What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

According to The CPD Certification Service, “CPD is the holistic commitment of professionals towards the enhancement of personal skills and proficiency throughout their careers”.

They continue to explain that “Engaging in Continuing Professional Development ensures that both academic and practical qualifications do not become out-dated or obsolete; allowing individuals to continually ‘up skill’ or ‘re-skill’ themselves, regardless of occupation, age or educational level.”

Organisations from all sectors commit themselves to a programme of CPD. Membership Organisations such as CIMPSA or COBIS ask all members to commit to a set number of hours every year.

What are the benefits of CPD?

For employees, CPD can help:

  • build confidence
  • demonstrate credibility
  • keep skills up-to-date
  • add value
  • aid career progression

For employers, investing in a programme of CPD can deliver a range of benefits:

  • ensures standards across the company are high and consistent
  • promotes greater workforce engagement
  • enhances staff commitment to job roles
  • allows the sharing of best practice
  • maximises staff potential
  • improves staff morale
  • provides a useful benchmark for annual appraisals

Don't let CPD become a box ticking exercise

It can be difficult to find the time to complete Professional Development training, so to reap the benefits it is important that CPD hours are spent on high quality and relevant content. One of the first things anyone should do is identify the specific skills that they, or their team members, need to develop. This may be specific courses needed to overcome a skills gap identified in an appraisal, courses that are mandatory for inductions, or training that has to be evidenced to satisfy inspection bodies.

Ideally, all individuals should be able to focus on the skills that they want and need to develop whilst working a pace that’s right for them.

What is Accredited CPD Training?

Organisations wishing to embrace CPD can display their commitment through membership of The CPD Certification Service. Member organisations are advised and encouraged to submit potentially qualifying CPD materials for formal and impartial CPD accreditation by our team of experienced CPD Assessors.

All of EduCare’s online Safeguarding and Duty of Care training courses have been verified for CPD by the CPD Certification Service.