11 October 2024
Celebrating Claire Johnson and her Remarkable Journey in Career Development
Claire Johnson, Head of Professional Development and Standards at the CDI, has worked in the careers sector for 40 years. A key voice and influencer in the sector, Claire has shaped career development training through her work on qualifications for universities and awarding bodies.
Known for her strategic mindset, commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice and a great sense of humour, Claire has collaborated with top organisations, co-authored a CPD book, and was head hunted by a government department to design training programmes. She’s earned Fellowships from NICEC, ICCI, and CDI, and is the only person in the world to hold all three!
As Claire retires this autumn, we celebrate her remarkable contributions to the industry and society and wish her well in all her future endeavours.
How did it all begin?
Having trained as a Careers Adviser at Napier University in Edinburgh in 1985I was fortunate to join Humberside Careers Service (HCS) in 1986, where I quickly advanced to District Careers Manager. At HCS, I was deeply involved in staff development and vocational qualifications, which became a passion of mine.
Can you give us a whistle stop tour of your career journey?
In 1995, I managed a government funded pilot project for delivering the NVQ Level 4 in Guidance, a national initiative that provided a pathway for careers staff to gain professional qualifications while working. I later helped to develop the Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG), a postgraduate qualification that replaced the Diploma in Career Guidance. I also supported the training of Personal Advisers for the newly formed Connexions Service.
In 2001, I joined the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) as a Professional Training Manager, where I oversaw the roll-out of the QCG to 15 UK universities. After a brief tenure at ICG, I started my own consultancy. Over 12 years, I worked with various organisations, writing and delivering qualifications for Connexions Personal Advisers, Youth Justice Board staff, and prison officers. A key project was managing the NVQ 4 pilot for Careers Education and Guidance, encouraging those providing co-ordination of careers programmes in schools to obtain accreditation for their skills and knowledge.
In 2010, I took on the role of OCR Chief Verifier for career development and employability qualifications. I also helped to take forward the recommendations from the Careers Profession Taskforce report and was instrumental in developing the first version of the Register of Career Development Professionals, establishing CPD and ethical practice requirements. I joined CDI in 2014 as Professional Development Manager.
What have been some of the highlights of your career?
When I was running my own consultancy, Lifelong Learning UK and the Department for Education tasked me with creating several qualifications, including the Level 3 Award for Supporting Clients to Overcome Barriers to Learning and Work, the Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice, and the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. These qualifications have since been completed by over 5,000 candidates!
What was your role at CDI?
As Professional Development Manager, I worked with colleagues to support the professional and ethical development of members. I helped develop the first ever CDI Career Development Sector Progression Pathway and revised the Qualification in Career Guidance, now known as the Qualification in Career Development (QCD). I also played a role in creating apprenticeships for career development in both Scotland and England and updated the Level 4 and 6 Diplomas, broadening their reach to Higher Education and the voluntary sector.
Setting up the CDI Academy is one of my proudest achievements – to date it has delivered qualifications to over 1,500 candidates who provide personal career guidance or manage careers programmes. Another achievement was securing Careers and Enterprise Company funding for training Careers Leaders, which so far has supported over 1,200 leaders across England.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the career development sector?
It’s a fascinating profession which can lead to many interesting roles. Networking with people across the sector either online or in person is a great way to learn about different roles, gain support and share information and ideas about practice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek support and promote the great work that career development professionals do.
What kind of networking did you do?
Networking has been a crucial part of my journey and I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from numerous individuals and organisations, including CDI staff and volunteers (past and present), universities and training providers, and key stakeholders like the Careers & Enterprise Company, National Careers Service, Careers England, OCR, Quality in Careers Standard Board, the International Centre for Guidance Studies, National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling and international colleagues.
What do you love most about your work?
Career guidance/development is a superpower. Through writing qualifications and developing CPD materials I’ve been able to support career development professionals to support individuals throughout their education and career; facilitate positive transitions, build career management skills and foster career wellbeing. This has also supported the economy by improving the efficiency of the labour market and promoting effective skills/knowledge development and benefits society by promoting social justice and equity in education and work.
I also love the fact that I’ve been able to develop a range of routes to qualification which have greatly increased the accessibility of these qualifications. This has resulted in people at all stages in their career and from diverse backgrounds being able to train to enter and progress in any part of the career development workforce.
What are your proudest achievements?
Before 2013, there was no UK Register of Career Development Professionals. My work on the development of this Register provides reassurance to the public and employers across the UK that registrants hold a minimum of a graduate level qualification in career development, abide by the CDI Code of Ethics and undertake, reflect upon and record a minimum of 25 hours of Continuous Professional Development each year.
I am also really proud of the work I did in establishing the Ethics/Professional Standards Committee and then with E/PSC colleagues in writing, developing and subsequently revising the Code of Ethics and in producing materials to support the application of the Code.
As a result of my work since 2000, the qualifications I have designed and developed with support from colleagues across the UK have led to more than 9000 career development professionals becoming qualified to work across the sector including in schools, colleges, universities, prisons, hospitals, charities, companies, and in private practice. As a result of their own hard work and commitment in achieving professional qualifications the lives of millions of people across the UK have been supported.
What challenges have you experienced in your career?
Keeping up to date with developments in the sector across the UK can be a full-time job! Fortunately, colleagues are willing to share their knowledge, and digital technology helps to keep me up to speed. It’s vital that qualifications and CPD are as current as possible and future-proofed to enable career development professionals to work effectively with their clients.
If you could influence one significant change in the sector, what would it be?
To make holding a minimum of a graduate level qualification in career guidance and development a legal requirement for anyone providing personal career guidance to clients across the UK. For career development professionals to be valued for the vital role they play and receive the pay that this role deserves.
How has the career development sector evolved during your 40-year tenure?
Career development activities now take place in many more settings. When I started out, this was mainly based in schools, colleges and universities and certain qualifications were required to be a Careers Adviser. Places such as the voluntary and community sector, NHS, prisons and organisations with employees now employ career development professionals. There are also freelance career development professionals who work in all settings. Careers Leaders now have a key role in schools, colleges and SEND schools.
Technology has enabled people to work from home and with international clients. Sadly, there is less regulation regarding which qualifications are required to work in the sector and the impact/ROI that professional career guidance can have on individuals, society and the economy isn’t as well understood as it might be. Advocating for the sector is something all career development professionals must do, and being a member of a professional body such as the CDI gives people across the UK a voice to lobby for change and better recognition.
What’s the best thing about working in the career sector?
Variety! There are never two days alike - which can be challenging but is also stimulating. And working with people who are so enthusiastic about supporting their clients has been an honour. I have learned so much from colleagues and CDI members over many years.
How did you retain your motivation and passion for your work?
Understanding the impact that professionally qualified career development professionals can have when working with their clients has motivated me to support their qualifications and CPD.
Can you share a memorable moment?
In 2015, I co-authored ‘CPD for the Career Development Professional’ with Professor Siobhan Neary, which was published by Trotman. Writing chapters of this book allowed me to put onto paper a lot of information that was in my head and provided a means of sharing this with an audience. Seeing the book cited in university assignments in my role as QCD Lead Moderator always made me smile. I learned so much from working with Siobhan and sharing ideas.
What are your personal career highlights?
I’m proud of establishing the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, providing public and employer assurance that registrants hold a minimum graduate-level qualification. My work on qualifications led to over 9,000 career development professionals being trained across various sectors, including schools, universities, prisons, and private practice. This has had a profound impact on millions of lives across the UK and I’m so pleased I have been able to make a difference to so many people.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in a sector that’s all about helping others?
I haven’t! But do realise that this is important. Perhaps I should have said “No” more often, negotiated longer deadlines for pieces of work and not had my work email account on my mobile phone.
Do you enjoy any interests or hobbies?
Talking with people, theatre trips and afternoon tea. I’m looking forward to rejoining a choir and reacquainting myself with various crafts that I used to do when I was much younger. Our dog Millie is also keen to enjoy longer walks.
What do you think is the most underrated skill for career development professionals?
To outsiders, a careers interview can look like having a chat but there is so much more to it. Career development professionals have exceptional listening skills and the ability to use relevant theoretical approaches to enable clients to consider their circumstances, values and aspirations; confront any challenges; strengthen motivation; build resilience, confidence and curiosity; develop new perspectives; learn about relevant careers, jobs and the labour market; justify their thinking and be happy with the plan that they make to achieve their career goals.
How do you see the role of technology in the future of career development?
The use of technology, especially as a result of the pandemic, has changed the way in which career development services and training programmes are delivered. Using technology can enhance provision and accessibility of services but must be used in an ethical way. Artificial Intelligence can support the role of a career development professional, but it can never replace it.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Always keep a sense of humour and perspective!
What’s one thing about you that not many people know?
I was extremely shy as a child and young adult. Qualifying as a Careers Adviser brought me out of my shell and gave me the confidence to talk to people. I’m so pleased that it did!
Known for her strategic mindset, commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice and a great sense of humour, Claire has collaborated with top organisations, co-authored a CPD book, and was head hunted by a government department to design training programmes. She’s earned Fellowships from NICEC, ICCI, and CDI, and is the only person in the world to hold all three!
As Claire retires this autumn, we celebrate her remarkable contributions to the industry and society and wish her well in all her future endeavours.
How did it all begin?
Having trained as a Careers Adviser at Napier University in Edinburgh in 1985I was fortunate to join Humberside Careers Service (HCS) in 1986, where I quickly advanced to District Careers Manager. At HCS, I was deeply involved in staff development and vocational qualifications, which became a passion of mine.
Can you give us a whistle stop tour of your career journey?
In 1995, I managed a government funded pilot project for delivering the NVQ Level 4 in Guidance, a national initiative that provided a pathway for careers staff to gain professional qualifications while working. I later helped to develop the Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG), a postgraduate qualification that replaced the Diploma in Career Guidance. I also supported the training of Personal Advisers for the newly formed Connexions Service.
In 2001, I joined the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) as a Professional Training Manager, where I oversaw the roll-out of the QCG to 15 UK universities. After a brief tenure at ICG, I started my own consultancy. Over 12 years, I worked with various organisations, writing and delivering qualifications for Connexions Personal Advisers, Youth Justice Board staff, and prison officers. A key project was managing the NVQ 4 pilot for Careers Education and Guidance, encouraging those providing co-ordination of careers programmes in schools to obtain accreditation for their skills and knowledge.
In 2010, I took on the role of OCR Chief Verifier for career development and employability qualifications. I also helped to take forward the recommendations from the Careers Profession Taskforce report and was instrumental in developing the first version of the Register of Career Development Professionals, establishing CPD and ethical practice requirements. I joined CDI in 2014 as Professional Development Manager.
What have been some of the highlights of your career?
When I was running my own consultancy, Lifelong Learning UK and the Department for Education tasked me with creating several qualifications, including the Level 3 Award for Supporting Clients to Overcome Barriers to Learning and Work, the Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice, and the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. These qualifications have since been completed by over 5,000 candidates!
What was your role at CDI?
As Professional Development Manager, I worked with colleagues to support the professional and ethical development of members. I helped develop the first ever CDI Career Development Sector Progression Pathway and revised the Qualification in Career Guidance, now known as the Qualification in Career Development (QCD). I also played a role in creating apprenticeships for career development in both Scotland and England and updated the Level 4 and 6 Diplomas, broadening their reach to Higher Education and the voluntary sector.
Setting up the CDI Academy is one of my proudest achievements – to date it has delivered qualifications to over 1,500 candidates who provide personal career guidance or manage careers programmes. Another achievement was securing Careers and Enterprise Company funding for training Careers Leaders, which so far has supported over 1,200 leaders across England.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the career development sector?
It’s a fascinating profession which can lead to many interesting roles. Networking with people across the sector either online or in person is a great way to learn about different roles, gain support and share information and ideas about practice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek support and promote the great work that career development professionals do.
What kind of networking did you do?
Networking has been a crucial part of my journey and I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from numerous individuals and organisations, including CDI staff and volunteers (past and present), universities and training providers, and key stakeholders like the Careers & Enterprise Company, National Careers Service, Careers England, OCR, Quality in Careers Standard Board, the International Centre for Guidance Studies, National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling and international colleagues.
What do you love most about your work?
Career guidance/development is a superpower. Through writing qualifications and developing CPD materials I’ve been able to support career development professionals to support individuals throughout their education and career; facilitate positive transitions, build career management skills and foster career wellbeing. This has also supported the economy by improving the efficiency of the labour market and promoting effective skills/knowledge development and benefits society by promoting social justice and equity in education and work.
I also love the fact that I’ve been able to develop a range of routes to qualification which have greatly increased the accessibility of these qualifications. This has resulted in people at all stages in their career and from diverse backgrounds being able to train to enter and progress in any part of the career development workforce.
What are your proudest achievements?
Before 2013, there was no UK Register of Career Development Professionals. My work on the development of this Register provides reassurance to the public and employers across the UK that registrants hold a minimum of a graduate level qualification in career development, abide by the CDI Code of Ethics and undertake, reflect upon and record a minimum of 25 hours of Continuous Professional Development each year.
I am also really proud of the work I did in establishing the Ethics/Professional Standards Committee and then with E/PSC colleagues in writing, developing and subsequently revising the Code of Ethics and in producing materials to support the application of the Code.
As a result of my work since 2000, the qualifications I have designed and developed with support from colleagues across the UK have led to more than 9000 career development professionals becoming qualified to work across the sector including in schools, colleges, universities, prisons, hospitals, charities, companies, and in private practice. As a result of their own hard work and commitment in achieving professional qualifications the lives of millions of people across the UK have been supported.
What challenges have you experienced in your career?
Keeping up to date with developments in the sector across the UK can be a full-time job! Fortunately, colleagues are willing to share their knowledge, and digital technology helps to keep me up to speed. It’s vital that qualifications and CPD are as current as possible and future-proofed to enable career development professionals to work effectively with their clients.
If you could influence one significant change in the sector, what would it be?
To make holding a minimum of a graduate level qualification in career guidance and development a legal requirement for anyone providing personal career guidance to clients across the UK. For career development professionals to be valued for the vital role they play and receive the pay that this role deserves.
How has the career development sector evolved during your 40-year tenure?
Career development activities now take place in many more settings. When I started out, this was mainly based in schools, colleges and universities and certain qualifications were required to be a Careers Adviser. Places such as the voluntary and community sector, NHS, prisons and organisations with employees now employ career development professionals. There are also freelance career development professionals who work in all settings. Careers Leaders now have a key role in schools, colleges and SEND schools.
Technology has enabled people to work from home and with international clients. Sadly, there is less regulation regarding which qualifications are required to work in the sector and the impact/ROI that professional career guidance can have on individuals, society and the economy isn’t as well understood as it might be. Advocating for the sector is something all career development professionals must do, and being a member of a professional body such as the CDI gives people across the UK a voice to lobby for change and better recognition.
What’s the best thing about working in the career sector?
Variety! There are never two days alike - which can be challenging but is also stimulating. And working with people who are so enthusiastic about supporting their clients has been an honour. I have learned so much from colleagues and CDI members over many years.
How did you retain your motivation and passion for your work?
Understanding the impact that professionally qualified career development professionals can have when working with their clients has motivated me to support their qualifications and CPD.
Can you share a memorable moment?
In 2015, I co-authored ‘CPD for the Career Development Professional’ with Professor Siobhan Neary, which was published by Trotman. Writing chapters of this book allowed me to put onto paper a lot of information that was in my head and provided a means of sharing this with an audience. Seeing the book cited in university assignments in my role as QCD Lead Moderator always made me smile. I learned so much from working with Siobhan and sharing ideas.
What are your personal career highlights?
I’m proud of establishing the UK Register of Career Development Professionals, providing public and employer assurance that registrants hold a minimum graduate-level qualification. My work on qualifications led to over 9,000 career development professionals being trained across various sectors, including schools, universities, prisons, and private practice. This has had a profound impact on millions of lives across the UK and I’m so pleased I have been able to make a difference to so many people.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in a sector that’s all about helping others?
I haven’t! But do realise that this is important. Perhaps I should have said “No” more often, negotiated longer deadlines for pieces of work and not had my work email account on my mobile phone.
Do you enjoy any interests or hobbies?
Talking with people, theatre trips and afternoon tea. I’m looking forward to rejoining a choir and reacquainting myself with various crafts that I used to do when I was much younger. Our dog Millie is also keen to enjoy longer walks.
What do you think is the most underrated skill for career development professionals?
To outsiders, a careers interview can look like having a chat but there is so much more to it. Career development professionals have exceptional listening skills and the ability to use relevant theoretical approaches to enable clients to consider their circumstances, values and aspirations; confront any challenges; strengthen motivation; build resilience, confidence and curiosity; develop new perspectives; learn about relevant careers, jobs and the labour market; justify their thinking and be happy with the plan that they make to achieve their career goals.
How do you see the role of technology in the future of career development?
The use of technology, especially as a result of the pandemic, has changed the way in which career development services and training programmes are delivered. Using technology can enhance provision and accessibility of services but must be used in an ethical way. Artificial Intelligence can support the role of a career development professional, but it can never replace it.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Always keep a sense of humour and perspective!
What’s one thing about you that not many people know?
I was extremely shy as a child and young adult. Qualifying as a Careers Adviser brought me out of my shell and gave me the confidence to talk to people. I’m so pleased that it did!
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