CIPD membership criteria for Academic Associate
Here are the criteria for the Academic Associate membership of the CIPD. For more information on
Academic membership visit cipd.co.uk/academic
What it means to be a CIPD Academic Associate
The CIPD Academic Associate (Academic Assoc CIPD) uses their knowledge and research
experience to contribute to the design, delivery and management of higher education programmes
and/or research. They understand their institution or organisation’s strategic direction, goals and
objectives and how their own role fits.
Academic Associate membership indicates that this CIPD member is beginning to gain credibility in a
specific HR subject area and is starting to grow into a team or subject leader role within their
academic division or department and/or lead independent research and small teams.
An Academic Associate will most likely have attained the following sorts of positions:
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Lecturer
Teaching Fellow
Teacher or Course Tutor
Research Associate or Research Officer.
Academic Associate membership recognises the member’s professional contribution to the delivery
and expansion of HR thinking and knowledge, maintaining professionalism in practice and
commitment to self development.
It also indicates that the individual has agreed to abide by the CIPD Code of Professional Conduct
and the CPD policy.
Meeting the Academic Associate criteria
Candidates must demonstrate that they meet all the specified criteria for Academic Associate
membership. Some flexibility has been built into the criteria to take into consideration the differences
between teaching, programme management and research roles. These criteria are in three elements,
namely education/knowledge, activity and behaviours.
Education/knowledge
The CIPD Academic Associate must have minimum educational qualification that provides the
required underpinning knowledge, this is an undergraduate degree, or ideally a Masters degree.
Activities
What the Academic Associate does. These cover six areas of contribution.
Behaviours
How the Academic Associate carries out the activities.
© CIPD January 2015 – Academic Associate Criteria
Activities
A1
Defining or shaping HR thinking and knowledge
One example of:
A1.1 Is gradually building personal credibility and recognition as an HR subject expert in own
department or school or faculty.
And at least one of the following:
A1.2 Has authored (individually or jointly) an HR research-based refereed article, review or other
publication.
A1.3 Is a valued team member on one or more HR research or HR consultancy projects and has a
clear input in publicising the findings in reputable academic or professional media.
A2
Maintaining professionalism and standards in HR
One example of:
A2.1 Reflects professionalism in own conduct and quality of work.
And at least two of the following:
A2.2 Supervises first degree or postgraduate level research in a subject area across the HR
discipline.
A2.3 Leads subjects in the department ensuring that they meet internal and external quality
requirements.
A2.4 Contributes to the preparation of responses to HR research tenders, expression of interest
and/or proposals based on sound research design principles.
A2.5 Takes part in internal or external HR research/consultancy projects, ensuring that quality and
professional standards are met.
A3
Advancing and extending the quality of HR practice
One example of:
A3.1 Seeks opportunities to gain expertise by engaging in relevant professional HR activities.
And at least two of the following:
A3.2 Jointly conducts (as part of a team) or occasionally leads HR projects for reputable
organisations.
A3.3 Works to build own network of contacts in order to engage with and support the industry or
advance the HR profession.
A3.4 Participates in funded research, policy analysis or innovative works that contribute to enhancing
HR practice.
© CIPD January 2015 – Academic Associate Criteria
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A4
Delivery of HR knowledge
At least two of the following:
A4.1 Teaches, lectures and assesses an HR subject area at first degree or Masters level.
A4.2 Contributes and leads in the design, review and/or validation of modules in HR subject areas in
their own institution or organisation.
A4.3 Actively contributes to innovation in curriculum development, teaching/assessment in HR.
A4.4 Assists in the delivery and assessment of HR development programmes or events in a
research institution.
A5
Engaging with, leading and managing the organisation
One example of each of the following:
A5.1 Understands the institution or organisation’s strategic direction, goals and objectives and how
own role fits into these.
A5.2 Key member of subject, curriculum or research team. Identifies key stakeholders and strategic
decision makers in own group to build relationships with them.
A5.3 Actively seeks to forge relationships within the wider institution and the external professional
community to help achieve organisational goals and objectives.
A6
Developing self and others
One example of each of the following:
A6.1 Keeps abreast of and shares good practice, knowledge and experience in own team and seeks
opportunities to contribute beyond its boundaries.
A6.2 Proactively seeks feedback on own progress and engages in self-development activities.
A6.3 Acts as programme or career counsellor to students on programmes within the department, or
as a coach or mentor to junior staff within own team.
Behaviours
B1
Curious/passionate about learning
Shows an active interest in the internal and external environment and in the continuous development
and improvement of self and others at both organisation and individual levels. Is open-minded with a
bias and willingness to learn and enquire. Questions current thinking and knowledge, investigates
and seeks insights.
B2
Decisive thinker
Demonstrates the ability to analyse and understand data and information quickly. Is able to use
information, insights and knowledge in a structured way, using judgment wisely to identify options
and make robust and defendable decisions.
© CIPD January 2015 – Academic Associate Criteria
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B3
Skilled influencer
Demonstrates the ability to influence across a complex environment, to gain the necessary
commitment, consensus and support from a wide range of diverse stakeholders in pursuit of
organisation benefit.
B4
Driven to deliver
Demonstrates a consistent and strong bias to action, taking accountability for delivery of results both
personally and/or with others. Actively plans, prioritises and monitors performance, holding others
accountable for delivery.
B5
Collaborative
Works effectively and inclusively with colleagues, clients, stakeholders, customers, teams and
individuals both within and outside of the organisation/institute. Listens to and shows consideration
for other people’s views, beliefs and judgment. Is tactful, understands and respects individual
differences. Able to handle sensitive and controversial situations effectively.
B6
Personally credible
Builds a track record of reliable and valued delivery using relevant technical expertise and experience
and does so with integrity and in an objective manner. Consistently delivers on commitments and
promises. Is dependable and can be trusted by colleagues to be impartial and discrete. Able to hold
difficult conversations or surface the truth when needed.
B7
Courage to challenge
Shows courage and confidence to speak up and challenge others even when confronted with
resistance or unfamiliar circumstances. Champions the adoption of ethical and professional
standards within the department.
B8
Role model
Consistently leads by example. Understands the institution’s values and expected behaviours and
helps to ensure an adherence to institutional and professional values amongst team members or
colleagues.
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