Almost 800 CIPD members volunteer across the UK to keep our branch network alive and relevant. They give their time to running a programme of inspirational learning and networking events for their local communities of people professionals. Their valuable work embodies our purpose. 

Want to get involved? Volunteering in your branch grows your network and gives you the chance to share your skills, learn new ones and give back to our profession. Learn more about becoming a branch volunteer.

BRANCH VOLUNTEERING

Why get involved?

Our branch volunteers tell us it feels great to support and connect their local professional community. They recommend the chance to: 

  • gain practical experience and take on new challenges
  • develop leadership and professional knowledge
  • meet new people and broaden your local and professional network 
  • contribute your insights to CIPD initiatives, research and perspectives 
  • give back to your local community and to our profession. 

Branch volunteering builds skills that contribute to your CPD and career journey. 

"It’s that sense of team that really carries me. Also, I love the feeling of making a difference. Our work around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has been tough for me, but I have been given the tools and support to translate my passion into meaningful and worthwhile events, which feels incredible."

Woosh Raza, Co-chair, Central London branch

BRANCH VOLUNTEERING

Who supports our branches?

A warm welcome from the CIPD Branch Development team.

We’re here to support, inspire and connect our committee volunteers in their branch roles. We give regular updates, answer questions, and share guidance and resources on CIPD campaigns, activities and strategy.

We provide a training library for new committee members, deliver live sessions with CIPD teams, and equip volunteers with the digital platforms they need to run events, newsletters and communications. And we often launch initiatives with our branch network first, so you get first sight of our news, products and research.

Branch volunteers are an essential part of CIPD governance. Each year, Chairs or their representatives join us for Council. This constitutional event allows our members to act as an advisory body on strategic issues, including membership fees and changes to our Code of Conduct and Ethics. We also meet with representatives annually at our Branch Network and Support days to discuss upcoming campaigns, research and projects.

BRANCH VOLUNTEERING

How we celebrate our volunteers

CIPD branches win the IiV quality standard 

In November 2022, CIPD branches were awarded the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) award for good practice in volunteer management, inclusion and involvement. IiV provides a robust framework and quality standards to ensure that volunteers’ experiences with us are positive and progressive.

This achievement recognises the huge contribution our volunteers make in delivering our purpose – to champion better work and working lives. 

Outstanding Contribution Awards 

To recognise and applaud great work within our branches, committee Chairs can nominate one volunteer each year for an Outstanding Contribution Award. This raises the profile of each winner and celebrates the great work they do as volunteers with us.

"It meant so much to me to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award and was such a fantastic honour which I was so surprised to receive that, for once, I was speechless! Nearer the end of my career than the beginning, it means such a lot to me to think that I may have helped the profession locally, raised the profile of the CIPD and developed and made a small difference to the careers of colleagues over the years."

John Singleton, Branch committee member, West of Scotland branch

Explore the branch roles you can volunteer for

Find the role that’s right for you

BRANCH VOLUNTEERING

Keen to take the
next step?

Come along to a branch event or email our Branch Development Team with any questions.

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