Professional Development is a process that enables you to maintain and develop relevant skills and knowledge throughout your career
"For me CPD has always been about being aware of my strengths and weaknesses in both skills and experience. By then thinking about what I have wanted to achieve next I have planned to develop those strengths and weaknesses so that I could move forward and achieve that next goal.
Many people consider CPD to be formal and time-consuming. Whilst it can be just that, I think you can gain just as much though gaining feedback informally from friends and colleagues. That feedback in itself can provide you with a great foundation to go on and develop yourself professionally."
Simon Cyhanko
Distribution Operations Controller, Northumbrian Water
Who does it apply to?
Professional Development is relevant to all members, although
Corporate Members are required to:
• Be committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Take ownership of their development and maintain it in a systematic manner
• Support the learning and development of others
How do you regard Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
Is it a boring exercise you'll avoid unless your name comes up in an Institute of Water monitoring exercise? Or is it a key process in ensuring your life is the success you'd like it to be? If you follow the process described in our guidelines opposite then it will become an enjoyable and essential part of your life which you find invaluable to take stock, assess where you want to go, work out what you want to achieve and what will help or hinder you getting there.
What should I be doing and how much?
The Institute of Water doesn't set a minimum requirement. Instead the focus is on learning outcomes, with the onus on individuals to plan what is needed to maintain and develop their competence and knowledge. Most Institute of Water National and Area events are opportunities for professional development
How should I record my CPD?
There is no right or wrong way but your record should be more than a list of activities or events attended. It should:
• Identify and prioritise development needs and opportunities
• Set goals and target dates
• Record learning outcomes
• Evaluate achievements and review against needs
Does the Institute of Water monitor Professional Development?
Corporate Members have an obligation to maintain and develop their professional competence throughout their career and are required to produce evidence of professional development as part of the Professional Review process. Each year a small sample of members are asked to provide evidence of continuing professional development, which is used to help the Institute of Water develop best practice and to provide feedback to members
