Testimonials from successful applicants
Contracts Manager, University of Aberdeen
I received HPDF funding to complete my MCIPS qualification.
Prior to receiving the funding, I had put my studies on hold for several years and the HPDF funding gave me the impetus to complete them as HPDF covered 50% of the funding and my University covered the remaining 50%. I used the HPDF funding to contribute towards the 7 remaining modules I had to complete.
Midway through completing these 7 modules, I changed jobs and moved to another University. My successful appointment was on the proviso that I would be on the grade below I had applied for until I had completed my studies. Having now completed my studies I am now at the grade I originally applied for and so on a higher pay scale. In addition to this, MCIPS is the recognised qualification to have for Procurement and having achieved this I feel that it leads to more respect both personally and for the University procurement department. Having achieved MCIPS I now feel that I am on a par with my procurement peers.
Procurement Manager, Heriot-Watt University
I have been very grateful to have been a beneficiary of HPDF funding back in 2016. This grant has immensely supported me through my professional development in both procurement and within the HE/FE sector.
Since receiving this bursary, I was able to achieve my Graduate, Advanced and Professional Diplomas all within 2.5 years. Immediately following my last result, I was then successful in my application to receive my MCIPS qualification early due to the extent of my experience and work within this period.
As I attended University in Canada, I have a large student loan which I am still repaying. If I didn’t receive this funding via HPDF, I would have had competing demands on my income and therefore it would have slowed down both (i) the repayment of my student loan in Canada, and (ii) achieving my MCIPS qualification. I simply would have not been able to afford it.
This qualification has allowed me to advance my career through:
- Continuous development of knowledge surrounding the procurement environment in the public and private sectors, thus maximising savings and benefits through best practice procurement exercises for Heriot Watt University and the HE/FE sector.
- The development of my knowledge in area of strategic procurement – i.e. determining appropriate routes to market, increasing revenue and profit, and enhancing value to the University and to the students.
- Increased access to professional knowledge and resources, career support and networking events.
- Exposure to a large amount of supply chain case studies and scenarios which have enabled me to solve challenges at the University.
- Providing customers/colleagues with confidence of my commercial proficiency.
The funding received by HPDF has been an essential part of my development as a procurement professional, and for that I am deeply thankful.
Supply Chain Manager, APUC Ltd.
In April 2013 I was selected as one of the first APUC Supply Chain Management Graduates and started my procurement career within the higher and further education sector. Having come from a sustainability related academic background, starting the CIPS studies was essential to get a wider understanding and insight into the procurement field. Within the Graduate scheme, APUC sponsored my CIPS exams fees and provided the books for self-study. Over the 18-month programme, I managed to complete 7 out 15 exams required for becoming MCIPS accredited.
During the Graduate Scheme studying was demanding but achievable as the programme was focussing on learning and experiencing. After graduating the scheme, I became a full-time Supply Chain Manager within the collaborative tendering team. Finding motivation to continue CIPS studies after I finished the graduate scheme was very difficult. The cost of a single exam is about £140 and books are about £40 per course. Overall, a considerable financial and substantial time commitment. Further, the courses and exams on the Advanced and Professional Diploma level require wider reading and understanding of the procurement profession both in private and public sector.
Getting support through the HPDF fund offered me the financial means to pay for the exams and books to continue my studies in my own time. Whilst there is a partial financial contribution for wider reading by yourself, most of the financial burden was lifted through the HPDF fund. Using the fund enabled me to continue studying and not leaving a gap between my studies.
Having now completed my CIPS studies, I'm very grateful for having had the HPDF to support me as I'm certain I'd otherwise still be working towards.
Procurement Officer - Information Services, University of Edinburgh
BenefitsThe classes have allowed me to network with other procurement professionals from other sectors and attend classes with my peers. Classes enhance motivation to learn and interact.
Opportunity to learn from others in the procurement industry whether that being private or public, this allows a useful generic overview of both sectors, also from live experiences and case studies.
Any other information
Funding has allowed me to fully undertake and successfully complete Diploma level, due to the expense of CIPS courses, books and exams this would not have been possible for me to achieve so quickly. I aim to do the same with the next two levels and gain my MCIPS by 2020. This will also help my build my career as the qualification is recognised worldwide.