by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The effective management, development and motivation of staff have never been more important.

In uncertain economic times, when job security is a recurring worry for many, when wages in many organisations are frozen, or if rising at all, at well below the rate of inflation, employers need special qualities and skills to retain the loyalty and commitment of their teams.

So the Kent HR Conference in June could not be more timely.

It will feature a stellar line-up of speakers, including retired Army chief General Sir Mike Jackson and peak performance coach Adrian Gilpin.

Mr Gilpin, from Tunbridge Wells, is chairman of the Institute of Human Development and will give the keynote address entitled Unleashing Brilliance in Times of Change and Uncertainty.

The event, held on June 8 at the Ashford International, will offer directors, senior managers and HR specialists practical advice on HR strategies.

For the first time, it is being staged and produced by Kent County Council in partnership with the KM Group, and will cover recruitment strategy, talent management, employment law and employee engagement.

Amanda Beer, Kent County Council's director of personnel and development, said: "A lot of work has gone into developing a genuinely useful and valuable programme for this event. There is another fantastic line-up this year with excellent speakers and plenty of opportunity for delegates to be actively involved in the day.

"This is a great opportunity for HR professionals to gain valuable insight and skills and I'm really excited about the content and quality of the day. I would urge those professionals working in the HR industry to book now for what promises to be a highly valuable and popular event."

KM Group managing director Graham Mead added: "Serving the people of Kent is one of KM Group's core values and supporting the business community is a large part of this. We work with a variety of employers across the county, and entering into this partnership with KCC to deliver the Kent HR Conference provides a great opportunity for us to take this commitment further."

Outset (UK) is the conference's headline sponsor. The company based at Turkey Mill, Maidstone, specialises in employment law and HR advice to the private, public and third sectors.

Chairman Jonathan Gauton said: "The conference promises to be a key event for anyone who needs to keep informed of the impending employment challenges facing all sectors and how they will impact on HR strategy.

"We see this event as an important vehicle for informing local organisations of the vital steps they need to take to ensure they are not only legally compliant, but shaping their HR plans to maximise the opportunities the future holds."

• More details and bookings at www.kenthrconference.co.uk