Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice

BREAK. IT. DOWN.

Assessment Criteria and Sample
Assessment Activity
CIPD 5DVP

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

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Introduction to Developing Professional Practice
Welcome to the start of your CIPD Level 5 Qualification in Human Resources Management.
If you are reading this after completing more than one other unit, then you technically
aren’t following the advice given to you by your learning provider!

Developing Professional Practice should ideally be completed first (DVP01) and last (DVP02),
as this unit helps introduce you to reflective learning and attempts to help you understand
what it means to be a human resources professional.

To pass DVP01, you should provide written responses for each of the four tasks
below, equating to approximately 2,500 words in total.

CIPD are big on academic concepts, theories and professional practice, so ensure that
you read your module materials and buy a copy of ‘Studying Human Resources
(The Lizard Book). Search ‘CIPD Level 5 Books’ on Amazon.

All reference sources should be acknowledged correctly using Harvard and a

bibliography provided where appropriate (these should be excluded from the word
count).

Important Note
The CIPD operates what is known as an ‘Assessment Bank’, which includes a
number of different versions of the same assessment. This guide is written using
assessment briefs for ICS, which is also used by a number of other learning
providers. It is important to know that whilst the questions may be different, the
Assessment Criteria will always be the same.

Disclaimer
All guides in my ‘Break it Down’ series are intended to be advice and guidance only;
you will not pass the course solely by reading the guides. You will be required to
complete a number of hours’ independent study and write up each assignment
according to your learning provider’s guidelines.

I am not an employee of CIPD or any learning provider. I am a former level 5

student who has completed the Diploma in Human Resources Management in 2017.
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
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Learning Outcome
1 Understand what is required to be an effective and efficient HR professional.

What the Assessment Activity says:

Evaluate what it means to be an HR professional, making reference to the current
CIPD Profession Map.
1.1
What the Assessment Criteria says:
1.1 Evaluate what it means to be an HR
professional with reference to the CIPD’s ‘most current’ Profession Map.

Break it Down:

First thing’s first!

If you are about to write up a load of waffle on the 2018 CIPD Profession Map:
DON’T! Most learning providers will warn you that you should be writing about
the 2013 Profession Map (although the 2018 one should be part of the curriculum
from around September 2019 onwards). If you are completing this module before
then, you need to be looking at the 2013 Profession Map. Unfortunately, the
assessment criteria asks you to discuss the ‘most current’ profession map. This was
correct when the module materials were created a few years ago. However, whilst a
new Profession Map was launched in 2018, the qualification specification and
module materials hasn’t changed. Therefore, ‘most current’ actually means the 2013
Map. Welcome to CIPD… The map looks like this:

So, what makes a good HR professional? What knowledge is required? Hint: you are
working on this right now! Do HR professionals require a certain set of skills and
behaviours? The answer to these questions is of course ‘yes’, however you need to
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice

discuss them and why they are important. Link up examples from any of the
4
professional areas and behaviours in the CIPD 2013 Profession Map. Also read up on
the ‘Thinking Performer’, which features in your CIPD book and should be included
in your module materials.

Finally, look at information regarding ‘The four concentric circles of HR

professionalism’. An HR professional is someone who should carry out their job to a
high standard, meaning they have to adopt a number of different management styles
to achieve their goal, also known as ‘The four concentric circles of HR
professionalism’. These comprise of: Managing self; Managing in teams; Managing
upwards and then Managing across all aspects of the organisation. All of the skills
combined demonstrate what is needed to become a HR professional. There isn’t
much literature around about this theory, so read up section 4.4 of your ‘lizard’ book
and your module materials for more.

Activity 1 Checklist Done

I have identified the range of knowledge required by a HR professional
I have identified the range of skills required by a HR professional
I have identified the range of behaviours required by a HR professional
I have stated why the above are important
I have used the CIPD 2013 Profession Map to give examples.
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
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Essay Plan
Important Points
Activity 1 Assessment Criteria 1.1
Planned Word Count ~450 Actual Word Count

Key Texts and Readings Structure

Studying Human Resource Management
(Lizard Book)
4.3 The Thinking Performer
4.4 Hr Professionalism
6.2 THE CIPD’s HR PROFESSION MAP

Marchington, M., Wilkinson, A. and

Marchington, L. (2008) Human resource
management at work: People management
and development.

Lester, S. (2009). On professions and being

professional.

CIPD - CIPD profession map.

CIPD - Decisive thinker.
CIPD - Driven to deliver.
CIPD - Employee engagement.
CIPD - Organisation development.
CIPD - Performance and reward.
CIPD - Role model.
CIPD - Service delivery and information.
CIPD - Skilled Influencer.

Other
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Points to Discuss
Skills required Knowledge required

Behaviours Required Notes on CIPD (2013) Profession Map

Why are the above behaviours Notes on the four concentric circles
important

Notes on the Thinking Performer

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Learning Outcome
1 Understand what is required to be an effective and efficient HR professional.

What the Assessment Activity says:

1.2 Briefly describe the elements of group dynamics and give at least two examples of
conflict resolution methods within an HR context.

What the Assessment Criteria says:

1.2 Describe the elements of group dynamics and conflict resolution methods

Break it Down:
There are two parts to this question. The first part wants you to look at Group
Dynamics. Group dynamics are the influential actions, processes and changes that
occur within and between groups. Both Forsyth and Lewin discuss the theory
behind Group Dynamics. Group dynamics works best when the abilities of the entire
group working together outperforms the individuals in the group performing
individually. Group dynamics has been studied widely in psychology, sociology and
business.

Think about models that accurately define group processes like Tuckman or Hersey
and Blanchard's (1977) Situational Leadership model. You can also mention tools
that are available to measure Group Dynamics, such as interaction analysis tools, but
you would be best sticking to the theory and then Tuckman for a strong answer.

The second part of this activity relates to examples of conflict resolution methods.
‘Methods’ is the important words here. Your activity question might ask for one or
two examples from the workplace, but this is purely a ‘scene setter’. What they really
want to see is that you adopted a number of methods in order to resolve the conflict.
Sacking people or belting them with a block of wood doesn’t count as ‘conflict
resolution’.

Think about the following:

• Create an opening for communication so that everyone can have their say.
• Use active listening techniques when addressing the conflict.
• Using problem-solving techniques to try and address the conflict.
• Work on a compromise that suits all parties (where possible).
• Temporarily accommodate people if the situation is complex and requires
further investigation.
• Follow up with a close-out conversation, email, or call.
Activity 2 Checklist Done
I have described the elements of group dynamics
I have considered a model such as Tuckman, and a tool, such as interaction analysis tools
I have considered methods of conflict resolution, such as active listening, compromise, being
accommodating and problem-solving
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Essay Plan
Important Points
Activity 2 Assessment Criteria 1.2
Planned Word Count ~450 Actual Word Count

Key Texts and Readings Structure

Studying Human Resource Management
(Lizard Book)

4.6 Teamworking
4.6.1 Group Dynamics

Studying Human Resource Management (p.

83). Kogan Page. Kindle Edition.

Armstrong, M.L. (2011) How to be an even

better manager: A complete A-Z of proven
techniques and essential skills.

Forsyth, D.R. (2013) Group dynamics. 6th

edn. United States: Wadsworth Cengage
Learning.

Hersey, P., Blanchard, K.H. and Johnson,

D.E. (1996) Management of organizational
behaviour: Utilizing human resources. 7th
edn. London, United Kingdom: Prentice
Hall.

Lewin, K. (1943). Frontiers in Group

Dynamics: Concept, Method, and Reality in
Social Service: Social Equilibria and Social
Change. Human Relations, 1(1).

Mullins, L.J., (2007). Management and

organisational behaviour. London: Pearson
education.

Tuckman’s (1977) five-step theory

Other
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Points to Discuss
Conflict Resolution Methods: Group Dynamics

Active Listening

Problem Solving

Tuckman
Compromise

Hersey and Blanchard's (1977) Situational

Leadership model
Accommodate parties involved

Interaction Analysis Tools

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Learning Outcome
2 Be able to perform efficiently and effectively as an HR professional.

What the Assessment Activity says:

With reference to a recent or current project (large or small) which you have led (or
been part of a project team):

2.1, 2.2 Provide evidence of using project management and problem-solving techniques in
the course of the project.

Explain how you successfully influenced, persuaded and negotiated with others in the
course of the project (or other related activity).

What the Assessment Activity says:

2.1 Apply project management techniques.
2.2 Apply problem-solving techniques.
2.3 Apply a range of methods for influencing, persuading and negotiating with others.

Break it Down:
This should be one of the biggest parts of your assignment. As you can see, there are
three specific assessment criteria, and it is important that you give each AC equal
consideration. Also, remember that you will need a couple of introductory
paragraphs to discuss the type of company you work(ed) for and the background to
the project you managed.

One of the biggest queries I get about this activity is that apparently, you’ve never
been involved in a project. Ever. It is important to remember that whilst they are
asking about a project that ‘you were involved in’ (note the quotes), they really want
to see what you know about setting up a project, dealing with problems and how
you influenced others. This should be the main focus of your answer; the actual
details of the project are inconsequential. I suppose you could write what you would do
theoretically…

2.1
For the first part of this Activity, think about how you set up your ‘project’. The size
of the project is irrelevant so long as it meets the aims of the assessment criteria. You
need to discuss your fantastic project management techniques to meet this criterion.
A good project will be made up of the following elements:

• Agree specification for the project – Setting out your objectives

• Plan the project deliverables and resources - timelines, team, activities,
resources, costings - using suitable project management tools.
• Communicate the project plan to your project team - and to any other
interested people and groups.
• Agree and delegate project actions and timescales.
• Manage and motivate - inform, support, enable the project team.
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• Check, measure, monitor, review project progress - adjust project plans, and
inform the project team and others. Manage risk and conflict.
• Complete project - review and report on project performance; thank the
project team and complete any necessary follow-ups.

2.2
Very few projects pass by without any problems. Here you need to discuss how
problems were identified and how you worked to resolve them. Do this in stages:
Identify, Define, Explore, Action, Review. By writing your response in this way will
hopefully enable you to justify how you resolved any problems.

2.3
Following on from problems in a project, you need to write about how you were
able to influence, persuade and negotiate with others. All three words have similar
meanings, so try and write it in a way that isn’t repetitive. For example, I wrote quite
a bit influencing and persuading in the same paragraph. Negotiation was included
in a paragraph that discussed problems and conflict.

According to Yemm, effective influencers have the following qualities:

empowerment, vision, the ability to build alliances, expertise, knowledge and
bargaining skills. Think about your analytical skills, risk assessing the project and
looking at different options.

Activity 3 Checklist Done

I have written a summary of a project that I was involved in
I described the project management techniques that I used
I gave examples of how I identified, analysed and resolved problems during the project
I gave examples of how I influenced, persuaded and negotiated with others during my project
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
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Essay Plan
Important Points
Question 3 Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Planned Word Count ~1100 Actual Word Count

Key Texts and Readings Structure

Studying Human Resource Management
(Lizard Book) -
4.5.2 Project Management
4.5.4 Effective Communication
4.6 Teamworking
4.6.2 Influencing
4.6.3 Negotiating

Spellman, R. (2011) Don’t shoot the boss just

yet. People Management.

Yemm, G. (2008) Influencing others – a key

skill for all. Management Services . Summer.
Vol 52, No 2. pp21–4.
Other
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Points to Discuss
Project Management Techniques: Problem Solving skills and techniques

How have I influenced, persuaded, negotiated?

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Learning Outcome
3 Be able to apply CPD techniques to construct, implement and review a personal
development plan.

What the Assessment Activity says:

Undertake a self-assessment of one area of your practice to identify your
professional development needs in that area and options to address these.
Produce a professional development plan (PDP) plan to meet your professional
development needs which includes a justification of the option(s) chosen.

What the Assessment Criteria says:

3.1 Undertake a self-assessment of HR professional practice capabilities to identify
continuing professional development needs.
3.2 Produce a plan to meet personal development objectives based on an evaluation of
different options.
Break it Down:
You may notice that I haven’t included Assessment Criteria 3.3 here. This is because
it forms part of DVP02, which you will complete at the end of your course.

It’s also important to know that 3.2 DOESN’T form part of your word count! So you
only need to write about 3.1 here.

3.1
For 3.1, your learning provider wants to see if you can apply personal development
planning objectives, otherwise known as a ‘self-assessment’. Personal development
planning is the process of creating an action plan based on awareness, values,
reflection, target-setting and planning for personal development within the context
of your career, education, performance or for self-improvement. In order to pass,
you should write up a good 300-400 words on your area for development. Think
about this development need in terms of ‘professional practice’ and as such I would
pick something from the 2013 Profession Map as my subject matter. I used ‘Leading
HR’ as mine as this is a core part of the CIPD profession map and is about
maximising the contribution that HR makes in your organisation by supporting,
developing and leading others across the business, and by acting as a role model.

Once you have identified your area for self-development, think about how you are
going to achieve this. Set some targets that you can review as part of your DVP02
assignment at the end of your course. Mine included receiving feedback,
approaching someone to mentor me and working with people who had a different
management style to see if I could learn anything new from them. You could also
think about attending training courses or going on secondment to another
department in the business.
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice

3.2
15
Completing 3.2 is relatively straightforward, in that you can download a CPD/PDP
plan from the CIPD website and follow the prompts on it. Your PDP should include
lots of information about how you are going to develop your skills. You also need
realistic timeframes. I’ve included a sample document for you to look at.

Activity 4 Checklist Done

I can undertake a self-assessment of one area of my HR practice, or potential HR practice
I can identify my development options as part of my self-assessment
I have provided options for my self-development, such as being mentored, further training, completing
my CIPD qualification, asking for secondment to HR, volunteering in an HR role
I have produced a Personal Development Plan that covers my aims and objectives and can be measured
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Essay Plan
Important Points
Question 4 Assessment Criteria 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Planned Word Count ~450 Actual Word Count

Key Texts and Readings Structure

Studying Human Resource Management Don’t forget that 3.2 doesn’t form a
(Lizard Book) – part of your word count
6.3 The Principles Of Continuous
Professional Development
6.4 The Theory Of CPD: Reflective Practice
6.5 Managing Your Cpd

CIPD - How to assess yourself against the

CIPD HR Profession Map.
CIPD - My CPD map.

Other
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
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Points to Discuss
Notes on 3.1
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
APPENDICE 1 18
3.2 Produce a plan to meet personal development objectives based on an evaluation of different options

CPD Plan/Personal development plan

MEMBERSHIP
NAME: Mr Sample Student 123456789
NUMBER:
COVERING THE PERIOD
February 2030 TO: December 2030
FROM:

Planned outcome

Where do I want to be by the end of this period? What do I want to be doing? (This may be evolutionary or “more of the same”.)

This record sheet is for your guidance only – you may present your CPD plan in any other format

What will my success

What do I want/need to
learn and why?
Attend the Diploma in HRM
Workshop HRMA on
Developing Professional
Practice and Using
Information in HR. I’m
studying the CIPD
qualification to increase my
knowledge of HR. and this
is a compulsory workshop.
criteria be? how have I
Target dates for
What will I do to achieve What resources or implemented my
review and
this? support will I need? learning and what
completion
impact has this had (at
work/outside of work)?
Book the nearest I need to print off the The first success will be End of May – attend
workshop in May that course notes and read attending the workshop workshop.
will suit my location and up on the relevant and feeling that I have
work pattern. chapters in the book. got enough out of it to End of August –
complete my complete
assignments. The assignments.
second success will be
to pass the assignment.
Then I will be able to
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
19 the
implement
knowledge when
attending interviews
for HR vacancies.
Gain HR experience within Make contact with the Need the support of my Getting approval for job Approach line
my current employer HR Business Partner manager, who is shadowing with HR, manager in April.
through my manager to currently being and being able to do
request some job- uncooperative about some meaningful work Approach HR
shadowing with his the experience as she is in that field. Manager in August if
team. worried that she will no success with
lose me to the HR team. manager.
Break it Down – Developing Professional Practice
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DVP02
The End is Nigh…..
Congratulations on FINALLY getting to the end of your qualification!

DVP02 requires you to complete one final Assessment Criterion:

Learning Outcome
3 Be able to apply CPD techniques to construct, implement and review a personal
development plan.

What the Assessment Criteria says:

3.3 Reflect on performance against the plan, identify learning points for the future and
revise the plan accordingly.

You need to write a reflective summary of each module that you have completed, plus
some general reflections on your career progress within HR.

Each learning provider will have a different way that you should present this. The guide
below should be treated as just that, a guide. Check with your learning provider if you are
unsure.

You should lay DVP02 out similar to a report. This means that you can write an
introduction, reflections on each module, further reflections and include your PDP. Here is
an example contents page for your DVP02 report:

Section
1.0 Introduction
1.1 PDP
Reflection 2.1 Developing Professional Practice
Reflection 2.2 Business Issues and the Contexts of HR
Reflection 2.3 Managing and Coordinating the HR Function
Reflection 2.4 Using Information in HR
Reflection 2.5 Employment Law
Reflection 2.6 Contemporary Developments in Employment Relations
Reflection 2.7 Reward Management
Reflection 2.8 Resourcing and Talent Planning
2.9 Further reflection on my CPD plan
3.0 Conclusion
References & Bibliography

When reflecting, you should write about half a page in continuous prose to cover each module.
There is no word count, but half-to-a-page should suffice. In your reflection, try and cover the
following:

*A description of the unit and assessment.

*Good elements of the unit
*If you struggled, what did you struggle on and what have you done to become more confident
*Further learning
*Did you put it into practice?