The People Services team within Cardiff Metropolitan University has achieved the CIPD’s People Development Partner (PDP) status. This is a significant achievement that demonstrates the team’s commitment to providing a world-class people function. This is the first time PDP status has been awarded to a university.

The university has 1,600 core employees, 35 of whom are part of the People Services team. The university wanted to upskill this team and transform the impact they have, bringing a fresh perspective to delivering the people strategy, and providing staff with the people services function they need.

“We are delighted to become the first university to achieve CIPD People Development Partner status. As a team, we have transformed the way we work, built our professionalism, and operate as a capable people function delivering with impact.” 

Ashley Flaherty, Director of People Services, Cardiff Metropolitan University

To achieve PDP status, the university began by running the CIPD People Impact Tool; gaining evidence-based and Profession Map aligned data on their initial capability and impact as a function.  

This data created a foundation for development planning and wider professionalisation. The goal was to increase the team’s credibility with key stakeholders and drive the success of the university’s people strategy.

The team is now well-positioned to continue its commitment to providing a world-class people function that is progressive, adaptable, and enables a high-performing culture.

“Gaining PDP status is a great achievement and Cardiff Metropolitan University should be very proud. This truly demonstrates their efforts in creating a people-first culture to ensure their employees continue to deliver quality work to the people they serve."

Lesley Richards, Head of the CIPD in Wales

Explore our related content

CIPD People Development Partners

Discover more about how your organisation can became a prestigious CIPD People Development Partner.

The Profession Map

The international standard that equips people professionals to make their greatest impact

How to become a CIPD member

Find out all the details you need to know about the various routes to becoming a CIPD member. Find out more with the CIPD today.

Learn more about how we support organisations

Championing better work and working lives

About
the CIPD

At the CIPD, we champion better work and working lives. We help organisations to thrive by focusing on their people, supporting economies and society for the future. We lead debate as the voice for everyone wanting a better world of work. 

Callout Image