The professional principles

In this video Ruth Stuart, Head of Strategy at the CIPD, talks about our professional principles for HR.

These principles give us a foundation for approaching situations we may not have encountered before, and underpin the way we work as HR professionals:

Work matters

• Work can and should be a force for good – for organisations, workers and the communities, societies and economies they’re part of.

• Good work is purposeful; it is designed to help everyone use their skills and talents effectively and find personal meaning in the work they do.

• Good work is safe and inclusive; it recognises contribution in a fair manner and values human connection.

• Good work exists for the long-term benefit of individuals, organisations and society, and balances economic needs with social accountability.

People matter

• People are fundamental to businesses and organisations; they are unique and worthy of care, understanding and investment.

• People should have access and opportunity to work, and be provided with the support, development and resources to be effective; in turn, individuals have a personal responsibility for their work, development and behaviour.

• People deserve to be treated fairly and have a meaningful voice on matters that affect them, in addition to their rights and protection under law.

Professionalism matters

For the people profession this means:

1. being ambassadors for the profession by acting with integrity and championing better work and working lives in all we do.

2. a commitment to continually develop, and to make decisions which are principles-led, evidence-based and outcomes-driven.

3. bringing our expertise on people, work and change, together with our understanding of how business creates value for all, to balance the risks and opportunities inherent in any organisation and understand the implications of our decisions beyond the interests of our own organisations, for the good of wider society.