Investigating the Development and Implementation of an Accredited Continuous Professional Development Framework within the Hair and Beauty Sector

The Hair and Beauty industry has faced significant challenges over the last few years, ranging from a national skills shortage, rising business costs, an unpredictable economic climate, and a vibrant shadow economy, to a global pandemic that shut the industry down for over 41 weeks. The business environment has been extremely tough for so many small and mid-sized enterprises, yet the resilience and value of the industry is reflected by the economic and societal contributions it delivers nationally. With consumer
demand remaining high, this industry is an integral stakeholder and anchor tenant in the business fabric of Irish towns and villages, and one where the future of work and the skills are key to the sector’s development. This is a labor-intensive profession, and the importance of skills and talent cannot be understated. It is often said that “a companies’ greatest asset is their people”, and we believe this statement to be true. The talented human capital that
organisations are so deeply reliant on, is the foundations on which the industry has and will continue to develop from. Talent that transforms business by ensuring customer satisfaction is a valuable commodity and should be
developed and nurtured through continuous professional development.
For decades the Hair and Beauty industry has recognised the importance of upskilling and continuous professional development (CPD). To date however, there has been a lack of formal recognition for the process. This research highlights how the absence of a CPD framework adversely impacts the industry and identifies the benefits of implementing a formal framework. It provides recommendations that, if implemented, will support enhanced workforce
development, sustainability, and industry recognition.