The CIPD is inviting strategic leaders to help guide its growing community of 164,000 people professionals following Valerie Hughes-D'Aeth's planned departure
The CIPD has begun recruiting for a new chair of the board. After four successful years in the role, our current chair, Valerie Hughes-D'Aeth, has decided to step down to dedicate more time to her family – but will remain an active CIPD member and champion for our profession.
"Our profession plays a huge role in ensuring work adds value to people and organisations. I’ve been a proud CIPD member throughout my career and it’s been a privilege to chair the CIPD’s board.”
Valerie's departure opens up a unique opportunity for senior leaders, including those from our global community of people professionals, to guide the CIPD at a time when expertise in people, work and change has never been more crucial for organisational success.
During Valerie’s time as chair, our membership has grown to more than 164,000 people professionals worldwide, strengthening our influence and ability to fulfil our purpose of championing better work and working lives.
We've expanded our reach and reinforced our position as the trusted voice, standard and partner for people professionals around the world – helping our members to develop the capability, confidence and credibility to drive positive change that benefits people and organisations.
"Valerie has brought exceptional leadership to the CIPD during a transformative period for both our organisation and the world of work. Our membership growth reflects our increasing relevance and value for people professionals at every stage of their careers."
Our chair leads our board of trustees, who are responsible for shaping the CIPD’s strategy in line with our charitable purpose – to champion better work and working lives. It is a voluntary, non-executive position,
elected by the CIPD council, on recommendation of the Board, following an open recruitment process.
The CIPD board oversees the management of our commitments, activities, risks and finances, making sure we deliver effectively and responsibly for our members, our wider community and our people. Our board members act as directors for the CIPD as a chartered body and as trustees for the CIPD as a registered charity.
The new Chair will help us strengthen our commitment to upholding professional standards while providing our members with the knowledge, insights and learning opportunities they need to stay relevant in a world of work that never stands still.
We've engaged executive search firm Sam Allen Associates to manage the selection process.
The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience, a strong commercial background, and share our passion for championing better work and working lives. They’ll have the gravitas and credibility to be an ambassador for our profession and provide strategic direction for the CIPD. They'll embody our values – customer first, collaborative, expert, impactful and innovative.
The chair typically serves an initial three-year term and can stand for a further term if they wish to. The time commitment is approximately two days per month and the candidate must be able to attend at least two in-person meetings (normally in London), as well as attending our flagship events and awards.
To apply, please send your CV to enquires@samallen.co.uk using reference CIPDA.
For further information, you can contact Ben Reed at Ben@samallen.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is 30 April 2025.
How our structure, governance and leadership keep our charitable and business activities responsible, accountable, sustainable and transparent
Better work and working lives for all
We are the only professional body that can award chartered status to people professionals
We are the voice, the benchmark and the partner for experts in people, work and change
