Human Resources

Careers

This time it’s personnel! When you make the leap to the civilian workplace, maybe human resources could be the career for you?

What’s it like to work in HR?

Human Resources (HR) is a comprehensive field that encompasses all aspects of managing people as a vital business resource. It includes diverse areas such as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, compliance with employment laws, and organisational development. HR professionals are responsible for tasks like onboarding new employees, developing training programs, managing performance appraisals, and ensuring adherence to labour laws and company policies.

The HR landscape is continually evolving, with legal, cultural, and diversity issues presenting new challenges regularly. For instance, HR professionals must navigate legal matters including:

• Sexual discrimination
• Disability accommodations
• Maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental rights
• Religious rights
• Working hours and patterns
• Age discrimination

There is no one-size-fits-all model for best HR practices, as organisations operate in various industries, locations, and stages of development. Managing people is inherently complex due to the interactive nature of human behaviour and the influence of external factors. Over time, there has been a shift towards empowering employees, supported by legislation, leading to higher expectations regarding work-life balance and job satisfaction.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the principal UK body representing the HR profession. As Europe's largest professional body for HR and people development, the CIPD offers a range of qualifications and resources for HR professionals. It was formed by the merger of the Institute of Personnel Management and the Institute of Training and Development, and continues to set standards and provide guidance in the field of people management.

Transferable skills

Many individuals in the Armed Forces possess extensive training and experience in personnel management and skill development. Roles involving recruitment, selection, career management, and appraisal processes reflect a strong commitment to people and adaptability to change. However, transitioning to civilian HR roles can present challenges, as differences between military and civilian practices may be more significant than anticipated. Additionally, managing contemporary workplace expectations within a military context can be complex.

The Services have a commendable record in areas such as leadership, recruitment, training, and personal development, often positioning them as leaders in these fields. Nonetheless, the unique demands of military life may result in limited exposure to topics like disability accommodations, trade unions, job-sharing, and certain aspects of employment law.

Some military courses across the Services are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). These accreditations are beneficial for those considering a post-military career in HR. It's important to note that Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be utilised to pursue qualifications at Level 3 and above, both during service and for up to five years after leaving the Forces. Achieving CIPD membership at the appropriate level may require additional modules, necessitating extra effort and dedication. While not all personnel may prioritise this during their military careers, those who do will gain a transferable qualification valuable both within the military and in civilian careers. Importantly, CIPD qualifications are accessible to all ranks; senior non-commissioned officers can attain relevant qualifications by leveraging their service experience and documentation.

How can I qualify to work in HR?

Acquiring the appropriate skills and qualifications is essential for a career in Human Resources (HR). Given the competitive nature of the field, formal qualifications can significantly enhance your prospects.

Skills in demand

Useful skills for a career in HR include:

• Strong interpersonal abilities (e.g., empathy, tact, discretion)
• Ability to engage with a diverse range of individuals
• Teamwork capabilities
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Effective time management
• Proficiency in IT and computer usage

Course choices

Various educational pathways are available to pursue HR qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and Higher National Certificates (HNCs): Offered by UK universities and colleges, these programs often combine HR management with subjects like business studies, technology, or languages.
• Short Courses: Local colleges and independent providers offer courses covering general HR topics or specific areas. These can be particularly suitable for those seeking flexible learning options.
• Distance and Flexible Learning: Programs designed to accommodate various lifestyles, including those of Service members, allowing study alongside other commitments.

HR’S TOP TEN TALENTS

Professional HR standards aim to encourage the following ten competencies:

1. personal drive and effectiveness
2. people management and leadership
3. business understanding
4. professional and ethical competence
5. continuing learning
6. adding value through people
7. analytical and intuitive/creative thinking
8. customer focus
9. strategic capability
10. communication resourcing and interpersonal skills.

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• CIPD Qualifications: The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers nationally recognised qualifications for individuals at various career stages, leading to professional membership grades.
• Experience Assessment: For those with substantial managerial experience, CIPD provides a route to membership through an assessment of professional competence.
• Affiliate Membership: Open to all, this membership grants access to CIPD resources and services without requiring demonstration of professional knowledge or competence.
• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): Relevant postgraduate qualifications may qualify for APL, potentially leading to CIPD membership.

The CIPD offers a range of services, including library and information resources, training courses leading to qualifications, continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, and networking events at national and regional levels. Members receive the monthly magazine People Management, which features job advertisements, industry developments, career opportunities, and information on courses.

HR APPRENTICESHIPS
Click here to find out all about the different types of apprenticeship available, and the companies that offer them. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to find out more, or click here to browse options near you.

THE CIPD AND THE SERVICES

Many Service leavers have found that gaining a CIPD qualification means that they can be confident in their knowledge of modern personnel and development management. It is also an invaluable tool in translating Service skills and experience into terms that a civilian employer will understand and value. Indeed, a look at employment pages and national advertisements confirms that many organisations regard CIPD qualifications as essential for work in this field.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website

To see our full list of HR training providers and courses 

Click here