The CIPD is pleased to announce the UK’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has achieved People Development Partner (PDP) status.  
 
Over recent years, the role of HR has changed dramatically as we’ve navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Faced with these challenges and the shifting landscape, MoJ has been on a transformation journey. For Chief People Officer Mark Adam, it was an opportunity to re-anchor the HR leadership team to its professional body and create something special that would enable the government department and its people to thrive. 

PDP status reflects the MoJ’s dedication and commitment to five key focus areas:   

  • Recognising the CIPD Profession Map as the international standard in the people profession.   
  • Promoting and investing in professionalism aligned with the CIPD’s standards.   
  • Providing career development pathways for both aspiring and established people professionals.   
  • Promoting and investing in continuing professional development (CPD) for people professionals.    
  • Collaborating with the CIPD to promote and support the people profession.   

In achieving PDP status, the MoJ joins several other government departments that have also made significant strides in professionalising their HR functions to increase their impact.  

This achievement was celebrated at a signing ceremony at the MoJ headquarters in London and attended by representatives of CIPD and the MoJ. 

“With shifting workforce expectations, evolving challenges in recruitment and retention, and new technologies to embrace, there’s never been a greater need for confident, credible and capable HR functions. We’re honoured to be supporting MOJ on this professionalisation journey.” 

Richard Smith, Employer Solutions Senior Consultant, CIPD

The MoJ has shown a clear commitment to improving capabilities, leadership and retention across their HR function and the wider organisation. 

With our support, the MoJ used the CIPD Profession Map and People Impact Tool to assess the capability of its people function, identify any gaps and develop profiles for core HR roles. It also introduced a new HR Leadership programme to support its HR leadership team to develop their skills and set an example of CPD at the highest level. 

 

Peter Cheese, CIPD Chief Executive, with Mark Adam, MoJ Chief People Officer, and other senior members of the MOJ people and culture team

 

As a result of the MoJ’s transformation and focus on upskilling its HR professionals, 40% of the team are now CIPD members, ranging from Student members to Chartered Fellow, with plans to grow this number further. In a world of work that never stands still, CIPD members stand out as people professionals who are committed to their continuing professional development – which in turn ensures they have the capability, confidence and credibility to enable an organisation and its people to thrive. 

“Becoming a People Development Partner celebrates the great work we’ve all done to get this far. And it’s a promise that we’ll continue to partner with our professional body to elevate HR capability across the whole of the MoJ.” 

Mark Adam, Chief People Officer, Ministry of Justice

Looking forward into the rest of 2025, the MoJ plans to: 

  • Introduce ‘routes to membership’ sessions to highlight the various paths to becoming a CIPD member or upgrading membership, including Experience Assessment, Upgrading and Accredited programmes with a membership outcome. 
  • Continue to support more of their people professionals to achieve CIPD membership. 
  • Work in partnership with the CIPD to identify new opportunities to grow the skills and knowledge of their HR team. 

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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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