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Recently, we have been receiving constant updates in respect of the Coronavirus emergency but where does that leave us in respect of CPD? The 2019 audit for CPD is now nearing completion and  the results to date are encouraging. So how do we manage to continue? Well there is a saying that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ and there are some for us.

CPD has been defined by the ‘CPD in  Construction Group’ of the Construction Industry Council as: ‘The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skill and the development of personal qualities  necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner’s working life.’

More than that, CPD is the process that enables you to stay ahead in your profession. By taking a structured approach, you will be demonstrating an active commitment to your industry and profession through addressing your own individual needs. In a world of complex technological change, you need to proactively manage your development needs, not your employer or your colleagues (though they can help) by constantly confirming and improving your professional standing.  Documentary evidence of your competence ensures that you do just that.

CPD is regarded as essential to demonstrate that the value of membership and professional qualifications are maintained and enhanced. CPD records should demonstrate that you have maintained the up-to-date knowledge required to perform your duties at the highest professional level.

What qualifies as CPD?
Activities such as on the job learning, projects, problem solving, research, conferences, mentoring, volunteering, technical learning, management training and so much more all count as valid CPD.

Formal CPD is the easiest to identify, whether it be attending a conference, going on a management course or attaining new qualifications. It is commonly misunderstood as the only recognised  form of CPD – often overlooked is the value of informal learning.

So much of what we do in our day-to-day job contributes towards our development. This could be advancing your knowledge and understanding of engineering through research for a new project, taking on responsibility for a new budget and even developing your communication and interpersonal abilities in coaching others.

When the Coronavirus emergency passes, the IHE will resume its numerous courses, conferences and Branch activities – all of which are excellent sources of CPD for members. In the meantime  or those of you who are in highway disciplines or may now be working from home there will be opportunities for CPD presenting themselves through the media, webinars etc. so take advantage of  these and record them and if all else fails remember to read your copy of Highways magazine regularly as this does qualify for CPD too!

Recording your learning
Recording your learning activities enables you to think about what you have achieved, what you hope to achieve and how to go about it. You will be learning all the time and often informally from  other people in many different walks of life.

Make sure you record:

• what you did
• what you achieved
• identify any consequences, fresh insights, new needs.

Auditing of CPD
For our Professionally Registered (EngTech, IEng or CEng) members, the Engineering Council has, from January 2017, required all Professional Engineering Institutions to undertake random  sampling of their professionally registered members’ CPD.

The Institute of Highway Engineers will conduct an annual audit for our professionally registered members of the Institute and you may be asked to provide a CPD record covering your recent activity. Failure to do so may put your professional registration at risk.

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