MY CIPP
Spotlight on...
Dr Sue Smith EdD MA BEd FHEA FCMI Cmgr Assoc CIPD ACIPP Education director
Tell us a little about your career and background so far. I’ve had quite an eclectic career, working in lots of different industries. My background is in training and development, more recently in executive coaching. I’ve supported managers in businesses throughout my career, mostly through teaching and presenting on leadership and management, but also by drawing on my operational experience. My first career was as a primary school teacher and then I managed a restaurant, moving into hospitality and entertainment, where I worked in the pub, night club and hotel industry. During my mid-career, I moved into outsourcing, working in Accenture and with clients on graduate programmes in large corporates. When I started researching my doctorate in 2009, I had my own company and by the time I graduated in 2015, I’d also lectured in three different universities. What are your main priorities as the education director? Clearly, I’m passionate about education, learning and development. I believe it’s the gateway to achievement and growth. As the education director, I steer the direction of the organisation, constantly looking at the latest developments in qualifications, training and in learning. It’s my responsibility to ensure we have the most appropriate interventions and that they’re accessible to all. So, this means
With some great events coming up, which one are you most looking forward to, and why? That’s a little bit like asking someone to choose their favourite child! I recently attended the CIPP’s Annual Conference and that was amazing! I love events which recognise the achievement (and sacrifice) people have made. Our graduation ceremony is one of my favourite events too. It’s an opportunity to share the celebration, but also to recognise all those unsung heroes who have supported the students and learners to cross the finish-line. The formality of the graduation ceremony is topped only by speaking to the graduates and being introduced to their partners, spouses, children and parents who have supported them, encouraged them and literally been the shoulder to cry on through the highs and lows of their studies. What do you think you and the education team can bring to the future strategy of the CIPP? We’re fortunate enough to have an incredibly dedicated team at the CIPP. Everyone brings their wealth of knowledge and expertise to enable us to provide the best products and services. The team are striving to improve all that we offer so we can meet the members’ needs, recognise their achievements and support those in need of guidance and information. n
the learning packages might come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, fit for our diverse profession. It’s important to remember learning is a life-long process, so catering for learners of all ages and at all times in their career is imperative. What does your role mean to you? What is the purpose of your role? My role helps people gain an advantage in their career pathway. It doesn’t matter: l where they’re starting from, or which rung of the ladder they’re aiming for l whether they’re a practitioner or a professional l if they’re learning new skills and developing themselves l whether this is through a qualification / a training intervention / self-taught activity, or by sitting with Nelly. All of this can only give them an advantage over where they were before. How would completing a CIPP qualification help support an individual’s payroll / pensions career? At the CIPP, we have a progression of qualifications from entry-level through to strategic leadership. We also appreciate that not everyone has an ambition to be strategic. For those who prefer to grow as a specialist in their chosen field, we provide the information, education and recognition to support them.
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| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
Issue 95 | November 2023
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