Making and Presenting Justified Recommendations
5CO02 – Evidence-based practice
This CIPD Level 5 learning video for unit 5CO02 Evidence-based Practice explores assessment criteria AC 2.3, focusing on how to make and present justified recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of potential solutions. The video examines the critical balance between benefits (such as improved productivity, organisational culture, and legal compliance), risks (including financial, reputational, and health and safety considerations), and financial implications including direct implementation costs, indirect expenses, and return on investment analysis. By mastering this approach to cost-benefit analysis and feasibility assessment, learners will develop the strategic capability to present evidence-based recommendations that demonstrate both business acumen and professional credibility in HR practice.
What this video covers
Assessed under AC 2.3 of 5CO02, this video addresses the construction and presentation of justified recommendations as the concluding stage of an evidence-based practice process. It covers how benefits, risks, and financial implications are synthesised into a single, coherent argument for action, and examines the specific categories of benefit that recommendations must account for — including achievement of organisational objectives, worker productivity, customer engagement, organisational culture, legal compliance, and enhanced capabilities. The video also details the range of risks a people professional must weigh, spanning legal, health and safety, financial, reputational, and capability dimensions, alongside risks to worker and customer engagement.
Financial analysis sits at the centre of the video's treatment of feasibility. The content covers the distinction between direct costs — those associated with implementing a solution — and indirect costs such as loss of working time and skills upgrade requirements. Cost-benefit analysis and return on investment are both addressed in relation to short- and long-term benefit evaluation, and the video examines how budget limitations and competing resource demands shape which solutions are genuinely viable. Phased implementation is discussed as one mechanism for managing cost constraints while still advancing meaningful progress.
The video also covers the role of uncertainty in recommendation-making, examining how assumptions, knowledge gaps, and conditions that could alter conclusions should be handled. Pilot programmes and structured review points are presented as tools for building flexibility into recommendations. The discussion of how to present options to decision-makers — including why the recommended solution is preferable to alternatives considered, what mitigation exists for identified risks, and what return on investment the organisation can expect — directly reflects the multi-dimensional evaluation required by AC 2.3.
Assessment Criteria 2.3
Make justified recommendations based on evaluation of the benefits, risks and financial implications of potential solutions.
Indicative Content
Benefits (for example achievement of objectives, enhanced worker productivity, customer engagement, improved organisational culture, enhanced metrics and business awareness, increased capabilities, perception of fair policy and processes, legal compliance). Risks (for example legal, health and safety, financial, reputational, capability, impact on worker or customer engagement). Financial implications: direct costs (costs of implementing the solution) and indirect costs (for example loss of working time, need for skills upgrade in relation to the solution); costs in relation to the short and long term benefits (cost benefit analysis, return on investment); costs in relation to budget limitations and feasibility of solutions.
What You'll Learn
Video covering: Making and Presenting Justified Recommendations
About 5CO02 – Evidence-based practice
This unit addresses the significance of capturing robust quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform meaningful insight and influence critical thinking. It focuses on analysing evidence through an ethical lens to improve decision-making and how measuring the impact of people practice is essential in creating value.
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