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Cas Germain, a recent graduate of the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management at the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD), has praised the programme for transforming both her professional journey and personal life. Delivered from the university’s Carmarthen campus, the course provided Cas with the skills and confidence to step into a new leadership role and solidify her place in the field of Organisational Development (OD).

With a background in sociology and education, Cas made the bold decision to transition from teaching into the corporate world. She said: 

 “I have always loved people. Making the move to a career in Organisation Development was about helping create better workspaces for everyone. When I saw the CIPD course in August 2023, I applied straight away. Being based in West Wales and having access to a funded, flexible learning route felt like the perfect fit.”

The reputation of the CIPD and the hybrid delivery model were key factors in her decision.

 “I needed something that would work around full-time employment while supporting my goal of working in the people and OD space.” 

Despite entering the course with strong interpersonal skills and a background in Gender Studies, Cas says the diploma helped her bridge the gap between experience and theory. 

“This course really deepened my understanding of how workplaces function and the pivotal role people professionals play in shaping organisational culture. It gave me the foundation I needed to thrive.

“We play an integral role not only to the business but how the culture is formed and have the privilege to enable excellent workspaces for people to enjoy. I loved learning about talent management, wellbeing, HR, rewards and recognition. There’s so much to cover but in a sustainable and achievable manner, especially with a full time job and being a mature student meant I was able to bring life experience into it too.”

One of the standout benefits of the course for Cas was its real-world impact. Shortly after enrolling, she secured a promotion as a Leadership & OD Lead in her organisation. She also received national recognition at the 2024 Patient Safety Conference, where her work on workplace wellbeing won the poster category. Cas leads her workplace’s Wellbeing and Engagement Group, championing a colleague-led approach to improving wellbeing at work.

Her journey wasn’t without challenges. Cas experienced multiple baby losses before and during her studies, and she describes the course as a meaningful distraction and source of strength during a difficult time. She added:

 “Work is so intrinsic to our purpose. I didn’t always pass assignments first time, but I didn’t give up. I finally became a mother in 2025 just before graduation, and this course became part of a healing journey. It’s inspired me to advocate for better workplace support around baby loss and pregnancy after loss—topics that still aren’t talked about enough.”

Cas described the course as wonderful and invigorating. She strongly recommends the course to others:

 “It came to me at exactly the right time. The tutors were supportive, and the hybrid learning approach was ideal. There’s a real commitment from UWTSD staff to help students succeed.”

Julie Thomas, UWTSD’s Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and CIPD Programme Manager, said: 

“Cas has demonstrated considerable courage and determination throughout her studies, and I am thrilled to hear that she has benefitted in multiple ways from completing the course. Not only does this qualification enhance knowledge and skills, it builds confidence and enables students to perform at their best - we are incredibly proud of what Cas and her fellow students have achieved.”

Now, with her diploma completed, Cas is looking ahead to further impact. 

“I’m excited to keep growing in the OD space. I want to continue my wellbeing work and speak openly about baby loss and pregnancy after loss in the workplace, there’s so much that can still be done.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476