Welcome to our branch

Welcome to the North of Scotland and Islands branch page. I'm Jane Innes; I took over leadership of the branch in June 2021 and have been a member of the branch committee since 2013.

Our branch spans a wide geographical area from Aberdeen, west to the Outer Hebrides and north to the Shetland Islands. We currently have almost 2,000 branch members and run a varied programme of webinars as well as face-to-face events in both Aberdeen and Inverness.

The events programme is complemented by an HR practitioners group that meets quarterly and primarily supports consultants or those working in standalone HR roles and by a small but dedicated book group that meets approximately once a month to discuss a selected business book.

Whichever way you engage with the branch, whether attending events, contributing to our newsletters, or by joining our branch committee or one of the associated groups, we have no doubt you will find it both valuable and enjoyable.

Jane Innes, Assoc CIPD

Branch Chair

Come along to
our events

We collaborate with other branches and CIPD teams to offer vibrant networks and relevant events across Scotland. Connect, learn and share ideas with people professionals across our branch and beyond.

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Get involved

Our branch is run by a committee of enthusiastic and committed volunteers who represent a diverse range of sectors and professional experience and are based in both Aberdeen and Inverness.  We collaborate closely with the CIPD head office and CIPD Scotland teams and strive to provide a joined up approach, complementing what is available to members at both a UK and a Scotland level by offering a programme of activities locally that focuses specifically on the needs of CIPD members in our geographical area.

Our annual programme of events runs from September to June and, in line with member feedback, we run branch events either in the early evening or at lunchtime. Events take place approximately once a month. We're fortunate to be supported by local companies, universities and colleges so most of these events will take place on supporters’ premises. We also schedule a number of webinars which we find helps us reach our members who live in more geographically remote parts of our branch area. Look out for topical face to face and online events which are listed via Eventbrite.

If you would like to get involved with the branch, by joining the committee, offering us a venue for events, suggesting event topics or articles for our newsletter then please do get in touch via nscotland@cipdbranch.co.uk. Also, if you have any suggestions or feedback about any aspects of how we run the branch, offer members or engage with you we would be delighted to hear from you.

You can sign up for branch events and for the HR practitioners group either via the webpage or by searching Eventbrite. For more information about meeting dates for the book group and to find out the current book please email us. 

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. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please get in touch.

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.

HR leaders 

Membership of this group is by invitation as it is aimed at those in senior HR, leadership or strategic level roles. The group focuses on topical subjects that impact HR leadership and the wider people management remit.

HR practitioners

The HR practitioner group holds quarterly meetings which are in Aberdeen when face-to-face events are possible. The group was set up to support those in stand-alone HR roles or independent consultants to give them a network where they can discuss issues and seek support from others in a similar professional situation.

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

Find other branches in our area

Four branches across Scotland serve more than 10,000 members. Together we deliver local branch events, professional networks, learning opportunities and special interest groups.

We collaborate with our branch volunteers to support our members and work with people professionals, employers, partners and government agencies across our area.

Find other branches across
the UK

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