The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
From Change Analyst (L2)
2-3 years as an L2Skills to master
- Independently leading smaller change workstreams, taking ownership of communication and training plans, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering assigned change workstreams on time and to a high standard.
- Proactively identifying and proposing solutions for change-related issues.
- Receiving positive feedback from project managers and stakeholders on your contributions.
- Starting to informally mentor new joiners or less experienced colleagues.
- 2
From Project Manager / Business Analyst
3-5 years in a PM/BA role with a strong 'people' focusSkills to master
- Developing a deeper understanding of change management methodologies, focusing on the human side of project delivery, and building skills in communication and resistance management beyond just project reporting.
You're ready to move on when
- You've consistently gone beyond the technical aspects of projects to focus on user adoption.
- You're known for your ability to communicate complex changes clearly to non-technical audiences.
- You've actively sought out opportunities to lead communication or training workstreams on projects.
- You're passionate about the 'why' behind change, not just the 'what' or 'how'.
- 3
From Organisational Development / HR Specialist
3-5 years in OD/HR with project experienceSkills to master
- Translating HR/OD theory into practical, project-specific change interventions, developing stronger project management discipline, and gaining experience with large-scale system implementations.
You're ready to move on when
- You've been involved in implementing new HR systems or processes and led the associated people change.
- You have a strong understanding of organisational culture and dynamics.
- You're comfortable working within structured project environments and delivering against deadlines.
- You're keen to apply your people expertise to broader business transformation initiatives.