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Local CIPD Branch Events - Do you attend?

Chloe

Good morning,  I am trying to find if people out there value the events that the local CIPD branches hold,  I have been part of the committee for our local group for sometime now and am finding it increasingly frustrating,  we hold around 8 events a year on a wide variety of topics, but find that we have an average attendance of around 15 people attend each one.  

We are also finding it incredibly difficult to find people who are willing to volunteer to join the committee, which means much bigger workload for the few that have joined, and also I worry that we are not putting on events on topics that are interesting to those who are new to HR, we do ask for ideas from all those that attend, but very few people are even willing to contribute these!

There is also very little recognition from CIPD for the work that the volunteers do (not even a Christmas Card!)

I would be interested in getting your feedback,  

Parents
  • Hi Chloe,

    My experience relates to the Wessex group of branches (4 branches in total)

    Prior to the Wessex group actually forming, I didn't go to any events as I never got told about them. Once Wessex started and I spoke to their great administrator, I have attended in Southampton and Portsmouth, and have ear marked a couple of future sessions for this year. Some of the events offered cover topics that just aren't my interest/area.

    Typically, event turn out is small. I know the last event I went to was a discussion with David D'Souza - really interesting, but a very small group - certainly, I'm sure much smaller than he is used to addressing. I overheard one of the branch volunteers sating 48 had registered to attend - there certainly wasn't 48 in the room. I was horrified to be given a paper 'happy' sheet to complete at the end - why oh why can't we get on with technology! Particularly amusing given the topic of conversation was Tech's impact on the Future of HR.

    The very first session I ever went to was on networking. It was painful. The content dated, delivered badly, and the least engaging session I have ever participated in (and I used to work in insurance so believe me, it shocks me that this is the case). In addition the time-keeping was really poor (seems universal reading David P's comments). I sent very pointed feedback afterwards, with examples of how it could be done differently to appeal to those outside HR, who are the next generation of HR professionals, and a more diverse group. I expressed an interest to quite literally put my money where my mouth is and deliver a session on any area within my expertise - I never got a response. The only plus was a possible bottle of champange after a business card draw.

    Despite going to events, I have never been told how I can volunteer. This is something I would be happy to do. No current 'HR' type news is ever shared.

    The joining of the branches has meant it is much easier to get different topics of interest going in different locations - sometimes its purely a case that the time/date don't work for me. I have yet to see a session that is not mid-week evening. As someone with childcare responsibilities - I have to weigh up paying for a babysitter with the value I'll get (CPD isn't enough sometimes). Attending also literally means skipping dinner or eating after 9pm - having something slightly more palatable than tea/coffee would be wonderful.

    A great group I do go to is a collaboration between Hants Digital Women and BCS Women (Hampshire) in Southampton. They clearly state the times session will run (and do stick to them), provide food (just hot canape's) and drink (including wine for the non-drivers when an evening session), they cover 2 topics each session - sometimes unrelated but always something brought up by attendees in previous sessions; and hold a dicussion with all attendees to find out what's impacting them. People are free to stay to network afterwards and if a particular topic is no interest, you can go and have more drink outside the conference room and just chat. The topics are practical - so picking up on Clare's comment, I have always left the sessions after learning something, and so far every speaker has been engaging with up to date content/information. I'd thoroughly recommend the CIPD branches following suit.

    Kind regards,
    Laura
  • in reply to Laura Fazackarley

    Hi Laura,

    I agree with many of the points you mention, frustratingly CIPD will not let us have email addresses (due to DP) so we too use paper feedback sheets - certainly not ideal.... We generally highlight the opportunity to volunteer at all our events, and if you are interested I am fairly certain all the groups in Wessex would be delighted to have another volunteer, I really like your idea about putting current HR news at the beginning of the event - fresh ideas from people is another reason we desperately need more volunteers. I also agree that holding all events midweek evenings isn't ideal, but we do always try to provide some kind of food as we appreciate people may not have been able to eat beforehand, and we do try to stick to time!

Reply
  • in reply to Laura Fazackarley

    Hi Laura,

    I agree with many of the points you mention, frustratingly CIPD will not let us have email addresses (due to DP) so we too use paper feedback sheets - certainly not ideal.... We generally highlight the opportunity to volunteer at all our events, and if you are interested I am fairly certain all the groups in Wessex would be delighted to have another volunteer, I really like your idea about putting current HR news at the beginning of the event - fresh ideas from people is another reason we desperately need more volunteers. I also agree that holding all events midweek evenings isn't ideal, but we do always try to provide some kind of food as we appreciate people may not have been able to eat beforehand, and we do try to stick to time!

Children
  • in reply to Chloe
    Hi Chloe,

    Not sure how you get people to register for events but Wessex use Eventbrite - you have to supply an email address to register therefore even if CIPD won't allow email addresses, there should be a disclaimer that allows agreement to use the email address for contacting related to and after the specific event so genuinely, I do not see a need for paper feedback forms. My email can be used to confirm my 'ticket' to the event - it should be the same process for follow up after. Or - worst case - ask people when they arrive to supply their business cards/email when they sign in then follow up.

    As mentioned, I offered my services before - no response. Maybe I'll try again (like I said their administrator is great) but wondering if the effort is worth it?

    It seems as though different branches do different things - reading the comments following mine - which is NEVER ideal. Maybe that's something Katerina and team can take in to account centrally.

    Reading through, it basically sounds like current process doesn't appeal to enough members, and those that perservere with it are left frustrated (volunteers included based on your OP).

    Also forgot to mention - nothing has ever actually been provided to me in terms of attending so my CPD record is very much my own say so.

    Kind regards,
    Laura
  • in reply to Laura Fazackarley
    Hi Laura, picking up on your last point re: CPD - and something I failed to mention about my local branch - they provide paper copies of a certificate of attendance with the event title and date plus a space for your name, these are left by the exit so attendees can pick up a copy as they leave. Also, members can book places via Event Brite, totally brilliant system!
  • in reply to Clare
    Yes my local branch does that too. The Certificate of attendance is emailed out with the event detail so we print them off and get them signed at the event if we want too. Have booked all CIPD evens through Event Brite.