About CPD

About Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Members: access policies and your Online Planning and Recording System

Introduction

CPD is defined as any process or activity that provides added value to the capability of the professional through the increase in knowledge, skills and personal qualities necessary for the appropriate execution of professional and technical duties, often termed competence.' (Professional Associations Research Network.)

Rapid changes in the evidence base, the technology and the skill requirements of the profession make CPD a career long process through which professionals remain up-to date by augmenting and enhancing their competence. It is an extension of the basic principle in the Society's Code of Conduct (Clause 2):

'Psychologists shall endeavour to maintain and develop their professional competence, to recognise and work within its limits, and to identify and ameliorate factors which restrict it.'

CPD is not new, it is a continuation of what is needed to keep up-to-date, informed and well-trained in order to deliver quality work in which the public can have confidence. Whilst there is clearly an ethical obligation for Psychologists to undertake CPD, there are also many advantages for the individual practitioner.

Why do we need CPD?

CPD provides benefits at several different levels. Public accountability is seen as being increasingly important to Professionals. The knowledge that Chartered Psychologists are required to update and develop their knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis, serves to reassure the public - this has benefits for clients as well as the individual psychologist, their employing organisation and the Society.

There are also links to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for applied psychologists, which set out the minimum level of competence required for qualification as a practitioner. The standards provide a useful reference point when planning CPD, particularly in relation to identifying and clarifying development needs.

The benefits include:

For the Individual Psychologist

• Helping to ensure that Psychologists are offering the most effective service they can to their clients.
• Improving long-term career prospects and enhancing professional standing.
• Providing documented evidence of an individual psychologist's commitment to their chosen profession and of their continued competence.
• Providing a reference document for use both in updating a CV and in recalling details of topics studied as well as for appraisals and interviews.
• Anticipating change and not being driven by it
• Ensuring best practice in the current litigious climate.

For the Employer/Business/Organisation

• Ensuring that professionals are capable, competent and well trained will help to contribute to organisational goals and service provision.

How can the Society help with CPD?

In addition to providing advice and guidance for members, many Divisions and Branches of the Society organise CPD events and conferences. Further information can be found in the Society Networks area of this Website.

If you have any queries or comments regarding CPD please contact the Society's CPD Team.

Tel: 0116 252 9916
Fax: 0116 247 0787
E-mail: cpd@bps.org.uk