Ireland’s premier energy provider, ESB, has a longstanding relationship with CIPD Ireland, contributing to research and providing representation on the national committee, and it is now the latest business to partner exclusively with the CIPD to grow the next generation of people professionals.

The CIPD PDP recognises the commitment from organisations to raising the capability, credibility, and impact of their people functions. To qualify as a CIPD PDP, organisations must champion better working lives by aligning their HR and L&D capability and practices against the CIPD’s international standard of excellence.

The ESB’s HR team has in recent years made sure that competencies and people-focused learning programmes are in harmony with the CIPD’s standards and new Profession Map.

ESB has completed quite a number of steps on its professionalisation journey over the past couple of years and has agreed next steps for further opportunities, in partnership with the CIPD.

Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland said: “CIPD Ireland sees the ESB as an outstanding example of an organisation that is committed to continuously raising the bar of HR professionalisation, and I am thrilled they are the first company in Ireland to gain CIPD People Development Partner status. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership and our work towards growing the current and next generation of people professionals.”

Mary met with Orla Maher, HRH Capability Manager at ESB recently, to discuss the partnership (Mary pictured left and Orla pictured right).

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

To find out more about becoming a CIPD People Development Partner, get in touch with the team by emailing ClientDevelopmentEnquiry@cipd.co.uk