There are three stages to the CPD process as detailed in the image above; Planning, Developing and Recording & Reviewing.

This section of the website will guide you though your personal and professional development, taking you thorugh the process step-by-step with plenty of guidance and information along the way.

What is Continuing Professional Development?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that will help you manage your own learning and growth. Wherever you are in your career now and whatever you would like to achieve in the future, the process will help you identify and acquire the skills and experience you need to realise your goals.

CPD isn’t a fixed process and it’s not just about going on training courses or evidence collecting. It is about gaining useful experiences and reflecting on how what you have learnt is beneficial. The focus of CPD is firmly on results- the benefits that professional development can bring you in the real world.

One of the most common misconceptions about keeping a CPD record is that it takes a lot of time on top of your normal workload to achieve results. Actually CPD is more of an attitude than a time-consuming process; often the most effective personal development is about harnessing the value of what you have learned from your daily activities.

Ownership of CPD rests with the individual and hence each person’s plan and record is completely personal to them.

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How can CPD benefit you, the individual?

Planning and recording your CPD is essentially an investment that you make in yourself;

• By engaging in CPD you can develop your professional skills and boost your confidence. Enhanced professional performance will also prepare you for greater responsibilities and accelerate your career prospects.

• CPD allows you to become a more effective, independent and directed self-learner. Through reflective self assessment and learning you will gain a clear idea of your strengths and areas for self-development.

• Keeping a clear CPD record will greatly enhance your CV and enable you to showcase your achievements. You will also be able to confidently discuss these skills and abilities at appraisals or with future employers.

• CPD makes your work life much more interesting and can significantly increase your job satisfaction.

• By keeping your skill set up-to-date you will be able to cope positively with change, whether it be an alteration to your job role or organisational change. In the current economic climate this could prove invaluable.

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How will the University benefit from CPD?

The University of Nottingham recognises that its staff are a key resource and is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best possible staff; supporting each individual’s CPD process is fundamental to achieving this aim.

• CPD maximises the potential of each member of staff by linking their learning to the skills required by their role and the theory to their actual workplace. In other words, it adds value to learning activities by asking staff to reflect on the relevance of their development to their role within the University.

• CPD is part of a larger programme of staff development at the University of Nottingham. The promotion of this employee training offered by the University creates better staff morale and a more motivated workforce.

• The aim of CPD is that both the individual and the University can improve their performance and contribution by providing the environment, direction and opportunity for individuals to develop within organisational priorities.

• CPD links in with the Annual Performance Review process. Maintaining a CPD plan and record is an excellent tool to help all University staff to focus their achievements throughout the year.

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