The CIPD have named Tesco as its first partner under a new initiative it has launched for HR and Learning & Development (L&D) teams, the CIPD People Development Partner which will help companies go “above and beyond” in delivering a team that has the very best HR capabilities, knowledge and expertise.
Tesco is the first partner of the scheme, due to the fact that the supermarket chain has worked with the CIPD, for a number of years in order to develop its HR capabilities.
The scheme acknowledges companies that make a clear commitment to raise the “level of expertise and influence that their people team has within their organisation.” It recognises a businesses’ desire to develop its people team as a whole as well as individuals in HR.
In order to achieve this status, organisations must 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 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 in to the wider profession by participating in the CIPD’s research and policy work
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, 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 benefitted 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.
The CIPD is the professional body for HR.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
