The way we work with others – and listening to diverse voices in the planning and delivery of our work – is important in delivering effective outcomes.

With work being delivered across boundaries, geographies and cultures, it’s important that people are listened to, and enabled to work together. And as people professionals, we have a key role to play in working collaboratively and inclusively, as well as encouraging, facilitating and setting up cross-boundary working, building high-trust relationships, and managing conflict constructively.

Police now case study: The
beat generation

In just three years, the Police Now graduate leadership development programme has already turned out 650 coppers. And the results have been arresting.

Police now case study: The beat generation
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Working inclusively standards

Each standard progresses through four levels of impact. Which level do you most embody in your day-to-day work?

Foundation level Associate level Chartered Member level Chartered Fellow level
At this level you will: At this level you will: At this level you will: At this level you will:
Inclusivity Show sensitivity and respect to others Get to know people as individuals so you can work together more effectively Role-model and advocate the value of including others and embracing difference Foster an inclusive culture which unites people, whatever their differences
Valuing diversity Demonstrate openness to diverse views and opinions Actively seek and listen to diverse views and opinions Explore and interpret a diverse range of perspectives and views Value and integrate diverse perspectives when creating people strategy
Building relationships Build positive working relationships with immediate colleagues Build purposeful working relationships with and collaborate with wider colleagues Build collaborative relationships across organisation boundaries, cultures and other disciplines Build strategic relationships and partnerships across professions, geographies and organisations
Collaborative working Collaborate on team activities or projects Work effectively as part of a team to achieve project and wider team goals Facilitate connections and joint-working across teams, disciplines and functions Broker collaborations across and outside organisations to progress shared agendas
Sharing knowledge Share data and information to inform work in your area Readily share your knowledge and expertise with others to solve problems Proactively share knowledge, experience and expertise to co-create solutions across boundaries Create a culture of knowledge, experience and expertise sharing
Conflict resolution Handle difficult situations calmly and contribute to finding a way forward Support others to resolve conflict and build trust before issues escalate Coach and enable others to resolve conflict and build trust within teams and functions Coach and influence senior leaders to build trust and cohesion
Psychological safety Ask for help, admit mistakes, and share concerns and ideas with others Encourage others to recognise when they need help, to admit mistakes, and share concerns and ideas Create and maintain an environment where others feel safe to admit mistakes, share ideas and challenge ways of working Proactively build and maintain a culture that embraces psychological safety, honesty and openness

Assess your level, choose
your learning

Tools and resources to help you develop

Use our self-assessment tool to assess yourself against any area of the Profession Map. We’ll recommend relevant learning and resources to help you create your own professional development pathway. 

Full self-assessment tool (exclusive to CIPD members) Try our 'lite' self-assessment tool (free for everyone)
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Next: Commercial drive

Using a commercial mindset, demonstrating drive and personal responsibility to create value

Continue to Commercial drive

The Profession Map

Download the full set of standards
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    The Profession Map

    The Profession Map is for everyone in our profession – individuals and teams, members and non-members. Learn more about the Profession Map and how you can use it. 

    The Profession Map overview