ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the kind of activities that exist in each of the key areas of activity for the HR BP roles. The typical HR career development programme has traditionally focused on the refreshing of technical knowledge. Activities included attending functional seminars, completing a professional qualification the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) qualification in the UK or Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) qualifications in the US and finally rotation through key HR areas of specialism. Technical HR knowledge provides the function with credibility, and key skills like basic relationship management can be learned simply in managing a range of suppliers in a Shared Service function. HR has typically followed a well-trodden path in business education terms: chartered status, followed by an MA in Human Resource Management for senior staff. Holistic development planning requires the incumbent to develop skills within the context of the roles operating environment.
