The CIPD has defended its approach to workplace issues after fresh claims it is too focused on so-called culture war topics at the expense of core HR priorities.
It comes after a report in The Telegraph yesterday alleged the professional body for HR and people development was prioritising debates around trans rights and social issues while remaining quiet on pressing matters such as pay, productivity and the Employment Rights Bill.
The Telegraph quoted several unnamed HR leaders and former CIPD members expressing concern that the organisation had drifted into campaigning and political territory.
One HR veteran said there was growing discontent over what they saw as a lack of practical support for the profession. Another described the CIPD as “out of date” and no longer reflective of senior HR priorities.
The article also highlighted criticism over the organisation’s now-withdrawn guidance on trans inclusion in the workplace, which some believed increased legal risks for employers following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
CIPD: ‘Proud of our work’
In response, a CIPD spokesperson told HRreview that the organisation stood by its work and advice to members.
“We’re proud of the work that we and our members do to enhance business outcomes and working lives, especially during these challenging times,” they said.
“Our membership is at record levels and our member satisfaction and sentiment scores have been consistently increasing as we improve our offer. We’ll continue to listen to our members directly to ensure our work continues to support the work of the profession.”
The organisation has long maintained that it provides guidance based on evidence and legal frameworks, adding that societal issues inevitably shape the workplace and business outcomes.
Productivity concerns persist
Critics argue that with productivity growth stagnant and the UK workforce under increasing financial strain, the CIPD should do more to offer leadership on pay, workplace rights and people strategy.
Recent figures from the International Labour Organisation show UK workers remain worse off than they were in 2008, with productivity trailing much of the developed world. The Resolution Foundation, a London-based think-tank, reported this month that the UK had seen an “almost unprecedented” decline in productivity over the past five years.
The report has reopened debate over whether HR bodies should engage with politically sensitive topics such as trans rights and executive pay, or focus on core workplace issues.
Some HR professionals believe navigating social issues is unavoidable given their workplace impact, while others argue the CIPD has lost sight of its founding mission to improve the world of work.