30 July 2026 - 2 min read
Clara Straughan chose to study CIPD Level 7 with DPG to strengthen her strategic HR capability and apply a broader people strategy lens in her role as an HR Business Partner.
I currently work as an HR Business Partner at Michelin Connected Fleet. My academic background includes a degree in Management from the University of York, and earlier in my career, I completed the CIPD Level 5 qualification.
HR has always been an area where I’ve wanted to continue developing, particularly when it comes to becoming more strategic in my role.
After gaining experience in HR and completing my Level 5, it felt like the right time to take the next step in my development. I enrolled on the CIPD Level 7 qualification with DPG in November 2024, as it aligned well with my role as an HR Business Partner and my ambition to operate at a more strategic level within the profession.
I completed the course in May 2025.
My main goal was to strengthen my strategic HR capability and develop a deeper understanding of organisational and people strategy, so I could add more value in my role.
There were also areas I hadn’t yet had exposure to in practice, such as Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) processes and working with trade unions. I wanted to broaden my knowledge across the wider HR landscape and build confidence in areas beyond my day-to-day experience.
The course has helped me step back and think more strategically about HR and business decisions.
It has encouraged me to consider the bigger picture and think more long term about people strategy and organisational outcomes. Studying Level 7 has also strengthened my confidence in contributing to broader organisational discussions and thinking more strategically about people and organisational development.
One of the biggest impacts has been how I approach organisational challenges. I now consider how HR initiatives align with overall business strategy and long-term organisational goals, rather than focusing purely on short-term operational solutions.
The flexibility of the learning platform was particularly useful. I was working full time as an HR Business Partner while studying, so I arranged compressed working hours, which allowed me to take Fridays off and dedicate that time to studying.
Having a consistent day each week focused on the course helped me stay organised and ultimately complete the qualification in seven months. While the course provides flexibility around when you complete the qualification overall, the modules have clear deadlines, which helped keep me focused and on track.
The tutor support was very helpful throughout the course. Feedback was clear and constructive, which helped me develop both my assignments and my understanding of the topics.
Completing the CIPD Level 7 while working full time was challenging, but very rewarding. The structure of the course and the flexibility of the platform made it possible to balance study with work commitments.
One key lesson I would share with other potential learners is the importance of stepping back and thinking strategically about people practices and their long-term impact on organisations.
I would also recommend planning your time well and setting aside dedicated study time where possible. Having a consistent routine makes a big difference when balancing the course alongside a full-time role.
I would recommend DPG to anyone looking to develop their HR knowledge while balancing work and study. The course offers a good balance of flexibility and structure, which makes it manageable for working professionals.
After completing the qualification, I’m looking forward to continuing to develop as a strategic HR professional and applying what I’ve learned to support long-term organisational success.
Develop your strategic HR impact with a flexible, no-nonsense CIPD Level 7 qualification.
