Our impact – Explore how we have impacted working lives
In the past year we have focused on expanding our programmes and interventions in order to help more people get past the obstacles they encounter when trying to find and succeed in employment. It's clear that this benefits the people we support, but it's also encouraging to see how our work is enabling people professionals to build better organisations and more inclusive workplaces.
Talent is hidden in unexpected places and we need to be open to explore lots of avenues and opportunities to help new skills into the corporate workplace."
Finding Potential mentor
We have supported more people to overcome the barriers they face in getting into work and succeeding at work.
Lynn Delaney
Read Lynn’s case study on taking a flexible approach to mentoring women behind and beyond the gates, and supporting individuals with convictions.
Cat Randall-Smith
Read Cat’s case study using the Aspiring HRD Programme to advance her career and overcome challenges in her industry.
“As a parent of a special needs child, life can be hectic, and finding time for myself and my career goals was challenging. This programme has been a game-changer for me, providing structure and clear steps toward achieving my goals beyond motherhood. I needed confidence and a boost in my job search, and my mentor provided exactly that….
Bridging the gap: Read Aparna's full quote as she prepares to return back to work
“Thanks to the programme and my mentor’s support, I was able to secure a place on a competitive graduate scheme in HR, something I had struggled to break into for a long time. My mentor was incredibly encouraging and even connected me with someone in their network for direct advice. My mentor helped me prepare for my new role by guiding me on how to succeed as an employee and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and develop new perspectives.
We worked on my communication skills really boosted my confidence, especially in interviews. They helped me feel ready to transition from being a student into the professional world, and I now feel more prepared to excel in my new job. This programme played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and I’m grateful to have joined the programme. I will also be keeping in touch with my mentor as I move forward.”
Dean, Young jobseeker participant
Rebecca Watkins, General manager and mentor – supporting a young jobseeker in their efforts to become prepared for the workforce as well as changing hiring procedures to be more inclusive.
“Joining this mentoring programme has been a rewarding experience, especially as it was my first time mentoring virtually. Building a relationship with my mentee, who started off shy and unsure, and seeing his confidence grow with each session has been heartening. I thrive on helping people find their path and watching them succeed, and this programme allowed me to do just that.
A significant moment during our sessions was when my mentee’s question on an application made me reflect on different working styles and the importance of flexibility in the workplace. As a general manager, this encouraged me to think about how we can adapt our hiring practices and management approaches to be more inclusive, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. This programme has not only helped my mentee but also deepened my understanding of how to create more inclusive environments, benefiting me both personally and professionally.”
Nikki – Rebuilding Futures mentor
“I’ve had a long relationship with the CIPD Trust, volunteering in other programs and informally supporting family and friends with career mentoring. As someone who works in HR, I have become increasingly aware of the unique challenges faced by sensitive groups, including displaced refugees. This motivated me to join the Rebuilding Futures programme. Initially, I was apprehensive about how comfortable or useful I would be in supporting these individuals, but the experience has been eye-opening, inspiring and humbling.
Through this programme, I have gained a deeper understanding of the trauma some people have experienced in their home country and the difficult circumstances, even professionally qualified, refugees face while being out of work in the UK. It has made me rethink recruitment practices, for example around considering the practicalities of obtaining references for refugees from countries where, for example, the government and infrastructure has collapsed. I think, as HR professionals and employers, we need to adjust our mind sets and be more open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. I often share my experience to encourage my clients and others to think differently about recruitment and to advocate for the importance of “people supporting people and giving others a chance.
Volunteering in this programme has been a privilege and has given me a sense of self-worth, knowing I’ve helped my mentee overcome significant barriers. I have connected him with relevant professionals in my network and I have been really heartened by the warm reception and genuine support he has been offered. He’s a dedicated, resilient and charming individual and I’m confident that he has a bright future —we stay in touch, and I remain invested in his success.”
When I first started the mentorship, I struggled with interview preparation and felt quite nervous. My mentor, Ross Edwards, provided exceptional support, teaching me the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique, which helped me structure my responses effectively and clearly. Ross was incredibly dedicated, always finding time to meet with me before my interviews, even with his busy schedule. These sessions were crucial in boosting my confidence and ensuring I was well-prepared. Ross's practical examples and strategies greatly enhanced my ability to respond effectively. Now that the mentoring is ending, I feel much more confident and prepared for interviews. The skills and knowledge I've gained from Ross's guidance have been invaluable, significantly improving my professional development.
Sayra, Young jobseeker
Our first Impact Report – FY22-23
At the heart of our work is the commitment to drive social change in the people profession. Leveraging the expertise of skilled mentors from the profession and the support of the CIPD’s 160,000 professional members, we aim to influence systemic change.
Our goal is to create a more diverse profession and foster a fairer, more accessible world of work.
In the report, we also demonstrate how we’ve performed against our Impact framework and give invaluable insights into the difference the expertise of people professionals has made.
Download the 2022-23 Trust Impact report >
Why work with us?
When you put people first, everyone stands to gain.
Transform lives
Share your time, talents and experience to give others greater aspiration and opportunity.
Transform our profession
Strengthen your practice and our profession by helping people who face different barriers to work.
Transform society
Show what we can do together when we join forces and share our expertise.
The CIPD and the CIPD Trust
