The CIPD is pleased to welcome The Rt Hon Chloe Smith, former Secretary of State for the UK’s Department of Work and Pensions, and for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, as its new president.  

As president, Chloe will act as an advocate and ambassador for the CIPD and the work we do to support the people profession and deliver on our purpose of championing better work and working lives, with a particular focus on:   

  • How people and technology come together to drive positive outcomes for organisations and for the workforce, including the responsible adoption of AI in workplaces and the wider labour market.  
  • Enabling and supporting people from all backgrounds into meaningful work - to support wellbeing, health and productivity; increase employment; and contribute to reducing economic inactivity.  
  • Advocating for the people profession and creating connections across business, policy and academic domains. 

“Promoting the people profession’s strategic impact across the wider business, policy and academic communities is crucial at a time of so much change facing workplaces and workforces.”  

The Rt Hon Chloe Smith, CIPD President

Chloe has extensive expertise in technological change, workforce transformation and skills, global economics, regulation, risk and governance. Having led the UK government departments responsible for both the labour market and technology, Chloe will use her experience, insight and networks to help promote the work of the CIPD and the people profession.  

She’s frequently called upon to speak on technology, including AI and regulation, and was named the most influential person in technology in 2023. While serving as a government minister, Chloe was also a custodian of the Equality Act.  

One of Chloe’s biggest achievements in Parliament was to legislate the British Sign Language Act. She has continued this interest outside parliament and is now trustee of the deafness charity RNID, as well as being a trustee and advocate for the cancer charity Big C.

“The people profession’s strategic value is rising day by day and I look forward to drawing on my experience at the highest levels of government and in the private sector to help the CIPD champion better work and working lives.” 

The Rt Hon Chloe Smith, CIPD President

About the role of the CIPD President 

After some recent changes to our Charter and Byelaws, the CIPD President is now elected by the CIPD Council instead of at the AGM. The president will serve as an ambassador and advocate for the CIPD and the people profession. This role no longer sits directly on the board of trustees. 

The Rt Hon Chloe Smith takes over from Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, who served as CIPD President for three years.

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    Championing better work and working lives

    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. 

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