Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of personal and career development and we want to encourage local programmes that work in your local situation.
Whether it is through attending local events, running short courses, personal research, networking or other methods, we are keen to see students and younger professionals maintain their links with CILT and use the Institute as a partner for lifelong learning.
What is CPD?
CPD is described as ‘the systematic maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills and competence throughout a professional’s working life’. A commitment to CPD is an integral part of being a professional.
Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date in today’s fast-changing world of work is vitally important, yet some people find it more challenging to plan and systematically improve their own skills than to set up systems for continuous improvement in the workplace. CILT offers members guidance and support to help them get the best out of their Continuing Professional Development.
CILT have made a strong commitment to CPD and all members are expected to adopt the philosophy as part of their own career paths. Commitment to CPD will be seen as a key indicator when seeking to upgrade to higher levels of CILT membership.
CPD guidance and tools
Many of the CILT Territories have already developed CPD material to help professionals at every level to develop, grow and progress their careers. Here are some of tools curently available:
- CPD record – so you can keep track of your own personal development
- Reflective learning diary – so you can record and evaluate the knowledge and skills you are acquiring
- Personal development plan – so you know where the gaps are in your knowledge and competence and how you plan to fill them
We are currently developing a CPD toolkit that can be adapted by Branches and Territorial Organisations for use at a local level and which will be launched in Dubai in September 2015.
CPD benefits
One of the most powerful benefits of CILT membership, available in some countries, is access to the International Knowledge Centre.
It allows developing professionals to carry out detailed research across a wide range of sources with a few simple searches. The range of source material that the Knowledge Centre draws from is extremely extensive and is easy to access.
Mentoring
Some countries in our CILT family have already developed successful mentoring programmes whereby professionals are giving time back to CILT to help the next generation reach their potential.
Internationally, we are looking at how we can develop and expand mentoring services and support younger professionals in finding a mentor who will support them through face to face, email, Skype, phone or other communication tools.
If you represent a CILT organisation and wish to explore this please contact the International Professional Development Coordinator.
