The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has introduced a new associate level of professional membership.

The new level sits below the existing professional grades of Chartered Member and Chartered Fellow.

Associates will be able use the designatory letters ‘Assoc CIPD’ after their name.

Sue Upton, director of membership at the CIPD, says: “Chartered membership of the CIPD is already well-established as the gold standard for professionalism in HR.  But we also know there are many people making an impact in HR but operating below the chartered level. 

“The new Associate level allows us to recognise the professionalism and impact of these people in the workplace.”