FEATURE TOPIC
What would you say to anyone who isn’t yet a CIPP member? Dawn Baxter: Why not? Why aren’t you a member of the professional body which represents you at Government level? Are you aware of the recognition, support and information you’re missing out on? As a not-for-profit professional body, the CIPP is uniquely placed to work for the best interest of its profession. The Institute understands your needs and provides what you need at every step of your career.
and meeting passionate payrollers from across the globe, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Not everyone’s journey will be the same, and for many, membership will provide all the professional support, credibility and development you need to progress in your career. But you never quite know where it might take you, or where you’ll be in five, 10 or 15+ years in the payroll profession. For me, the CIPP isn’t just about membership – it’s been a passport to learning, opportunity and community. Laura Wood: Joining the CIPP proves your commitment to payroll, pensions and reward. Becoming a member of the CIPP is about more than just membership, it’s about being part of an organisation that has its say within the industry as it holds close links with the Low Pay Commission (LPC), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and other bodies. “While the CIPP is an incredible source of knowledge, keeping you compliant and up to date, it can also enhance your life in ways you might not expect” The CIPP holds Think Tanks with Government representatives and members when there are going to be potential changes to legislation. Members attending these sessions can get their voice heard. In addition to the Think Tanks, there are also specialist industry groups and the BeKnowledgeable webinars, which provide practical knowledge in bite-sized sessions and are free for members to attend. Jim Woodlingfield: I’ve been a CIPP member for over a decade, and it’s something that’s become a big part of my professional identity. When I started in payroll, I didn’t know there was a professional association, and it often felt like I was working away by myself to come up with solutions for the issues facing my organisation. Like most of us, I didn’t plan on a career in payroll. It was when I took my
Olivia Dunham: Apply for your membership today! There are so
many different types of memberships available to suit all budgets and level of skill or interest in payroll. There’s even international membership for your teams not based in the UK who run UK payrolls. Membership offers so many benefits which enhance your knowledge, grow your network and boost your career. Although we all plan to share our knowledge of the latest legislation with our teams, we don’t always have the time or ability to offer the same experience as individuals would get when reading the updates for themselves. They may be enticed to investigate topics which really interest them further, empowering them to take control of their own learning and fuelling their passion for payroll. Eira Hammond: I first became a CIPP member as a student, qualifying with the Diploma back in 2002. From there, my involvement deepened – I became a tutor, a role I proudly held for 17 years, only stepping away during lockdown when fewer tutors were needed. In 2008, I wanted to give back to the profession, so I stood for election to the CIPP board. I served for 10 years, including as Chair of the Board from 2016 until my term ended in 2018. In October 2017, when the Chartered membership grade was launched, I applied straight away and was accepted. One of the biggest things I’ve learned, and what I’d pass on to anyone considering membership, is that while the CIPP is an incredible source of knowledge, keeping you compliant and up to date, it can also enhance your life in ways you might not expect. For me, it opened the door to opportunities I could never have imagined when I first signed up as a student. I’ve travelled all over the UK and the world, presenting
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 114 | October 2025
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