If you’re an HR professional or employer based in Wales, there’s never been a better time to study a CIPD qualification or upskill your team. With growing demand for strong people leadership, changing employment law, and new government-backed funding available, Welsh organisations can now access 50% funded CIPD training through the Flexible Skills Programme (FSP), while benefiting from the flexibility of online learning with Avado. 

This blog explains what a CIPD qualification is, why it matters for HR careers in Wales, and how Welsh employers can use the Flexible Skills Programme to significantly reduce training costs. 

Welsh employers face unique workforce challenges, from skills shortages to rapid regulatory change. Investing in accredited HR training helps organisations: 

• Build stronger leadership and management capability 

• Improve employee retention and engagement 

• Stay compliant with evolving employment legislation 

• Develop internal HR expertise rather than relying on external consultants 

For individuals, a CIPD qualification can unlock: 

• Higher earning potential 

• Clearer career progression 

• Greater credibility with employers 

• Transferable skills recognised across the UK 

The Flexible Skills Programme (FSP) is a Welsh Government initiative that allows employers in Wales to claim 50% funding for accredited training, including CIPD qualifications. 

Because the scheme operates on a buyer’s choice model, employers are free to choose their preferred provider, making Avado an ideal partner for CIPD training in Wales. 

Key Funding Benefits 

• 50% reimbursement of training costs 

• Funding available up to £50,000 per company 

• CIPD qualifications fall under the Leadership and Management Skills priority theme 

• Ideal for CIPD Level 5 and Level 7 programmes 

Employer Journey: How to Claim 50% CIPD Funding in Wales 

The funding process is employer-led and follows a simple Submit → Approve → Pay → Claim model. 

Step-by-Step Process 

• Expression of Interest (EOI): The employer completes a short (5-minute) EOI form via the Business Wales website. 

• Skills Team Review: A Welsh Government Relationship Manager contacts the employer (usually within 10 working days) to discuss training needs. 

• Full Application: The employer submits a formal application. 

This is where Avado supports the process by providing a grant-ready quote confirming the course is a CIPD-accredited qualification and clearly stating the price. 

• Grant Award Letter (GAL): If approved, the employer receives a GAL. 

Important: Training must not start before the GAL is signed, or funding becomes invalid. 

• Upfront Payment: The employer pays Avado 100% of the course fee upfront. 

• Reimbursement: Once the learner completes the course (or reaches an agreed milestone), the employer submits: 

• Avado’s paid invoice 

• Certificate of attendance or completion 

The Welsh Government then reimburses 50% of the cost. 

Important: While Avado can support employers by supplying grant-ready documentation and advice, we do not have any involvement in the assessment, approval, or reimbursement decisions for the Flexible Skills Programme. We recommend employers double check the full terms on the Flexible Skills Programme website to confirm eligibility criteria and application requirements. 

When applying for Flexible Skills Programme funding, Welsh employers (and employees) can significantly improve their chances of internal approval for the 50% cost by considering the following key points. 

• Use the priority hook: CIPD qualifications align with Leadership and Management Skills, increasing approval likelihood. 

• Create urgency: Most FSP funding requires training to be committed to or completed by March 2026 (end of the financial year). 

• Eligibility check: Businesses must be solvent and based in Wales (or have a significant Welsh operation). 

We also recommend reviewing our business case templates, which show how to build a clear justification for CIPD training, including costs and outcomes. These can then be adapted to reflect Flexible Skills Programme funding where applicable. 

A CIPD qualification is the gold standard for HR and people management professionals in the UK. Awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, CIPD qualifications are recognised by employers nationwide and internationally. 

They are designed to build practical, workplace-ready skills across areas such as: 

• Employment law and employee relations 

• People strategy and organisational development 

• Learning & development 

• Leadership and management capability 

Popular options include: 

• CIPD Level 3 – Foundation level for aspiring HR professionals 

• CIPD Level 5 – Intermediate level for HR Advisors and Managers 

• CIPD Level 7 – Advanced level for Senior HR Leaders and Consultants 

Avado’s CIPD programmes are designed for working professionals and busy teams. Welsh learners benefit from: 

• 100% online delivery with live tutor-led sessions 

• Flexible study schedules that fit around work 

• Expert CIPD-qualified tutors with real-world HR experience 

• Structured support to help learners stay on track and succeed 

• Grant-ready documentation to support FSP funding claims 

As a Platinum CIPD centre, Avado Learning has supported tens of thousands of HR professionals across the UK with practical, career-focused learning. 

Whether you’re an HR professional looking to progress your career or an employer investing in your people strategy, studying a CIPD qualification in Wales has never been more accessible. 

With flexible online learning, expert tutor support, and the opportunity to reclaim 50% of your training costs through the Flexible Skills Programme, now is the ideal time to act, before funding deadlines close. 

Interested in funded CIPD training for your team in Wales? 

Speak to Avado today to receive a grant-ready quote and guidance on the Flexible Skills Programme application process.  

If you’d prefer, you can register your interest using this form to receive a brochure, and our team will contact you at your convenience if you’d like to explore your options further.