In challenging and uncertain times, being part of a professional community, learning from others and keeping skills up to date, are vital in building the confidence to influence and shape a direction forwards. We know as your professional body we need to do all we can to support you in these ways and to help shape the future for our profession. More is being demanded of us all, and the strategic opportunities and direction for our profession are growing and becoming clearer.
The CIPD hackathon we did in the latter part of 2020 looked ahead to 2030 and the role the profession should play. It engaged a wide and diverse group of practitioners and HR leaders, as well as thought leaders and researchers. It was clear to see the shift towards the more strategic agendas of managing change, developing agile organisational models and processes, digital and technological transformation, managing for changing workforce expectations and demographics, and strategic workforce planning. It was also encouraging to see the belief in and focus on our role in driving sustainability, purpose and responsible business.
These have all been at the heart of the CIPDs content, guidance and learning, with enduring themes on technology and AI, flexible working, employee relations, wellbeing, inclusion, skills, good work and responsible business.
In addressing these themes, we all must understand the evidence base and be able to show the impact on business outcomes with clear line of sight on how value is being driven. This is particularly important in times of cost pressure, to be able to sustain momentum and keep people at the heart of business strategy.
At the CIPD, we have been investing significantly in our capabilities and resources to support all of you in reaching these goals, to help grow your careers and your impact, and to provide what you need and when you need it. We have been communicating on what you should expect from us in ‘24, and we want to encourage more connection and more engagement across our membership and communities.
As more is demanded of us all, professionalisation and professionalism become more and more important – being recognised and valued as professionals and being true to the values and behaviours expected of professionals. In times of significant change, everyone needs to know who they can trust, who has the expertise and credibility and keeps their knowledge and skills current, and to know that decisions are being made on evidence as well as good judgement. Our Profession Map calls out these capabilities and points to how we recognise professionalism, experience and learning.
We know that historically as a profession we have too often been questioned on all these things. And if we are to see more consistent commitment from business leaders and boards to the strategic agendas that we know are important, then we must be more confident and know we have the capabilities to challenge, to lead, and to influence the right outcomes.
