Bright Horizons becomes first early years provider to achieve CIPD professional recognition

The CIPD has recognised Bright Horizons UK with People Development Partner (PDP) status, making it the first early years provider to meet this gold standard for professionalism.   
 
PDP status highlights the organisation’s strategic commitment to professional standards in HR and people development. This milestone reflects the organisation’s dedication to building a confident, capable and future-ready HR team – by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and investing in the careers of its people professionals. 
 
Using the CIPD People Impact Tool, Bright Horizons has taken a strategic, data driven approach to assess team strengths and identify key development areas.  

PDP status reflects Bright Horizons’ 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.  

 
The organisation has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting career growth across its team.

At Bright Horizons, people are central to everything the organisation does, from the families it supports to the professionals it empowers. The company’s internal “You’re the Difference” approach celebrates every individual’s contribution and reinforces a culture where colleagues feel valued, motivated and supported to thrive. 

Bright Horizons has already seen many employees gain professional CIPD membership after successfully completing a CIPD experience assessment – with more currently going through the process.  

To strengthen development opportunities further, the organisation has introduced a range of initiatives, including: 

• A CIPD learning course on data and analytics for people professionals – equipping team members with the skills to interpret data effectively and inform evidence-based decision-making. 
• HR support apprenticeships (in partnership with Realise Training) – offering structured, work-based learning that builds core HR knowledge and supports talent development from within. 
• A CIPD Group Affiliate subscription – giving all Bright Horizons’ HR practitioners access to the CIPD’s expert insights, practical tools and peer networks to support self-directed development at any stage, with the option to pursue formal study and professional membership when ready. 

Together, these initiatives not only empower individual growth but also help build a more confident, capable and future-ready HR team. By investing in people and creating a culture of shared learning, Bright Horizons continues to champion excellence across the profession – now and for the future.

Members of the CIPD and Bright Horizon’s teams celebrated all these achievements at a signing ceremony at Clapham Nursery in Croydon, London on 15 April.