News

Co-authored with Chris Bowley IEng FIHE

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the process that empowers you to stay at the forefront of your field. By taking a structured approach, you showcase a proactive commitment to your industry and profession by addressing your own individual needs.

In a world of complex technological change, you must 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.

The Construction Industry Council’s ‘CPD in Construction Group’ defines CPD 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.’

CPD records should demonstrate that you have maintained the up-to-date knowledge required to perform your duties at the highest professional level.

What counts as CPD?

Activities like on-the-job learning, projects, problem-solving, research, conferences, mentoring, volunteering, technical training, management courses or gaining new qualifications – and much more – all constitute valid CPD.

While some of this is easily recognisable, informal learning is often undervalued. A significant portion of your day-to-day job contributes to your development, whether it’s deepening your understanding of engineering through project research, assuming a new budget responsibility, or honing your communication and interpersonal skills through coaching.

For those in highway disciplines or working remotely, opportunities for CPD arise through media and webinars. Seize these chances, document them, and if all else fails remember to read your copy of Highways magazine regularly as this does qualify for CPD too.

Documenting your learning Recording your learning activities prompts reflection on your accomplishments, aspirations, and the path forward. Learning is an ongoing process, often occurring informally through interactions with people from various walks of life.

Be sure to document:

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

We’d like to remind you that, as per the IHE member’s Code of Conduct, you’re obligated to uphold and document CPD.

For our Professionally Registered members (EngTech, ICTTech, IEng, or CEng), the Engineering Council has mandated random sampling of CPD records since January 2017. The IHE conducts an annual audit of our professionally registered members, and you may be requested to provide a CPD record covering recent activities. Failing to do so could jeopardise your professional registration.

How can the IHE assist you?

To support members in fulfilling their CPD commitments, we’ve established a ‘CPD Hub’ in the members’ area. This hub hosts valuable CPD resources including webinars, technical articles, codes of practice, and guidance documents. The IHE CPD guidance booklet, essential reading for all members, is also housed here. Additionally, we offer CPD recording templates and the MyCareerPath online CPD recording tool.