The HR consultant – an experiential learning approach

This chapter explores how final year Human Resource Management students develop key Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and consultancy skills by undertaking a group consultancy project (as an alternative to a traditional dissertation) for organisations, supervised by the Business Clinic, Northumbria University team. By adopting an experiential learning approach, the use of external client projects exposes the students to a range of real-life scenarios and experiences which enables them to articulate skills and attributes related to the CIPD Professional Map. This chapter examines four case studies: Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue, NC Insurance, W@terstons and Lamesley Childcare. The case studies also include valuable recommendations for the client, along with reflective comments from both the client and students who engaged in the consultancy process.