The Civil Service HR (CSHR) central team have become the latest CIPD People Development Partner (PDP). Launched in August 2019, the initiative acknowledges organisations that commit to continually raise the level of expertise and influence that their people team has within their organisation and beyond. Following the PDP scheme’s announcement recognising Tesco, the first year has also seen the Ministry of Defence and HM Revenue & Customs join as partners.

The news follows a number of initiatives undertaken by the CSHR central team that have enabled them to anticipate and respond to the challenges of COVID-19. These include the launch of their Success Profiles, seeing a departure from purely competency-based systems of assessment to a more flexible framework, the development of their HR Fast Stream programme and central frameworks for HR apprenticeships and experience assessment enabling colleagues to achieve professional recognition. CSHR also developed HR Career Framework, showcasing potential career and training routes for HR professionals within the Civil Service which is in close alignment to CIPD standards. 

All departments across government can benefit from these initiatives that provide evidence for our other government partners at the Ministry of Defence and HMRC. 

CIPD People Development Partner recognises the commitment from companies to develop their people team as a function, as well as the individual HR and L&D professionals within the team. Partner status will only be awarded to organisations that are actively working in partnership with the CIPD to develop the next generation of outstanding people professionals. To achieve partner status, organisations must be able to demonstrate that they:

• Align their HR and L&D practices to the CIPD’s new Profession Map
• Commit to the ongoing professionalism of their people professionals through qualifications and CIPD membership
• Be a champion for the profession by providing entry-level jobs for those who are beginning their HR career
• Work with the CIPD to continually support the team to thrive through training and development
• Invest back into the wider profession by participating in the CIPD’s research and policy work

CIPD Head of Employer Solutions, Adam Stanbury, says: 

"I am delighted to see the Civil Service Central HR team achieve CIPD People Development Partner status, It is just reward for putting into practice the intent stated in our Memorandum of Understanding from 2016 which focused on professionalising and upskilling their HR professionals, recognising the changing purpose and impact required of the profession.

"In these uncertain times, it becomes increasingly important to sustain the people profession for the long term. The work Civil Service HR has done is a testament to their commitment to the continued pursuit of a HR profession that is expert. We look forward to continuing to work together and welcoming new government departments and organisations as they follow the lead."

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