PREPARING AND ASSESSING CPD

When preparing CPD material the most important thing to remember is that it must be generic. References within the text to specific brand names will not be encouraged, nor will the overuse of the company or brand logo i.e. the name or logo on every presentation slide.

Wherever possible and relevant, refer to alternative options – it does not stop you explaining the differences between your product / service / system or process. Always give details of relevant Regulations and / or Standards and sources for further information.

You might also like to produce question sheets relating to the subject you are covering. These could be in the form of multiple-choice questionnaires.

CPD self-assessment forms should be contained within literature and printed on the reverse side of Certificates of Attendance. These are important, in that they enable the professional to record what he/she has learnt and how and when he/she is going to use the knowledge gained.

When deciding what subjects to cover and how to make your CPD available, you might like to prepare a matrix. Along one side, list all the areas and subjects that you could cover. Along the other side, list how professionals might access CPD i.e. in-house seminar, printed material, electronically.

Think of it as a shopping list. The more subjects covered and the more options or modules made available to match learning levels, the greater the opportunities for creating and maintaining long-term relationships.

Whatever medium is chosen, you might like to make an internal assessment as to its CPD value against the checklist that the Assessors use to determine the learning value and structure of material submitted for CPD purposes.

Learning values are, in the main, related to one of the following experience levels:

• Entry level - material is introductory and designed to impart basic awareness of the topic. Fundamentals and key issues will be expressed.

• Intermediate level – material is appropriate for all levels. Novices and experienced participants alike will benefit, gaining general understanding and comprehension of the subject

• Advanced level – material is advanced and geared for those with a firm grasp of the subject. Participants should have prior experience to apply this material to existing skills

It will be up to the individual to determine the learning value to them of attending an event or reading an item of CPD literature and, if relevant, equate that value to the CPD policy of their respective professional body.

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