Hi all,

I'm new to HR in an official capacity but do have some experience of dealing with HR from previous roles.  I now look after HR alongside my finance role for my employers.

We currently employ the services of an experienced external adviser to support me with any issues and getting everything up to scratch and in place etc. in terms of policies of procedures.

However, I would like to complete a formal CIPD qualification for several reasons but mainly to provide more credibility to my own position (internally and externally) and be able to challenge and question confidently with knowledge (rather than the gut instinct I sometimes have to rely on currently).

Any study I do, would need to be online for logistical and time commitment issues, so I guess my question is, what level and qualification would you suggest is a good one to aim for?

I have been thinking a Level 3 or Level 5 in HR Practice - my preference would be to for level 5 (I might have a hard time getting agreement for another round of funding from my employer if I go for Level 3 initially) plus I feel level 5 offers a much broader skill base.

Any suggestions on which digital providers are a the best?  Some of the ones I have looked at, seem to have set 'optional' modules, that might not be the ones I would necessarily chose.

Any advice and guidance would be appreciated.

Anna