Tesco is the first employer to achieve CIPD People Development Partner status

CIPD launches new industry-recognised status for HR and L&D teams that go ‘above and beyond’

The CIPD has launched a new initiative for HR and L&D teams to gain industry-recognised status by becoming a CIPD People Development Partner, with retailer Tesco being named as the first partner.

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. It 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.

CIPD 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 

A key aspect of the status is how the CIPD will partner with organisations to help them to go ‘above and beyond’ in delivering a team that has the very best HR capabilities, knowledge and expertise. 

The CIPD is delighted to announce that Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, is the first organisation to achieve the People Development Partner status, having worked with the CIPD over a number of years to develop its HR capability and confidence.

Adam Stanbury, head of employer solutions at the CIPD, said:

“Tesco’s achievement of Partner status is a terrific reflection of the work that we have done together and the commitment that they have made to the individuals in their people team and right across the business.”

“We’re delighted to now be sharing this new initiative with the wider HR community. People teams are tasked with delivering workforces that are fit for purpose and ready to meet the future and fast-changing needs of businesses. To do this, it’s important that they continue to invest in their own capabilities and practices. We’re excited that the People Development Partner status will recognise this ongoing commitment to excellence in HR and we look forward to working in partnership with more organisations to help them achieve this.”

Emma Taylor, UK people director at retailer Tesco, the first company to achieve the People Development Partner status, said: 

“The development of the partnership and the focus that we have been putting on it reflects how critical we see the role HR can play within Tesco. Our people team often diagnose areas of the business that can benefit from learning and development, but it’s equally important that we look to ourselves and our own development.”

“Our colleagues in the people team have benefited hugely from our partner journey with the CIPD. They have further developed their passion, energy and confidence, and by being engaged themselves they have become ambassadors for continuous improvement and learning across Tesco. There’s been a real galvanising effect which is helping the team to work better together and develop stronger partnerships with the wider business.”