Which activities should I record?

 

The scope of CPD is very broad and encompasses all activities which broaden and deepen skills and knowledge. In general terms it falls into the following categories:

 

• developing knowledge in a specialist field.
• broadening technical expertise beyond initial specialisation.
• developing an awareness of issues such as environmental protection and health and safety.
• acquiring other professional skills, eg communications skills, interpersonal skills, management techniques, legal and financial knowledge, and language capabilities.

 

There is an enormously wide range of options available for achieving the recommended minimum level of 5 days CPD per year. Active involvement in CPD is not just about attending courses, although they can provide a useful way of gaining knowledge, and there is very substantial provision of such courses in both technical and personal development. It is about taking full advantage of all available learning opportunities.

 

Local Society meetings are an important CPD activity accessible to almost all the Institute's UK membership. These events give members the opportunity to meet and learn from each other, and the varied programmes of lectures provide a simple way of keeping up to date in a wide range of topics. The Institute welcomes suggestions from members for regional activities they would like to see organised by the Institute. Many members participate in the activities of other professional institutions and societies, and the meetings of these organisations also make a valuable contribution. Open learning courses and private study provide a means for people to learn in their own time. The Institute's publications are also a valuable source of information. It must be emphasised that it is the learning outcome of an activity, rather than the activity itself, which is important.

A list of typical activities, with typical time allowances, is given below. It is the responsibility of each individual to consider each activity and make a realistic assessment of its contribution to overall learning.

 

Typical time allowances for different activities (for guidance only)

Always make your own judgement of the useful time spent. Ask yourself how much you have learned.

 

Type of event	Allowable CPD time
Conferences seminars, workshops, works visits, and evening meetings organised by the Institute, its Divisions or Local Societies.	All working time (but not travelling or social time)
Conferences and meetings organised by other relevant professional institutions and societies.	All working time (but not travelling or social time)
Short courses and workshops.	All working time
In-company training courses and workshops	All working time
Examined CPD short courses, distance learning studies leading to NVQs, diplomas, and degrees.	All attendance time and recognised study input
Committee work: participation in committees of the Institute, and its Affiliated Societies; participation in committees of other professional institutions and societies.	0.5 day/meeting
Imparting knowledge: presentations and lectures; preparation of papers and reviews accepted for publication; acting as a Professional Adviser for young members.	Actual time plus allowance for preparation at member's discretion depending on their main job function up to 5 days Actual time
Private study and personal research activity.	All working time

For more information about CPD, use our online enquiry form, selecting Professional Development on the dropdown menu