MEMBERSHIP INSIGHT
5
minutes with…
Elaine Gibson MSc FCIPP, MCMI, FHEA Education director, CIPP
time information, automatic enrolment and payrolling of benefits to name a few. The future of education for the industry is being driven by technology and we are seeing changes in demographics and increase in the younger age group. The CIPP educational provision is pro-active to these. We recognise that online learning is becoming a flexible method. Access to continuing professional development (CPD) tools is particularly important so we have developed and continually develop the ability to access educational resources via computers and electronic devices and use of apps. In terms of qualifications, last autumn we launched the Advanced Payroll Technician Certificate with both face to face and online interaction thereby providing students with choice. This provision builds on: ● the existing and extremely popular Payroll Technician Certificate, enabling a smooth transition into the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (pensions is in the process of development), or ● payroll skills with the addition of team leadership skills and knowledge. (Watch this space as there is more to come.) Why is CPD so important? Government legislation is ever changing and so for payroll, pension or reward professionals it is important to keep knowledge up to date and demonstrate to a potential employer that you are on top of your game. For payroll professionals aspiring to achieve the CIPP Individual Chartered Status it’s imperative as CPD is a key qualifying criterion. Ultimately, CPD will demonstrate that you are compliant. As an employer this would be my first consideration. What do you do in your spare time to unwind? Spare time, is there such a thing?! On a serious note, work-life balance is important and I like nothing better than socialising down my local, retail therapy and spending time with my family and dogs. n
You started a new role as education director on 1 October 2016. Can you tell us about the role and why it has been created? This is an exciting opportunity for both the CIPP and me. We are a membership organisation and education underpins the support we provide to members for keeping up to date whether by: reading the CIPP magazine Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward and/ or the daily/weekly news letter News On Line ; making a call to the CIPP Advisory Service; directly liaising with the CIPP policy research and membership team; attending a training course; or by engaging in a professional qualification. Due to the nature of the payroll and pension professions and the significant amount of legislation-related compliance and deadlines that impacts all that we do, the CIPP always aims to deliver the best opportunities for upskilling and closing skills gaps. The education director role has been created to maximise existing service provisions; importantly, with my education leadership team we are in the process of developing further educational opportunities for our members and ‘UK PLC’. The aim is to support a flexible path for those who wish to progress in their payroll or pensions careers. We already provide education to the highest level via our MSc in Business and Reward Management – and engagement is increasing significantly but we recognise that not all industry professionals will aim for this level at this time; therefore, flexibility is essential to fit with both individual and employer needs. It is my role as education director to ensure the opportunities are provided.
Can you give us an insight into your background? I have worked within the payroll industry for some thirty years. I started in a firm of accountants and embarked on accountancy qualifications, until one day I was asked to pick up the payroll. I was both daunted and excited at this prospect – it was a baptism of fire but I have never looked back. I progressed taking on more responsibility by moving jobs and, prior to the CIPP, I was the payroll specialist for Carlsberg Tetley in Leeds, which also provided international payroll experience. I commenced my CIPP career as a trainer, moving onto senior policy and research officer, followed by associate director of qualifications and, for an interim period, heading up the policy and research area. The payroll profession has opened many doors for me. Becoming qualified at MSc level definitely prepared me for the challenges I have faced and will face. I have been with the CIPP for over fourteen years and the opportunities for progression have been amazing to date. Who would have thought that I would also become a qualified lecturer in professional development and work- based learning which is a bonus given my latest role. The Institute is a fantastic place to work enabling me to have the opportunity to make a difference and give something back to the payroll profession. What does the future hold for the future of education, specifically relating to payroll, pensions and reward? Exciting times are ahead. Government continually throw challenges our way which we catch, embracing change. We’ve realised massive changes: real
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | February 2017 | Issue 27 8
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