Purpose of CIPD Networks

CIPD networks bring together HR professionals with shared professional interests, roles, or regional contexts to support peer learning, professional development, and collective influence. These spaces offer trusted environments for meaningful dialogue, insight-sharing, and connection across the people profession. 

 

What We Ask of Network Members

Being part of a CIPD network means actively contributing to a shared learning environment. To ensure a positive and valuable experience for all members, we ask that you: 

  • Meet and maintain eligibility for the relevant network and inform the CIPD of any significant changes to your role or professional circumstances. 
  • Engage actively by attending meetings, contributing to discussions, and sharing ideas and experiences. 
  • Support peer learning by participating with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute your own professional insights. 

To maintain the integrity of our networks: 

  • Where a meeting, or part of a meeting, is held under the Chatham House Rule, members are free to use the information shared but must not reveal the identity or affiliation of the speakers or participants. 
  • Participation is expected to be in the spirit of mutual learning and professional development, not for commercial gain. 
  • The promotion, advertisement, or selling of products or services, either directly or indirectly, is strictly prohibited. Attempts to solicit, pitch, or generate leads through a CIPD network may result in removal from the network. 
  • By being part of a CIPD network, you agree to abide by the CIPD Community Guidelines, ensuring respectful, inclusive, and professional engagement at all times. 

Network Champion Roles

Each CIPD network offers the opportunity for engaged members to contribute further by volunteering as a Network Champion. Champions work closely with the CIPD regional team to guide the focus of the group and promote wider engagement. 

Network Champions: 

  • Help steer network discussions and surface emerging issues. 
  • Support the planning and delivery of events and sessions. 
  • Act as visible ambassadors for the network and the CIPD’s broader mission. 

Champion roles are voluntary and open to active network members who demonstrate a commitment to the purpose and values of the network.  

Individuals who wish to volunteer as Network Champions should contact the relevant Network Lead. Contact details will be provided upon approval to join a CIPD network. 

Network Champions are expected to: 

  • Attend a minimum of four meetings per year. 
  • Provide guidance and insight to support the ongoing development of the network. 
  • Take an active role in facilitating network meetings and fostering peer-to-peer engagement. 

 

Annual Review of Network Membership

To ensure networks remain relevant, active, and inclusive, all network memberships are reviewed on an annual basis. Network members will be asked to: 

  • Confirm they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
  • Update contact details, job title, and current employer. 
  • Reconfirm their interest in continuing to participate. 

Where a Network member no longer meets the criteria or chooses not to remain active, their Network membership may be withdrawn. 

 

Governance and Appeals Process

Each network is coordinated by the relevant CIPD regional team, with input and support from Network Champions. All decisions related to network participation and eligibility are made in line with these Terms of Reference. 

Should a Network member wish to appeal a decision, they may submit a written appeal stating their reasons for wishing to stay in the Network to cscomplaints@cipd.co.uk. Appeals will be reviewed by a panel comprising a representative of the regional team and at least one Network Champion. Outcomes will be communicated by email within 30 days. 

 

Code of Conduct and Community Values

CIPD networks are founded on trust, respect, and inclusion. All network members are expected to: 

  • Engage professionally and constructively with others. 
  • Uphold the CIPD Code of Professional Conduct. 
  • Help build an inclusive, welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. 

Breaches of the CIPD Code of Professional Conduct or Community Guidelines may result in suspension or removal from the network at the sole discretion of the CIPD. 

 

Amendments to Terms of Reference

The CIPD reserves the right to vary these Terms of Reference from time to time. Such changes will either be notified to you by email or posted on the CIPD People Professionals Networks webpage. Changes in this manner shall be deemed to have been accepted if you continue to use the CIPD Networks after a period of 2 (two) weeks from the date of transmission of the email or of posting on the CIPD People Professionals Networks webpage, whichever occurs later.