We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Nisha Sutcliffe, our HR and Payroll Advisor, who has completed the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) with a Distinction in her End Point Assessment. Her accomplishment marks the end of a focused two‑year apprenticeship that began in June 2023 and showcases her dedication to advancing her career within people management. 

Nisha has been part of Sigma for almost 10 years, during which her career has grown steadily from Payroll Administrator to HR & Payroll Coordinator and now HR & Payroll Advisor. After returning from maternity leave following the birth of her son, Nisha requested to be enrolled onto the CIPD Level 5 programme as part of her continued professional development. With a strong interest in people management and a desire to deepen her expertise, she saw the qualification as an opportunity to strengthen her knowledge, build confidence, and gain formal recognition as a CIPD Associate within the HR profession. The apprenticeship route provided the ideal structure, offering allocated study time each week and the opportunity to log off‑the‑job learning while continuing to contribute to Sigma. 

The CIPD Level 5 qualification is made up of seven modules, each exploring a different area of people practice, from employment law and organisational performance to talent management and evidence‑based decision‑making. For Nisha, the course offered exactly what she hoped for: a deeper understanding of HR legislation, practical knowledge that directly supports day‑to‑day responsibilities, and the opportunity to align her work with recognised professional standards. She found the experience rewarding and highly relevant, noting that the learning complemented her existing practical experience and strengthened her confidence when supporting colleagues across Sigma. It also helped her build stronger working relationships and contribute more strategically to Sigma’s people agenda. 

Among the modules, employment law stood out as particularly valuable, offering insight into how legislation connects with internal policies and how this knowledge can help mitigate risk for Sigma. While Nisha enjoyed all units, she especially appreciated those that linked people practice with wider organisational strategy. The final stage of the programme, the End Point Assessment completed in December 2025, involved a professional discussion and review of her portfolio. Achieving a Distinction is a testament to Nisha’s dedication, capability, and commitment to excellence. 

Looking ahead, Nisha is focused on applying her enhanced skills within her current role and continuing to support colleagues across Sigma.  

This achievement reflects not only Nisha’s hard work but also Sigma’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting long‑term career development. It is a milestone worth celebrating, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of her expertise across Sigma. 

“I’m really grateful for the support Sigma has given me to complete my CIPD Diploma. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to invest in my development, deepen my understanding of HR legislation, and gain practical knowledge that strengthens my day‑to‑day work. I can already see how it’s helping me grow in my role at Sigma and shaping my future career.”

– Nisha Sutcliffe, HR & Payroll Advisor

For anyone considering a similar qualification, Nisha offers thoughtful and encouraging advice:  

“Take the opportunity, be dedicated, give it the time it deserves, and commit fully to the expectations of the course — the experience is incredibly rewarding.”