Identify THREE customers who would use your HR services. You are also required to explain why they might need your services; giving a specific example for each customer.

Activity 1

Using the CIPD Profession Map as a reference, write a report in which you:

  • Briefly summarise the CIPD Profession Map (i.e. the two core professional areas, the specialist professional areas, the bands and the behaviours).
  • Consider your role as a HR assistant; looking at one professional area of the CIPD Profession Map (at either Band 1 or Band 2), identify the knowledge, skills and behaviours that you would consider essential to your new role as an HR assistant.

1.1

Activity 2

The HR function in your organisation is centralised and therefore you are responsible for providing a wide range of services to a variety of internal and external customers. Sometimes your customers will request things to be done all at the same time and it is your responsibility to prioritise their requests, whilst still ensuring that you maintain excellent customer service. Continue your report from Activity 1, and:

  • Identify THREE customers who would use your HR services. You are also required to explain why they might need your services; giving a specific example for each customer. You should then explain how you would identify the conflicting needs and prioritise the three requests.

2.1

  • Considering the THREE customers above, explain how you would effectively communicate with each. You should include THREE different methods of communication and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

2.2

  • The nature of the HR function can result in you dealing with some emotive customer issues. Describe how you would endeavour to establish positive working relationships and deliver an efficient and effective service. You should consider how you would:

o Manage your time

o Manage your workload

o Address problems and complaints

o Communication

o Exceed customer expectations

o Review of HR services

2.3

Activity 3

As an HR practitioner, you are required to; log, monitor, and update your continuing professional development (CPD).

  • Define CPD and explain its importance from the perspective of the employer and the employee.

3.1

  • Referring to the CIPD Profession Map, assess yourself against the professional areas at Bands 1 and behaviours relating to your own role or a role that you aspire to. Identify any areas that you need to develop to reach the top of the band.

3.2

  • Using a template, such as http://www.cipd.co.uk/cpd/guidance/examples-templates.aspx, devise a personal development plan (PDP) to meet at least FOUR of your development needs, including those identified above, and the achievement of your CIPD qualification. The plan should be for a minimum of 6-12 months.

3.4

  • You will need to evaluate the options available to you to achieve at least TWO of your chosen development needs, stating the advantages and disadvantages of each

3.3

Activity 4

During the period of your studies, reflect on your performance against the plan. This includes learning gained from each unit of your qualification, and add reflective comments to the plan, or as a separate reflective statement, as the course progresses. As you progress, identify any further development needs and revise your plan accordingly.

3.5

Evidence to be produced:

Activities 1 & 2 Report of approximately 1500 words

Activity 3 A written piece including a personal development plan (PDP) No word count

Activity 4 Written records of on-going reflection and, where appropriate, revision of the plan to include further development needs and solutions. (Note: Activity 4 will not be complete until the end of the programme.