CPD in the Human Resources industry

Overview of the Human Resources Sector

It is estimated that around 100,000 people work in the fast-paced & constantly evolving human resources (HR) and personnel sector across the UK. Human Resources is the general term that covers a wide range of professional people-focused activities, which includes; employee relations/industrial relations, employment law, health and safety, payroll and pensions, performance and reward, recruitment and talent management, organisational development, training, coaching & professional development learning activities.

CPD in the Human Resources Sector

The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) is the professional body for Human Resources, HR advice and people development. Membership of the CIPD is a recognised benchmark of professionalism within the sector, of which the CIPD requires a firm commitment to Continuing Professional Development from all its HR professional members.

The CIPD explains that as an HR professional you have a responsibility to keep skills and knowledge up to date, and that CPD helps to identify and achieve career objectives. As the leading professional body in the people management & development sector, the CIPD considers that the credibility of the HR profession is founded inescapably on the commitment of Human Resource professionals to regularly self-improve.

The CIPD expects HR members to set objectives for personal development, as well as chart and measure the outcomes and progress of learning throughout the year against objectives. The CPD policy of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development states that members shall: maintain professional knowledge and competence seek appropriate support if business needs require involvement in new areas of activity ensure that they provide a professional, up to date and insightful service upon request provide evidence of compliance with this CPD policy.