Membership Upgrading
Professional membership is the benchmark for best practice in HR. Gaining recognition from the world's largest Chartered HR and development body can give you a competitive advantage.
There are three levels of professional membership;
An Associate member (Assoc CIPD)
• Works in a role giving vital support to the key areas of HR (central HR, learning and development or other professional areas of HR). They use their HR skills and knowledge to support HR leaders and managers.
A Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD)
• Demonstrates the expertise needed to plan and manage generalist or specialist HR operations. Combining their HR professional knowledge, skill and insights with an understanding of an organisation's context and structure, they create and deliver integrated HR services and solutions that help drive their organisation.
A Chartered Fellow (Chartered FCIPD)
• Holds a strategic position and demonstrates the expertise to lead the key areas of HR. Using their professional skills, knowledge and expertise, they determine, develop and implement HR strategies, plans and policies to promote and achieve organisational success.
Upgrading is only available for candidates who already have a CIPD qualification. To check if you are eligible to upgrade please go to; http://www.cipd.co.uk/Membership/upgrade/Membership-upgrading-eligibility.htm
To apply to upgrade you must supply an up to date CV, the completed application form, 2 colleague forms and the relevant payment. For more information and the application forms please go to; http://www.cipd.co.uk/Membership/upgrade/
There may be members and non members who wish to become professional members and are unable to use to the upgrade process mentioned. Experience Assessment enables highly experienced HR professionals – both generalists and specialists – who do not have the required CIPD qualifications to achieve professional CIPD membership as Chartered Fellow, Chartered Member or Associate. For more information go to: http://www.cipd.co.uk/experience-assessment
Qualifications Changes
There has been a shake-up in the CIPD qualification process resulting in the launch of the Advanced Diploma Programme.
The Advanced Diploma Programme brings in a more assignment-based scheme which includes just two examinations in the final year. This is an excellent opportunity for former students of CIPD to get back on track and qualify by 2012!
The last two years have proven to be both challenging and indeed interesting for us as HR Professionals. The long-awaited introduction of The Single Equality Act is upon us and with changes to the law surrounding retirement and family-friendly procedures pending, now is a fantastic time to hone your HR knowledge and prepare yourself for these future challenges.
All Associate Members and former students of CIPD who have successfully completed the L&M (PDS year 1) within the past 7-8 years, but have progressed no further in their CIPD studies now have the opportunity to join the new qualification programme!
In further good news…those of you who have passed the PDS1 course, the CASE exemption exam or the CMI level 7 qualification will not have to sit the final exams on the new scheme. For clarification, you would be required to complete four assignment-based electives in the 2010 – 2011 academic year. In September 2011 you would set out to complete one assignment-based Business Skills Unit plus the Management Report.
Former students who have sat elective exams from the PDS2 course as well as completed the PDS1 qualification will gain further credit for exemption. For example, if you completed assignments and (passed) exams in two PDS2 electives, such as Employee Reward and Employee Relations, you would only be required to complete two further electives. If you fall into this category it is highly probably that you could conclude your CIPD studies within one year.
What to do next:
If you want to progress former students can re-enrol with your local CIPD study centre, please contact:
John Prokopiw, Course Director, Worcester College of Technology jprokopiw@wortech.ac.uk
Gina Carr and Jayne Sillitoe, Course Directors, NEW college, Redditch
Changes to CIPD Membership
The CIPD has announced the changes to the membership structure. The most immediately visible change is the introduction of a completely new grade of professional membership. The new Associate Member grade will sit below the existing Chartered Member and Chartered Fellow grades.
Here is the complete structure, with CCIPD (no change) and Affiliate (no change, subscription open to anyone with an interest in the HR profession and CIPD services).
The CIPD is developing Academic membership to recognise those who contribute to the body of knowledge in the HR profession and develop the HR professionals of the future.
As a summary:
• Three professional grades will be promoted
• CIPD professional membership stands for successful application of knowledge and skills in a work context, at three levels or ‘stop-off’ points. The emphasis is on meeting those criteria.
• The main way to gain the knowledge required to be successful in applying for professional membership will continue to be CIPD awarded or approved qualifications (as now).
• Direct assessment is being developed, and is being designed for experienced practitioners only. There will be entry requirements for these routes.
Please view the CIPD website to view full details of transition plans and how the CIPD is transforming membership.
Mandy Wynn
Finding the CIPD centres in your area
Use the search facility above to find centres and colleges that provide CIPD courses in your area or go to the membership section of the CIPD site to search on specific courses and modes of study.
CPD and your branch
Attending branch events and getting involved on our committee can contribute to your continuing professional development as well as providing excellent networking opportunities.
Please see our events section for more information or get in touch with us. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our events soon.
CPD
Go to the CPD area of the website for detailed information about CPD including examples and a self assessment diagnostic tool.