The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for human resources (HR), has been shaping people management for over a century globally, and for more than 50 years in Ireland.

As Alison puts it: “We are the accreditation body for HR, delivering qualifications, training, research, and advisory services.

“We represent the HR profession across government and NGO bodies, providing employer solutions and expert guidance.”

Yet, for Alison, the heart of CIPD is not the policies or the frameworks, it’s the community.

“Sometimes, we can feel alone in what we do. The work is sensitive, confidential, and requires so much discretion. That is why it is so powerful to have a community you can turn to, one that just gets it.”

Having been involved with the organisation since the late 1990s, and now steering its direction, she is committed to increasing CIPD’s reach, impact, and ability to support everyone with people-management responsibilities, from HR directors to finance or operations managers in SMEs.

Lessons in Leadership

Alison’s own leadership style has evolved over time.

“I used to think I had to have all the answers. Now I know the real power lies in curiosity, asking the right questions, and co-creating solutions........

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