Continuing professional development (CPD) is the intentional maintenance and development of the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a professional context. This could mean honing current skills, it could mean developing them to a new level, or it could mean learning new ones that will allow an employee’s job role to expand or prepare them for potential promotion.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
CPD Obligations
CPD obligations are present in most professions. Most companies and organisations now prioritise them because they ensure a constantly developing workforce.
This means there are millions of professionals across the UK who are required to undertake CPD training every year.
CPD Training
Structured CPD
Structured CPD gives employees a clear path to success within their current role and progression to future ones. Employees in regulated industries (e.g. healthcare, accountancy, legal work) can lose their license to operate if they don’t maintain their CPD.
CPD activities can range from formal educational activities such as instructor-led training courses, workshops or seminars, to more informal approaches such as work-based learning or mentoring. CPD can also include self-directed study such as e-learning courses and structured reading.
CPD Activities
CPD
CPD can be provided by specialist companies (e.g. commercial training providers, independent coaches), or provided internally, in particular by larger organisations.
We can help you provide CPD training
At the CPD Standards Office, we are able to review any provider’s CPD activities and processes, no matter how large or small. We can then support you in gaining your accreditation whether you are a specialist training provider or an employer.