A case for change
We are proud that our purpose is to champion better work and working lives. We believe work can and should be a force for good. Not just for shareholders, employers or even just for workers, but for everyone, including the societies and communities they’re part of. When work is good, people are happy and fulfilled, businesses are profitable and productive, communities flourish.
The problem is, work isn't always a force for good:
- In a survey of 10,000 HR and business leaders, one in three reported they have had to compromise their principles to meet current business needs.
- Two fifths of organisations saw an increase in reported mental health problems in 2016.
- A focus on short-term profits over long-term sustainability was a major contributor to the 2008 financial crash.
- Scandals like BHS, Volkswagen and Sports Direct have created a crisis of trust, and a perception that businesses don’t care about wider society.
Putting HR and L&D at the heart of change
When it comes to ensuring that work is a force for good, our profession has an important role to play as the experts on people, work and change. That’s why we’re creating a new definition of what it means to be a people professional (and by that, we mean all those working in HR, L&D, OD and the many other disciplines) – setting out what we stand for in terms of the fundamental principles which represent better work and working lives.
Supporting our members to champion better work and working lives
Our new Professional Standards Framework will place those fundamental principles at its core. It sets out the knowledge, behaviours and impact which will help people professionals champion better work and working lives in all they do. Its ultimate goal is to create clear standards for HR and L&D professionals at every level, and to define an international gold standard for Chartered members.
