How to Structure a CIPD Assignment: Professional Report Layout

A poorly structured assignment can cause an assessor to miss your key arguments, leading to unfair grade penalties. Structuring your CIPD paper as an executive, boardroom-ready business report ensures complete rubric compliance and enhances readability.

The Standard CIPD Business Report Structure

1. Title Page & Document Metadata

Include: Unit Code (e.g. 5CO01), Unit Title, Student ID number, Word Count, and Submission Date. (Do not include your personal name for anonymous marking).

2. Executive Summary (For Level 5 & Level 7 Reports)

A standalone 200–300 word summary highlighting: business context, key analytical findings, and top strategic recommendations.

3. Table of Contents

A clean, hyperlinked numbered outline of all sections, sub-sections, and appendices.

4. Section Headings Mapped to Assessment Criteria

Use bold, numbered headings mirroring the brief's criteria. For example:

• 1.0 External Factors Impacting People Practice (AC 1.1)
• 2.0 Critical Evaluation of Workplace Culture (AC 2.1)
• 3.0 Employee Voice and Performance Interventions (AC 3.1)

5. Conclusion & Actionable Recommendations

Synthesize your core arguments without introducing new theoretical concepts. Provide SMART recommendations tailored to the organizational case study.

6. Harvard Reference List

Alphabetized list of all cited books, journal articles, statutes, and CIPD reports.

7. Appendices

Supplementary materials (e.g., SWOT/PESTLE matrices, raw survey data, calculation spreadsheets, interview notes).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use bullet points in a CIPD report?

Yes. Bullet points are encouraged for lists of recommendations, PESTLE factors, or action plans, provided each bullet is backed by brief analytical explanation.

Q2: What font style and spacing should I use?

Standard academic conventions: Arial or Calibri, 11pt or 12pt font size, 1.5 line spacing, with 1-inch margins.