CIPD Podcast 226: Closing skill gaps from within: the case for internal mobility
Jan 21, 2026
Sarah Lardner, reward and career-framework specialist at Innecto, and Laura Ibbotson, practical HR leader at The Green Spark Group, explore internal mobility. They define its value, reveal ludicrous barriers and cultural blockers, and share low-cost fixes like assessment centres, skills mapping and creative comms. They also cover reducing talent hoarding, embedding career conversations and making mobility inclusive.
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Promotion Blocked By Commute Cost
- A director blocked an internal promotion because the extra commute cost the candidate petrol money. Laura Ibbotson solved it by offering two days' home working to remove the barrier and retain the hire.
Internal Hiring Cuts Costs And Risk
- The recruitment market is intense so organisations must prioritise internal talent to save cost and retain knowledge. Internal hires often outperform external ones in cultural fit and client relationships.
Exit Interviews Often Mask True Reasons
- Exit reasons labelled as 'pay' often mask a perceived lack of career opportunity inside the organisation. Sarah Lardner says digging deeper reveals transferable skills and latent internal fits that could have stopped the departure.