New Memberwise Ambassador for CPD and Learning Appointed

The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.

In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.

We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a second Ambassador to work alongside Katherine Bunting in the area of CPD and Learning: Clare Hodgson, Head of Continuous Learning and Members Support at the ACCA. ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and consists of a thriving global community of 241,000 members and 542,000 future members based in 178 countries.

Let’s get to know Clare, who’ll be championing this important area of activity…

How did you get into membership?

I definitely fell into membership, but I stayed because it’s a very rewarding career. I always love hearing our members’ stories of how the ACCA Qualification has transformed their lives and created opportunities to achieve their career ambitions. ACCA believes in opening the profession and never losing sight of our public interest remit and values of Inclusion, Integrity and Innovation is at the very heart of our DNA.

What is your current role at the ACCA?

I’m Head of Continuous Learning and Members Support at ACCA and I’m responsible for our portfolio of learning products which includes online CPD courses, webinars and certifications. We are a team of 16 located in 5 countries and I have 5 direct reports. We are constantly developing our portfolio and expanding the range of learning resources that are aligned to ACCA’s Career Navigator. We aim to offer value by providing relevant accountancy, business and finance skills training to meet the development needs of our members and finance professionals.

How will you champion your ambassador subject area: CPD and Learning?

I believe that CPD is an important part of being a professional, it supports developing new skills and knowledge needed to maintain a successful career.

If you could give advice to another membership professional, what would it be?

With any job I think it’s important to try to find something you enjoy doing, so look for a role that you enjoy, where you can make a difference and the organisations values align to your own. And never be afraid to share your experiences with the Network, chances are that someone has been through a similar situation!

Tell us something unusual about you!

I’m a qualified advanced open water diver and swam with whale sharks while diving in the Maldives.

The MemberWise Team welcomes Claire on board as MemberWise Ambassador (CPD and Learning).