3.1
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a term which describes the learning and development activities of an individual, with the aim of contributing to the individuals effectiveness as a professional. It can also be described as "life long" learning, and refers mostly to taking courses as well as passively receiving information through "on the job" learning and mentoring.
The importance of CPD is particularly noticeable in the fields of technology and legislation, as information and techniques are constantly evolving and refining, so therefore it is important that learning doesn't stop at the end of a formal qualification because the knowledge gained can become quickly outdated.
CPD requires:
- Personal commitment to keeping your professional knowledge up-to-date and improving your capabilities - helping you to be an even better professional.
- Focus on what you learn and how you develop throughout your career.
- Focus on the individual, so you decide what, when and how much you do.
- Formal learning – courses, qualifications.
- Professional learning – conferences, seminars, coaching, mentoring, networking, taking part in working groups.
- Informal learning – reading, keeping up to date.
- Imposed on you from above or outside – you decide what you want to do and when.
- Additional work – you’re probably already doing CPD, perhaps without realising it.
