By Sarah Koppen CPD and Careers Lead

First and foremost, remember that even though it is a requirement of CIPD membership, CPD is an investment that you make in yourself.

Why do CPD?

Maintaining your CPD is essential in order to stay up to date with the latest thinking, knowledge and skills within your profession, so you can be the best at your job. But CPD is more than keeping up to date; the ability to articulate the insights you receive from your learning, and the ability to apply these insights is key to enhancing your credibility as a professional.

At CIPD we’re not prescriptive about the approach you choose to take towards your CPD; it can range from formal learning, such as doing a course, informal learning such as networking with colleagues and on-the-job learning. What is important is how you identify your CPD needs, reflect on your CPD and apply it in practice for impact within your organisation. If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at our CPD cycle; a useful tool to help you structure your CPD. As you may already have guessed, reflection is a key element of the CPD Cycle. Reflective Practice is growing in use as a method for professional development, because it enhances critical thinking, deepens self-awareness and improves communication skills.

If you haven’t already seen it, my CPD Map is a free tool on our website that can help you to consider your current and future development. You’ll be able to assess yourself against different levels of the CIPD Profession Map, and benefit from highly tailored developmental suggestions from reading, research, workplace development and courses.

CIPD are always looking into ways to support our members with their CPD. As well as providing a range of content through our CPD pages on the CIPD website, and tools to help support your CPD, we also provide other great CPD and Career management services such as the career hub, an online resource tailored to your membership level, with a host of information, tools and advice that will support you at every stage of your career.

We also offer webinars free for CIPD members on:
• Winning CVS
• Interview Success
• Effective Networking
• Career Confidence
• Returning to work after a break
• Career transitions and getting into HR

As ever, if you want to chat to us about anything call on 020 8612 6208. We’ll be happy to help with your queries.