working groups remain open to new members.

Enhancing Board Efficiency and Announcing New Members

The board discussed ways to optimise its efficiency. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kai Saard as a new board member, effective 1st January 2025. Kai will succeed Darko Petrovski, whose term concludes at the end of this year. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Darko for his invaluable contributions and warmly welcome Kai to the team.

Acknowledgements

Finally, we wish to thank the CIPD for their generous hospitality during their annual conference in Manchester. EAPM President Berna Öztinaz participated in a panel titled “Adapt and Overcome – Navigating Times of Change and Uncertainty.” Both Berna and Vice President David Ducheyne also took part in podcast recordings.

CIPD HR People Podcast – Crisis events | Supply chains | Politics at work | ‘Ghost jobs’

How prepared is your organisation to support employees through a crisis event? Can employers ensure their supply chains are fully ethical? Should politics and work ever mix? And what’s behind the spooky rise of ‘ghost jobs’?

The EAPM board remains committed to driving progress, fostering collaboration, and delivering value for its members. Stay tuned for updates in the new year!