Manchester Branch

We are a 20+ person strong committee with varying ages and levels and areas of expertise.

We are a diverse bunch, who work hard to develop and produce an events programme to meet the professional needs of the CIPD's Manchester area members, as well as managing this website and sending all members a regular newsletter. Our aim is to raise the image and profile of the branch, and represent the membership. Ultimately, to influence the Institute policy on local, national and international issues.

The Branch has a number of Special Interest Groups set up to meet the tailored needs of some of our members:

• HR Leaders Network
• SIGNet - Independent HR Consultant's Group
• Learning and Development Group
• Solo HR Practitioners' Group
• Student Group
• Friends of the committee - now called Branch Ambassadors

We are always looking for new ideas, and welcome any comments or suggestions you may have. We are always looking for volunteers to help us, so if you want to meet new people, develop your transferrable skills, and to contribute to your profession, please get in touch with us.

The Senior Forum has been re-launched as the HR Leaders Network. The network is being established to connect senior HR professionals with each other and to provide a place for debate and discussion amongst your peer group. It focuses on the key issues facing senior HR professionals at the moment.

The Manchester Branch of CIPD has established a Special Interest Group (SIG) for Independent HR Consultants.

The group provides a forum for members of the CIPD who work as small, independent HR consultancy firms.

The group's aims include the provision of opportunities for:

• the fundamentals of setting up and running a business
• networking, mutual support and social interaction
• personal and professional development
• developing links with similar groups within and outside the CIPD.

Please book to advertised events or Contact Sharon De Mascia.

The Learning and Development SIG is a specialist group that has been running for a number years and attracts internal and external L&D professionals from all sectors and levels. Please contact the Group Leader, Denise Nolan for further information using the Contact Us link.

This established and self managing group continues to grow in numbers and experience. Mostly sole HR practitioners, the group also attracts HR professionals working across a broad range of industry sectors and size of business. Members are usually in environments without the day to day support of a corporate HR department with the majority operating as the single source of HR expertise within their employing organisation.

The group provides an opportunity for members to explore the challenges they face and share solutions to common problems encountered at work. In addition to providing a great networking opportunity and sharing knowledge forum, the group organises practical workshops in which key workplace issues are explored and solutions facilitated by expert speakers.

Workshops are free of charge for CIPD members and commence 18:00 for 18:30 with buffet and 20:00 finish. Meetings are held on members premises or local hotel venues, usually with free parking.

Interested? Please contact Group Leader Sarah Chadbourne for further information using the Contact Us link.

The student group seeks to create value for our student members by creating opportunities to gain access to leading edge practice so join us in Manchester to discuss and debate the issues that are dominating the HR agenda.

The Student Group Leader is Sarah Acton - you can contact Sarah via the Contact Us link.