Our branch in the North of Scotland and Islands
Learn, collaborate and network with CIPD members and people professionals in the North of Scotland and Islands
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Learn, collaborate and network with CIPD members and people professionals in the North of Scotland and Islands
Welcome and thank you for visiting the North of Scotland and Islands web page. I am Laura Simpson and I was delighted to take over the leadership role in June 2024, having been involved with the branch committee since 2021.
Our branch spans a wide geographical area from Aberdeen, west to the Outer Hebrides and north to the Shetland Islands. We currently have almost 2,000 branch members and our dedicated committee run a range of brilliant events, both online and in-person, plus support a number of networks. We do this to help local members with their careers and workforce challenges. We want to help you all to be the best you can be and also to have a bit of fun at our sessions. Members are at the heart of everything we do in the branch and we aim to listen, deliver and connect with our members to provide content and resources that benefit you.
Whether you’re currently studying, working in the people profession or a manager or leader, we believe you can benefit most from your membership by actively participating in the branch activities. Whichever way you engage with the branch, whether attending events, contributing to our newsletters, or by joining our branch committee or one of the associated networks, we have no doubt you will find it both valuable and enjoyable.
Laura Simpson, Chartered MCIPD
Branch Chair
Our branch is run by a committee of enthusiastic and committed volunteers who represent a diverse range of sectors and professional experience and are based in both Aberdeen and Inverness. We collaborate closely with the CIPD head office and CIPD Scotland teams and strive to provide a joined up approach, complementing what is available to members at both a UK and a Scotland level by offering a programme of activities locally that focuses specifically on the needs of CIPD members in our geographical area.
Our annual programme of events runs from September to June and, in line with member feedback, we run branch events either in the early evening or at lunchtime. Events take place approximately once a month. We're fortunate to be supported by local companies, universities and colleges so most of these events will take place on supporters’ premises. We also schedule a number of webinars which we find helps us reach our members who live in more geographically remote parts of our branch area. Look out for topical face to face and online events which are listed via Eventbrite.
If you would like to get involved with the branch, by joining the committee, offering us a venue for events, suggesting event topics or articles for our newsletter then please do get in touch via nscotland@cipdbranch.co.uk. Also, if you have any suggestions or feedback about any aspects of how we run the branch, offer members or engage with you we would be delighted to hear from you.
You can sign up for branch events and for the HR practitioners group either via the webpage or by searching Eventbrite. For more information about meeting dates for the book group and to find out the current book please email us.
With workshops, round tables, panel discussions and expert speakers, our thought-provoking events cover everything our community needs. Network, learn and stay up to date.
Keen to get involved, give back or raise your profile? Whatever your skills and interests, learn more about branch volunteering.
Just starting out on your career? Want to meet experienced people professionals and keep up to date with all the topics you cover in your studies? We’re here for you as you study for your CIPD qualification.
We connect members who want to develop new skills and progress their careers with members who have expertise in coaching and mentoring. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please get in touch.
Want to get involved? Got an idea for an event? We want to hear from you!
Email usMembership of this group is by invitation as it is aimed at those in senior HR, leadership or strategic level roles. The group focuses on topical subjects that impact HR leadership and the wider people management remit.
The HR practitioner group holds quarterly meetings which are in Aberdeen when face-to-face events are possible. The group was set up to support those in stand-alone HR roles or independent consultants to give them a network where they can discuss issues and seek support from others in a similar professional situation.
Get in touch to find out more. And let us know your ideas for other special interest groups.
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