History of the IPA Training Forum

The Training Forum started 50 years ago, and since its conception, it has always been run by the IPA with agencies co-chairing.

First iteration - It was a small community, with those interested in HR, and learning and development coming together at the IPA to discuss the pressing topics within these.

Second iteration – In 1999 CPD was launched and alongside this CPD managers. Every agency now had to have a CPD manager. In light of this, the training forum evolved to become a resource for the newly appointed CPD managers.

These all took place in person at the IPA, and they became a hub for people to share training ideas, coaching and mentoring practices.

Third iteration – During covid this community moved virtual, which meant it opened up to anyone, anywhere.

Despite these three iterations, there have been key themes throughout:

• The chair of the forum has always been someone with extensive experience in agencies.
• It has always been supported by the IPA.
• It’s a place to engage with good trainers and coaches.
• It’s a place to be informed on pertinent topics such as ageism in advertising, returning mothers and how to practice psychological safety.

Sessions have been divided into the following topics:

• wellbeing and mental health
• CPD best practice (appraisals/ inductions)
• psychological safety
• new business skills and talent acquisition and retention

We welcome any questions or ideas:

Gwyn, gwyn@ipa.co.uk and Antonia, antonia.stearn@ipa.co.uk 

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