HR can no longer simply measure its success by good people management, but must focus on sustainable performance, innovation and leadership, according to the CIPD boss.

Jackie Orme, CEO of the CIPD, told HR directors at a networking lunch organised by Ceridian at the Ivy in London, HR should not just act as an "emergency room" for personnel issues but look after the long-term health of the workforce.

In order to get HR where it needs to be, Orme added, the industry needs to attract "the brightest and best" professionals and as a result, the organisation will be rethinking its qualifications and membership process.

She said: "We have to reposition the profession because its true value has not yet been fully explored. There is still a great deal of disillusionment about what the profession can do. The profession is still in its teenage years and has some way to go."