Welcome to our branch

Welcome to CIPD Essex and Ipswich branch page. We have over 4,100 members across our two thriving groups: North Essex and Ipswich and Chelmsford and South Essex.

Our branch is fully committed to providing local support to the CIPD objective of Championing better work and working lives. We aim to listen to members locally and provide the support they need. This ranges from supporting student study to explaining the benefits of membership and providing valuable continuing professional development through a wide range of events covering all aspects of HR management.

Our branch committee is led by co-chairs Brian England, an HR consultant and active member of the branch committee for many years, and Julie Temple, a specialist employment law solicitor, who has been involved with the branch since 2006 and has been co-chair since 2020. They are supported by the branch committee, including the group chairs, branch treasurer and branch secretary who meet regularly to shape the branch programme.

Brian England, Chartered FCIPD and Julie Temple

Branch Chairs

Come along to
our events

Our members rate their access to a local branch in their top three membership benefits. Come along to our branch events to discover other CIPD benefits. Explore the issues and trends impacting our profession. Network, learn and share ideas with people professionals in our area. 

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Get involved

We aim to provide a range of local events that will not only help our members with their professional development but offer opportunities for networking and mutual support too. Topics covered in our branch events range from employment law to wellbeing and from diagnosing HR problems to dress for success. Please let us know if you have any suggestions regarding subjects you would like to see covered.

You can view recordings of our previous branch events in our YouTube channel.  

We have opportunities for newcomers to join our committee each July when the new CIPD year which starts. Joining a branch committee is an excellent way to expand your network and extend your skillset. Roles are voluntary, and you can decide the level of commitment and time you can offer. To express interest, have a chat with a committee member when you are next at a branch event, or contact us by email.

We are keen to hear from members who want to help steer our branch special interest groups for HR and L&D consultants or L&D professionals. Your input and ideas are welcome. Please contact the branch.

Networking and learning

With workshops, round tables, panel discussions and expert speakers, our thought-provoking events cover everything our community needs. Network, learn and stay up to date. 

Volunteering

Keen to get involved, give back or raise your profile? Whatever your skills and interests, learn more about branch volunteering. 

Support for student members

Just starting out on your career? Want to meet experienced people professionals and keep up to date with all the topics you cover in your studies? We’re here for you as you study for your CIPD qualification.  

Member-to-member mentoring

We connect members who want to develop new skills and progress their careers with members who have expertise in coaching and mentoring. 

Want to get involved? Got an idea for an event? We want to hear from you!

Email us

Join one of our special interest groups

We bring together people professionals with a common interest to network, share ideas and learn from one another. Please email us if you’d like to join one of our special interest groups.

Chelmsford and South Essex group 

Our group focuses on running monthly webinars on a broad range of topics from how to present yourself on paper and online to how to build your professional courage and influence. All webinars are recorded and made available on our branch YouTube channel, providing members across the region with a valuable resource to dip into at any time.

Our committee is formed of experienced HR practitioners who have lots to share. But we welcome inputs particularly from student members or those new to the people profession, to provide their perspective and offer fresh ideas. Joining our committee – even for a few months - would offer valuable committee and collaboration experience and broaden your local network. Please contact us.

North Essex and Ipswich group 

Our group of committed volunteers has been supporting local CIPD members for many years and we love the opportunity to meet regular visitors and new faces when we run our events. We have representatives on our committee from HR, learning and development, consultancy and employees of various organisations. 

We are always happy to welcome new committee members who can bring with them a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Please get in touch with the branch or our group and let us know how you feel we can support you in your HR career.

HR and L&D consultants 

Currently quite low-key, but looking expand activities, our SIG dedicated to independent HR and L&D consultants living and working in Essex and Ipswich is looking for your input. The aim is to provide a space where we can share ideas, ask questions, and support each other.

L&D professionals 

We're developing this group for L&D professionals living and working within our area. You might be employed, self-employed or running your own L&D consultancy. Our aim is to share good practice and ideas, answer questions and support each other to deliver excellence in all types of learning intervention.

If you have ideas on how we can grow this group, please get in touch.

Get in touch to find out more. And let us know your ideas for other special interest groups. 

Find other branches in our area

Nine branches across the South East of England serve nearly 35,000 members. Together we deliver local branch events, professional networks, learning opportunities and special interest groups.

Find other branches across
the UK

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