Task One – Ethical Practice Questions

Explain (one) ethical principles and (one) professional values including how these can inform approaches to work. (AC1.1) Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section. Word count: Approximately 300 words

One ethical principle that I hold in high regard is confidentiality. This principle is crucial in maintaining trust and integrity within any professional environment, especially in roles that handle sensitive information about individuals or the organization. Confidentiality ensures that information is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know and that it is protected against unauthorized access. In practice, this principle informs my approach to work by guiding how I manage and protect personal and sensitive information. For example, when handling employee records or private conversations, I ensure that such information is securely stored and disclosed only to authorized personnel. This commitment to confidentiality fosters a trusting environment, reassuring individuals that their information is handled with respect and discretion. A professional value that is foundational to my work is respect for diversity and inclusivity. This value underpins the belief that all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, should be treated with dignity and equality. It shapes my interactions and decisions, ensuring that I consciously create and promote an inclusive environment. For instance, in project teams or classroom settings, I actively seek diverse perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. This might involve structuring meetings in a way that encourages participation from all members or advocating for policies that support diversity and inclusivity. By embodying this value, I contribute to a culture that values and leverages diversity, which not only enriches the workplace but also drives innovation and creativity. (Ulrich, 2017). In summary, the ethical principle of confidentiality and the professional value of respect for diversity and inclusivity are central to my professional behavior. They guide my actions and decisions, ensuring that I contribute to a work environment that is both ethically sound and inclusively vibrant. These principles not only reflect my personal commitment to ethical and inclusive practice but also serve as a foundation for building trust and respect in professional settings.

Specify (two) ways in which you conform consistently with relevant regulation and law within the context of ethics and professional practice. (AC1.2) Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section. Word count: Approximately 250 words

Adhering to relevant regulations and laws is a cornerstone of ethical and professional practice, particularly in the field of people management. Two key areas where I ensure compliance within my role are data protection and employment law. Firstly, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) plays a crucial role in how personal data is handled within organizations. In my practice, I consistently conform to GDPR by ensuring that all personal data collected from employees is done so with clear consent, used for the intended purpose, and stored securely. For example, when onboarding new employees, I ensure that their consent is obtained before their personal information is processed. This includes explaining the purpose of data collection and how it will be used, thereby upholding transparency and accountability principles as outlined in the GDPR (Information Commissioner’s Office, 2018). Secondly, adherence to employment law is vital in maintaining fair and legal practices. This includes ensuring compliance with laws related to discrimination, workplace safety, and employee rights. By staying updated with the latest legal amendments and guidelines, I apply this knowledge to develop inclusive recruitment practices, fair employment contracts, and equitable workplace policies. For instance, I have implemented regular training sessions for the management team on understanding and preventing workplace discrimination, thereby promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Summarise ways of demonstrating respectful and inclusive working, in relation to: a) contributing your views and opinions clarifying problems or issuesworking effectively as part of a team Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section. Word count: Approximately 400 words

Demonstrating respectful and inclusive working is fundamental in fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Here are ways to embody these values in different work contexts: a) Contributing views and opinions: A respectful and inclusive approach to sharing views and opinions involves actively encouraging diversity of thought. This means not only voicing your own ideas but also creating space for others to express theirs, particularly those who might be quieter or from underrepresented groups. Practically, this can be achieved through structured brainstorming sessions where every team member is allocated time to speak without interruption. Additionally, employing active listening techniques, such as summarizing what someone has said before contributing your perspective, validates their input and demonstrates respect (Mor Barak, 2016). This approach not only enriches discussions with diverse viewpoints but also fosters a culture where all feel valued and heard. b) Clarifying problems or issues: Addressing and clarifying problems or issues in a respectful and inclusive manner involves open and non-judgmental communication. This includes using “I” statements to express concerns without attributing blame, and asking open-ended questions to understand all perspectives involved. For example, if a project is falling behind schedule, instead of directly blaming a team member, one could say, “I’ve noticed this task is delayed. Can we discuss any challenges we’re facing and explore potential solutions together?” This method encourages a constructive dialogue where problems can be openly discussed and solved collectively, fostering a supportive work environment (Thompson, 2018). c) Working effectively as part of a team: Effective teamwork in an inclusive setting is characterized by the equitable distribution of work, recognition of each member’s unique contributions, and a commitment to collective success. Practically, this involves regularly checking in with team members to ensure they feel supported and that their workload is manageable. Establishing clear, shared goals and roles from the outset can also help in mitigating any confusion and ensure that everyone is working towards a common objective. Celebrating diverse contributions and successes, whether through formal recognition programs or informal team meetings, reinforces the value of each team member’s efforts and promotes a sense of belonging and achievement (West, 2012). ~~By incorporating these practices into daily work routines, professionals can contribute to creating more respectful, inclusive, and effective workplaces.~~ a) Contributing Your Views and Opinions Contributing one’s views and opinions respectfully and inclusively is crucial for fostering a positive work environment. This involves actively listening to others, acknowledging different perspectives, and expressing your thoughts constructively (CIPD, 2022). Example: During a team meeting focused on project planning, I shared my ideas for improving a project timeline. Before proposing changes, I summarized the existing challenges and solicited feedback from team members. By doing so, I ensured that my suggestions were informed by a comprehensive understanding of the situation and took into account the perspectives of others. Improvement: I could have improved by proactively asking quieter team members for their input to ensure all viewpoints were considered before finalizing the proposal. This would have helped create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas. b) Clarifying Problems or Issues When clarifying problems or issues, it’s important to approach discussions with empathy and a focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. This approach helps maintain trust and encourages open communication (Texas University, 2023). Example: In a client meeting, there was a misunderstanding regarding project deliverables. Instead of blaming any party, I clarified the client’s expectations calmly and asked probing questions to understand their concerns fully. This approach not only helped resolve the issue effectively but also maintained a positive relationship with the client by demonstrating empathy and a willingness to address their concerns constructively. Improvement: I could have improved by summarizing the discussion points at the end to ensure mutual understanding and agreement on the next steps. This would have provided clarity and alignment on the path forward, preventing any potential miscommunications or misunderstandings from arising later on. c) Working Effectively as Part of a Team Working effectively as part of a team involves respecting diverse opinions, leveraging individual strengths, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute (CIPD, 2017). Example: During a group project, I actively listened to my teammates’ ideas during brainstorming sessions and ensured everyone had an opportunity to share their thoughts before collectively deciding on a strategy. I supported my peers by offering assistance where needed and encouraging open dialogue throughout the project, which helped build a cohesive team dynamic and fostered a sense of inclusivity. Improvement: I could have improved by scheduling regular check-ins to ensure tasks were evenly distributed and deadlines were manageable for all team members, thus promoting a more equitable workload.

Recommend (two) ways in which you can show inquisitiveness about issues and developments in people profession and the wider world of work. (AC2.2) Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section. Word count: Approximately 300 words

Demonstrating inquisitiveness within the people profession and the wider world of work is essential for continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends and issues. Here are two ways to foster and exhibit this quality: Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Actively pursuing CPD opportunities is a key way to show inquisitiveness. This can be achieved through various channels such as attending industry conferences, webinars, and workshops that focus on the latest developments in HR practices, technology, and legal changes affecting the workplace. For instance, subscribing to professional bodies like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) can provide access to a wealth of resources and learning platforms. Additionally, participating in formal education and certification programs can deepen your expertise and demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of your profession. By continuously updating your skills and knowledge, you signal not just a desire to stay current but also a proactive approach to addressing and leveraging changes in the field (Ulrich, 2017). Leverage Networking and Collaboration: Actively engaging with a network of professionals within and outside your field is another effective way to stay inquisitive. This can include joining online forums, LinkedIn groups, or local professional clubs where members discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in the people profession. Through these interactions, you can gain insights from diverse perspectives, share best practices, and explore solutions to common challenges. Moreover, collaboration with academics and industry leaders on research projects or co-authoring articles on emerging HR topics can deepen your understanding and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. Networking not only broadens your perspective but also fosters a culture of learning and curiosity among peers (Brown & Bessant, 2013). By embracing continuous professional development and leveraging networking and collaboration, you can effectively demonstrate inquisitiveness, ensuring you remain adaptable and forward-thinking in the dynamic landscape of the people profession and the wider world of work.

References

Please provide your full long reference list here. The Harvard method is preferable. Please refer to the guidance on the Learner HUB.

Mor Barak, M. E. (2016). Managing Diversity: Toward a Globally Inclusive Workplace. Thompson, N. (2018). Promoting Equality: Working with Diversity and Difference. West, M. A. (2012). Effective Teamwork: Practical Lessons from Organizational Research. Ulrich, D. (2017). Rethinking Strategic HR: From Business Partner to Driving Business Success. Brown, J., & Bessant, J. (2013). The Innovation Imperative: Strategies for Managing Product and Service Development. Information Commissioner’s Office. (2018). Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). CIPD 2022. CIPD | Five actions you can take to foster inclusion. [online] CIPD. Available at: https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/guides/five-actions-fostering-inclusion/. CIPD, 2017. CIPD | How to build a cohesive team. [online] Available at: https://www.cipd.org/en/about/news/build-cohesive-team/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIt%20is%20about%20establishing%20good [Accessed 17 Apr. 2024]. Texas University, 2023. Problem Solving Information and Tips | Human Resources. [online] Available at: https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/problem-solving#:~:text=Ask%20open%20ended%20questions%20to [Accessed 26 Jun. 2024].

Task Two – Professional Development

This task continues your professional review by requiring you to consider the impact of your chosen CPD activities on your performance and behaviours.

To complete the task, you are asked to provide a record of how you have proactively maintained and upgraded your knowledge and skills over the last 12 months, along with a review of the impact of these activities.

Your record should be presented as an attachment to your assignment, either in the form of a formal/structured CPD Record or as pages from the CIPD ‘My CPD Reflections’ tool. (AC2.3)

Your record(s) must include the following:

A description of three CPD activities, undertaken within the last 12 months, that you consider having impacted on your work performance or behaviours.

The three ‘activities’ may be anything that supported your development, for example: planned/formal development activities such as learning events or programmes; unplanned/informal activities such as researching online, watching a video, or reading a book; or work-based activities such as participating in a particular work project or simply putting yourself in a work role or position that you knew would stretch and develop you.

And for each of these three activities, a reflection on how they have impacted your work performance or behaviours.

For example: did you gain a greater understanding of, or more knowledge about, something and if so, how has that impacted your behaviour? How are you, or is your performance, different because of the learning undertaken? Was the activity worth doing in terms of its impact on your behaviour or performance? Did the activity make you aware of, or perhaps generate, other development needs? What conclusions did you draw from this for further activities?

Your evidence must consist of:

Your evidence must consist of one of the following:

A formal/structured CPD Record, edited to include just the three selected activities OR,
A report (or reports) from the CIPD ‘My CPD Reflections’ tool, covering the three selected activities (please note: CIPD pre-populated question text is excluded from word count).
Approximately 750 words, refer to CIPD word count policy
IMPORTANT NOTE: At Associate Level Referencing is mandatory – you must provide a reference where you have drawn from a secondary source; Harvard referencing is preferable. Please use the Reference box provided to record all your long references. Short references should be included within the narrative.
Upload the completed Learner Assessment brief, with both tasks completed, through the Assignments option in the Oakwood Learner Hub.

Task Two – Professional Development

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