I have just received the brochure for this year’s CIPD Festival of Work and was very disappointed to discover that two days will cost £1080 for members. With London accommodation and other expenses, members are looking at c. £1500 for 2 days CPD.
This is is hugely expensive compared to events run by other professional bodies, such as the BPS Occupational Psychology conference, and unaffordable by most self employed practitioners, those working in SMEs, local government and and third sector organisations.
My concern is that the CIPD is, through the cost of conferences such as this, excluding many HR practitioners from key opportunities for their development. I would prefer a focus on making conferences and other CPD events more affordable, offering significant discounts to those in the not for profit sector, and bursaries. A major professional body, like the CIPD, should be there to support everyone with their development and not just the privileged.
