Human Resource Practice

The essential introduction to HR practice for CIPD Foundation learners and early-career professionals.

How can new HR practitioners build the knowledge and confidence to make an immediate impact at work? Human Resource Practice by Helen Bessant and Fiona Whiting offers a clear, practical foundation for students taking the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice, undergraduate HR modules and those starting their first role in the profession.

Written in an accessible, jargon-free style, the textbook covers the organizational context and legal background before exploring all core HR functions, including recruitment and selection, performance management, reward, learning and development, job analysis and design, employee relations and managing change. This updated edition features new material on HR analytics, organizational culture, and the latest HR technologies, as well as expanded coverage of ethical practice, inclusion and wellbeing as part of the core behaviours expected of people professionals.

Structured learning features include:
- Reflective activities to encourage critical thinking
- Real-world examples linking theory to workplace practice
- ’Explore further’ boxes to prompt deeper research
- Updated case content on culture, technology, and analytics
- Online instructor’s manual and lecture slides for structured teaching

Whether studying for the CIPD Foundation Certificate or beginning a career in HR, this textbook provides the essential knowledge, practical tools and professional behaviours needed to succeed.

Fiona Whiting is a freelance HR and organisational development consultant with over 20 years’ experience as an HR practitioner. She has held a number of executive board-level positions and has worked predominantly with the NHS, local authorities and academic institutions as well as in a variety of private sector organisations. Based in Brighton, UK, she is also the co-founder and director of The People Effect List.

Helen Bessant is the Lead Assessor for CIPD Foundation and Associate level qualifications. Based in Worcester, UK, she is the Curriculum and Resource Quality Leader for Management and Professional Studies at the Heart of Worcestershire College and is an online tutor at ICS Learn.