Shaping the Future of Payroll: CIPP and Portfolio Payroll Announce Strategic Partnership

The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) has announced a new strategic partnership with Portfolio Payroll, the UK’s leading specialist division of The Portfolio Group focused exclusively on payroll recruitment.

This partnership marks a significant moment for the payroll profession. It formalises a collaboration that has spanned more than two decades – built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal: to elevate payroll as a core business function and support the professionals who deliver it.

A Partnership Built on Experience

For over 20 years, the CIPP and Portfolio Payroll have worked side by side to champion the profession. From co-hosting National Payroll Week to sharing market insight and supporting events, the relationship has always been built on trust and a shared mission.

With this new corporate partnership, both organisations are deepening that relationship – aligning more closely to support professional development, raise visibility, and shape the payroll agenda for years to come.

“By sharing our expertise, networks and industry insights, we’re not just supporting payroll professionals in their career journeys – we’re helping to elevate payroll as a critical business function.”

– Adrian Goddard, Commercial Director, CIPP

“Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s growth and professionalism. We want to reinforce the message that payroll is a dynamic and rewarding career path.”

– Anthony Macey, Chief Operating Officer, Portfolio Payroll

Why This Matters

Payroll has grown in complexity and significance. During the pandemic, professionals in the field were formally recognised as key workers – managing furlough schemes, navigating policy changes, and ensuring the timely delivery of wages during a period of national uncertainty.

Despite this, payroll remains under-recognised in many organisations. Its strategic value is often overlooked, even though it directly impacts compliance, cashflow, workforce engagement and operational risk.

This partnership aims to shift that perception – by promoting the profession through joined-up advocacy, stronger insights, and wider visibility across business, media and policy.

The Numbers Behind the Profession

In the 2023/24 tax year alone, the PAYE system delivered over £413.4 billion to the UK government – a powerful reminder of payroll’s economic importance.

Behind that number is a national workforce of more than 100,000 payroll professionals. Portfolio Payroll’s network includes over 75,000 individuals, supporting a wide range of employers across sectors and seniority levels.

“After working closely together for over 20 years, it’s fantastic to formalise our relationship with the CIPP. As the UK’s largest payroll specialist recruiter, we’re proud to join forces with the industry’s institute to further promote and advance this brilliant profession.”

– Patrick Day, Director, Portfolio Payroll

What It Means in Practice

For payroll professionals, this partnership will deliver improved access to insight, greater opportunities for career development, and stronger representation at an industry level.

For employers, it strengthens the link between recruitment and advocacy – helping businesses access talent, stay aligned with policy changes, and contribute to the future shape of the profession.

“Becoming an official partner of the CIPP is an exciting milestone for us. With our combined expertise, we’re well-placed to support and shape the future of the profession – and we’re just getting started.”

– Gemma Creamer, Director, Portfolio Payroll

Looking Ahead

The partnership is already underway, with joint initiatives planned around industry research, salary insights and professional support.

Portfolio Payroll’s 2025/26 Payroll Salary Survey is now open – offering payroll professionals across the UK the opportunity to contribute to one of the industry’s most trusted reports on pay, benefits and working conditions.

If you’re in the profession, we encourage you to take part and help us build a clearer, data-driven picture of the payroll landscape.