Mike Watts has joined the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development as director of professional development.
He joins from the Cabinet Office where, as director of HR transformation, he led initiatives to professionalise HR across the UK civil service.
Watts will lead strategies to encourage growth in CIPD membership and maintain and develop the standards and relevance of its professional qualifications.
He will also act as a spokesman and advocate for the HR and training professions in dealings with business, government, and education and training providers.
Geoff Armstrong, CIPD director general, said: “Mike’s appointment will help us advance our position as the professional body for all those involved in the management and development of people.
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Watts said he wanted to ensure that “the key role that people management and development professionals have to play at the heart of modern business is fully realised”.
Watts previously held a number of HR and development roles at Lloyds TSB after joining the organisation as a business development director.
