Ash Munday, Christina Karikides and Callum Armstrong, HR Advisors at the LMB, have been awarded Diplomas from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the leading professional body for HR practitioners in the UK.
As generalist HR advisors, the trio cover a wide range of responsibilities, from recruitment and immigration to employee wellbeing and recognition. Moreover, their work spans the entire employee lifecycle, from before someone joins to when they leave.
Here, they share what the qualification entailed, what inspired them to undertake further training and their advice for anyone considering the same.
Can you tell us a bit about your roles in the HR team at the LMB?
Ash Munday (AM): I specifically support the PNAC Division and have been at the LMB for nearly six years.
Christina Karikides (CK): I look after the Operations Group, dealing with recruitment and employee relations.
Callum Armstrong (CA): I support the Cell Biology Division and also lead on training and wellbeing across the LMB.
Which CIPD qualification did you pursue?
CK: I studied the Level 5 Diploma in People Management. It covered all aspects of employee relations—disciplinaries, grievances, and more.
CA: I also studied the Level 5 in People Management. It focused on best practices and how to handle HR issues effectively.
AM: I completed the Level 7 Diploma, which is the highest level. It’s very strategy-focussed on understanding the broader impact of HR decisions across the organisation.
What motivated you to take on this qualification?
CA: I didn’t have HR experience before joining the LMB, so I wanted to back up my practical knowledge with formal training. It helped me understand the “why” behind what we do.
CK: I wanted to build on my Level 3 and expand my knowledge in areas I hadn’t worked in much. It felt like the right next step in my career.
AM: I love learning and had already done Level 5 before joining the LMB. Doing Level 7 here was great because I had the team around me to bounce ideas off, share interesting cases with them and challenge each other. I think it was easier to motivate me to finish it.
How did you find the study experience?
CK: Balancing full-time work with study was tough. The assignments had strict word counts, and the research was detailed. But I enjoyed diving deep into different HR topics.
AM: It took me just over two years. Each module required a written paper, backed by academic research. There were online classes and one-to-one tutor sessions. It was intense but rewarding.
CA: I had 18 months to complete it. It was mostly self-directed, which was challenging. I had an advisor to check in with, but otherwise, I had to manage my own time. The flexibility was helpful, because I was able to study on weekends and evenings.
How did you manage studying alongside your job?
AM: It was a challenge—I’m not the most organised! But my manager, Kelly, kept me accountable. Having teammates studying at the same time helped us motivate each other.
CA: It was hard to find motivation after a full day at work. It was something that I was very interested in, so I eventually got into a rhythm—studying a few evenings a week and one day on the weekend.
What have you gained from the experience?
CA: I now have a stronger foundation in employment law and HR best practices. It’s made me more confident in my role.
CK: I’ve gained confidence and deeper knowledge in areas I wasn’t as familiar with. I feel more capable in advising others now.
AM: With 20 years in HR, I’m familiar with most areas. But the strategic perspective was new and valuable. One module focused on personal development, which really challenged me and made me reflect on my own growth.
Would you recommend the CIPD qualification to others?
AM: Absolutely. It’s expensive, but the community and support are worth it – especially if you’re the only HR person in your organisation. It gives you a broader view of HR beyond daily tasks.
CK: Definitely. It’s intense, but if you’re looking to grow in your HR career, it’s a great investment. I’m grateful for the support from of the wider HR LMB team.
CA: Yes, if you’re genuinely interested in HR. Just be aware of the time commitment—it’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
Further references
Ryan Usher and Chris Palmer complete their degrees in Electronics and Mechanical Engineering