Professional requirements and continuous professional development guide

  1. Professional requirements and continuous professional development guide
  2. Record professional development
  3. Apply for a CPD course funding and study support

Overview

As a professional you are expected to maintain your own Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year to ensure your skills and capabilities are up-to-date and that you continue to challenge yourself.

Members of professional bodies

You may need to meet the CPD requirements of Professional bodies to maintain your membership. You may need to complete a number of hours per year, or you may need to attend refresher courses about specific topics e.g. legislation. Visit your professional body’s  CPD web page for specific details.

Methods of continuous professional development (CPD)

CPD  is about developing as a professional, improving skills and knowledge, challenging your abilities, and working with others to improve your performance. Methods of CPD include:

  • training courses - learning from expertise
  • team meetings - developing ideas
  • professional discussions - working out solutions
  • reading - relating to examples
  • researching - learning from models, contributing to knowledge
  • watching - relating to examples and experience
  • shadowing - sharing knowledge and skills
  • sharing good practice - developing others

Benefits of CPD

  • Fulfilling professional requirements and maintaining professional registration
  • Creating opportunities for career progression
  • Improving skills and addressing professional curiosity
  • Personal development

Contacts and support

Contact  Workforce Development Team, for support with:

  • All aspects of  CPD - from identifying your needs to putting together records of your learning.
  • Applying for funding or study support through the  CPD panel.

Last reviewed: 09 September 2025
Page contact: Joanne Rigg