Doing so will ensure you’re able to return to work with the ability to communicate the value of your experience and how you’ve maintained your knowledge and skills throughout. ... As a HR student, it’s important for me to develop myself as much as I can in order to do this I must consider what my learning styles are. Learning is an inherently social process, and the learning doesn’t end once applied. With these factors in mind, professional development should help professionals engage with learning, helping them to feel more fulfilled in their role and the overall success of a business. An individual needs to identify potential opportunities where their career can grow eg up the career ladder and/or to improve salary. Find out more about how to further your career and hone your skills. Although HR teams spend much of their time helping other staff to develop, it is important that HR practitioners also focus on their own development in order to succeed. will give you confidence in your role. Keep a learning log and record your thoughts in whatever way suits you best. ©2021 all rights reserved The CPD Certification Service. For example an individual who learns best from active involvement with problem-solving could adopt a more theoretical style and read an article on the subject instead. Read on to find out how CPD is actually more important than you think, and why you need to invest more of your own time into it. The CPD approach focuses on outputs instead of inputs. Communication and maintaining a good working atmosphere is an essential aspect of HR. Any or all of these routes can be followed providing satisfaction for all. Why is CPD Important? CPD allows an individual to focus on what specific skills and knowledge they require over a short-term period, say 12 months, in order to be confident there is recognisable improvement within their proficiency and skill sets. Ideally these will be measurable outcomes e.g. Sandra provides HR, employment law and auto enrolment support to small businesses across the UK and is passionate about delivering a high quality service on the phone, by email and on site. Sometimes it’s difficult to find a relevant course that fits in with an individual’s other obligations. 1. Plan: Plan how you can get to where you want to be, with clear outcomes and milestone to track progress. A role model will lead by example demonstrating to those who are interested how something is done and the benefits to be gained. Continuing Professional Development can help to reflect, review and document any learning and to develop and update professional knowledge and skills. Let’s take a look at the benefits of CPD for the learner: 1. CPD can be integrated into performance management and other HR processes In time, it develops resilience, creativity and problem solving skills. The CPD process can be carried out by undertaking step-by-step process (see, Figure 1). CPD can deliver a deeper understanding of what it means to be a professional, along with a greater appreciation of the implications of work as it helps to advance the body of knowledge and technology within the profession. A role model will lead by example demonstrating to those who are interested how it is done and the benefits to be gained. Enhances ability to regularly learn and improve – you’ll learn quicker as you become acquainted with the process and will become a better independent learner. Promotes independence – self-directed CPD requires you to consciously engage in learning activities and follow your own plan, while some structured CPD activities can benefit from you engaging in further research and study. Write down your overall career goals – where you want to be in two, five and 10 years’ time. CPD is self-directed and requires motivation and commitment to improving one’s own personal standards, which for some individuals can be a challenge in itself. There are still many lessons to be learned through feedback and iteration. CPD can include coaching and mentoring other individuals. Keeping up the momentum is also important and setting personal goals of what needs to be achieved within a particular timescale. For example an individual who learns best from active involvement with problem-solving could adopt a more theoretical style and read an article on a chosen subject instead. Why HRM is so important for an organization ? Reflect: Make the most of your day-to-day learning by routinely reflecting upon experience. Most professional bodies actively encourage CPD. Change gives individuals a chance to stretch their ability and staying up to date builds confidence and adds to credibility. Provides valuable examples and scenarios for showcasing professional achievements and growth in CVs, cover letters, and interviews. HR departments may deal with regular employee issues, conflicts and disputes which are inevitable within any organisation. CPD is a cycle of continuous improvement, identifying new experiences to pursue. Whether you’ve been working on projects, undertaking research as part of your role or recently started a secondment, make sure you make the most of day-to-day learning. Paper records can be kept that document the learning experience, what has been learnt and how it will be used. Unlike that of some institutes, the CIPD’s approach to CPD is not measured in terms of hours or points, but by members showing that their commitment to developing their own competence is continuous, professional and developmental. Search our courses. The focus of CPD is firmly on results – the benefits that professional development can bring you in the real world. … CPD can be a good tool for career progression. Make a note of any outcomes of each learning experience and what difference it has made to you, your colleagues, your students (if relevant) or your employer. What is CPD and How Does it Benefit My Career Prospects? Wherever you are in your career now and whatever you want to achieve, you should tailor your CPD to help you. Act: Act on your plan, and be open to learning experiences. Look at your these goals and make a note of what you need to do to achieve them. Perhaps the most important message is that one size doesn’t fit all. Try to include both formal training events and informal learning. This article begins to outline the Continuing Professional Development of a HR professional based in the UK, the professional bodies, as well as how to record CPD. CPD goes beyond just learning and development. Wherever an individual is in their career now and whatever they want to achieve, CPD is an investment made by the individual in themselves. Such employees also see HR staff as supporting managers, not regular employees, sometimes attributing nefarious goals and motives to HR staff or even talking about why they hate HR.Part of the problem is that HR has to balance the interests of five different stakeholders, so employees can feel their interests are ignored. can help you achieve your career goals by focusing on learning and development. Continued professional development (CPD) can be important for getting the most from your employees, helping them to broaden their skillsets and add more value to the business. This article is about Continuing Professional Development as a process of recording and reflecting on learning and development as a HR Professional. Improves intellect, personal skills and confidence; 2. Why is CPD important for HR Professionals? Two in three of the CPD Research Project’s respondents believed that CPD equips them to perform their roles better. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the leading body on the management and development of people and CPD is promoted by the CIPD to support the systematic development and accreditation of its members. Share. The process can take many forms – attending seminars, HR CPD courses and conferences, undertaking work-based activities, secondments and project management or reading books and journals. Reduces feelings of uncertainty or worries about change – CPD gives you a plan for future aspirations and the ability to readily adapt. Continuing professional development (CPD) is vital for all HR professionals. Demonstrates ambition and commitment to professional self-improvement; 6. Over the last decade we’ve seen HR professionals all over the world begin to recognise the importance of people analytics as critical to the future of HR. You’ll need to set a date in advance for review of the objectives you’ve set yourself. Identify: Understand where you’ve come from, where you are and where you want to be. Have you been a Culture Pioneer during the crisis? Continuing professional development (CPD) supports systematic development of an individual. Impact: Measure the overall impact your learning has had on the work you do. For more information please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development. Generally Training and Development (T&D) tends to be more formal and instructed by the organisation while CPD can be more fluid and personal. - Duration: 2:14. CPD can be an excellent self-motivation tool, as it reminds HR professionals of their own development, which can help boost confidence, strengthen professional credibility and help employees to become more creative in tackling new challenges. Don’t underestimate the learning you do every day. By nurturing the professional development of employees, not only does staff have greater feelings of satisfaction at work, but investing in employee development drives businesses forward and is a key driver in company success. Continuous professional development (CPD) is a combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that will help you to understand more about the environment in which you work, the job you do and how to do it better. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that will help you manage your own learning and growth. Opens doors to excellent future employment opportunities; 3. For those who manage to maintain the cycle there is a huge sense of achievement. The idea of a traditional career may be over – people don’t tend to stay with the same company for 45 years and get a gold clock any more. ACCA 3,098 views. CPD today is viewed by employers as one of the most important aspects of … Younger candidates, however, should highlight all of the CPD steps they take. CPD is important as it helps to ensure that further learning is progressed in a structured, practical and relevant way to guarantee that there are applied efficiencies in learning. A lot of us are responsible for our own professional development, and as such we don’t look into it properly, or at all. Write your thoughts down about what you learned, what insights it gave you and what you might have done differently. You can either do this from one review to the next or decide to review regularly – once every three, six or 12 months. The ultimate outcome of well-planned CPD is that it protects the public, the employer, the professional and the professional’s career. As a HR professional, there is a responsibility to ensure that company policies are consistently enforced across the business. “It is useful when applying for junior roles because it shows the applicant is willing”, says Duffield. Let’s take a look at CPD and explore the reasons behind its importance in today’s workplace. Improves learning ability; 4. Aside from learning about something new, there are many reasons to undertake CPD. CPD is measured on output, with members focusing on the outcomes of any development activity and how their day-to-day practice has changed as a result. You can’t review your experiences properly without recording them. Many professional associations put emphasis on CPD and insist on a set number of hours to be completed yearly to keep any accreditations current. Follow. The CPD cycle is a cyclical process and learning is continuously evolving. What was the impact of this learning to my organisation (tangible measurements, if possible)? 4. One approach doesn’t fit all. Embedding learning requires repetition, so creating opportunities where you can continually revisit learning through application will ensure the benefits are long lasting. Put it in your diary and do it! Here we outline three key reasons why the map resonates with us and is set to both make an impact and fulfil its promise to be “future-fit”. Sandra is and independent HR with twenty years experience in HR management. There are more than 1,000 institutes and professional bodies across the UK using different methodologies for learning, including training work… For businesses, the benefits are the ability to stay ahead of competitors and the increase in profits. 2:14. CPD can be a good tool for career progression. HR departments may deal with regular employee issues, conflicts and disputes which are inevitable within any organisation. You’re not the only person in the world doing the job that you do. CPD allows users to compare the standard of others in the same field and allow the user to reflect. Individuals may have a particular learning style, but to develop their skills should occasionally adopt one that is does not come naturally. Individuals may have a particular learning style, but to develop their skills should occasionally adopt one that does not come naturally. Keeping up the momentum is also important and setting personal goals of what needs to be achieved within a particular timescale. However, it can also be a key element in employee retention and reducing your turnover. Why is CPD important? Then write down no more than three specific and achievable shorter term objectives, including the dates by which you want to achieve them. It is a contractual obligation for several professions. Additionally, the flexibility and diversity – in terms of the different forms of CPD learning available – provides an opportunity to find a learning approach that fits the individual best. Products. CPD is self-directed and requires motivation and commitment to improving one’s own personal standards, which for some individuals can be a challenge. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is even more important now as the country begins to tackle its skills gaps and shortages and the continuing low levels of productivity in manufacturing and industrial activity. CPD is an ongoing process throughout your working life. The aim is that the continuing search to improve knowledge and skills through exposure to new experiences benefits both the individual and the business. It is important that any issues are dealt with quickly, effectively and confidentially in order to come up with suitable solutions and to prevent things from getting out of hand. Sometimes CPD may be a requirement of membership of a professional body. What makes CPD important? For businesses, the benefits are the ability to stay ahead of competitors and the increase in profits. As a CIPD member, you are required to demonstrate your commitment to CPD and can be asked to submit evidence of CPD at any time. The cycle of Continuing Professional Development has begun. CPD helps you to understand the theory behind the practical application (and vice versa). Emotional Intelligence in an Artificial Intelligence Era- Patient Experience. CPD enables individuals to reinforce and enhance their current skills while reducing any knowledge shortfalls, providing a competitive edge in times where one is needed – a job interview, for example. As a mentor an individual can provide others with the benefit of their knowledge passing on valuable information of skills and abilities or as a coach positively encouraging an individual to know which paths to pursue. It is important to remember that a lot of learning will not be planned. Demonstrates aptitude, and a dedication to self-improvement to current and prospective employers and clients. Why is CPD important for HR Professionals? Focus on the outcomes you’d like to see realised, rather than the time spent on activities or a detailed plan of every activity you plan to undertake. Take the time to reflect upon your experience through each stage of the CPD cycle. An organisation without good human resources could leave itself open to serious problems, with skills and expertise becoming obsolete very quickly if not kept up to date and this can affect productivity, so investing in time, effort and training is increasingly important in order to set up a strong and effective HR department. CAREER BREAK – It’s especially important that you’re able to manage your CPD whilst on a career break. DeltaNet International. It not only offers clear benefits to industry professionals, but also enables organisations to position their company as experts in their field. Are your employees championing your brand? CPD accreditation and the recording of achievements is vital to retaining this status, and this badge of honour sends out a message demonstrating that members are striving to be the best in their profession.”. The ultimate outcome of well-planned and delivered Continuing Professional Development is that it safeguards and benefits the public, the employer, the professional and the professional’s career. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development and refers to the process of tracking and documenting any skills, knowledge and experience that gained both formally and informally beyond any initial training. Why is CPD so important? It is a record of what is experienced, learnt and then applied. Sharing learning is a great way to collaborate with others, build networks and exchange ideas. Personal satisfaction can be gained from having helped someone develop new skills. CPD is important because it: gives you new knowledge that may help you to deal with new or complex situations. enquiries@delta-net.co.uk +44 (0)1509 611 019. There may also be legal implications to take into consideration, and up to date training on key policies and procedures is vital for any good HR department. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is non-negotiable in fields such as accounting, and highly beneficial in most others. Continuous professional development programmes provide two-fold benefits — for the learner and for the employer. how and what have you done to improve services, reduce costs, save time, increase revenue etc…. Effective Human Resource is vital for any business or organisation wanting to build a good team of working professionals. What that means is that it is more important than ever to be able to prove achievements, show skills and stress your knowledge. An individual needs to identify potential opportunities where their career can grow eg up the career ladder and/or to improve salary. What kind of unplanned outcomes or challenges arose from this experience? When maintained and completed correctly a safe, clean and healthy working environment can be important for getting the most from employees, helping to broaden skill sets and add more value to the business. It is expected that the benefits of this learning will be noticed by line managers and others in the organisation. Members are expected to show how they planned and identified which areas needed development, and evaluated learning opportunities. It is a personal responsibility of HR professionals to keep their knowledge and skills current so that they can deliver the high quality of service that meets the expectations and requirements of their profession. Depending on your specialism your awarding body may have some requirements regarding what … We hope this article was helpful. The world is not static and there are new developments in all areas emerging all the time, which are both challenging and exciting. One thing is clear: continuing professional development (CPD) has never been more important. In order to fulfil our obligations as HR practitioners in encouraging CPD there are several solutions available – becoming a role model, mentor and coach. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has recently published a timely and excellent charter on CPD. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important as it ensures you continue to be competent in your profession. CPD in HR focuses on all areas of employee development and performance, with some of the key functions being: CPD should be engaging and fun too. ... HR & Sustainability at Bin Ghanem Group. With limited time both inside and outside the workplace, and with HR and Learning and Development (L&D) budgets under constant pressure, workplace training that meets CPD standards can help employers meet business objectives, while satisfying the personal and professional goals of employees. 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Or all of these routes can be followed providing satisfaction for all HR professionals Hard Things ( dopamine )!, however, should highlight all why is cpd important in hr these routes can be integrated into performance management and HR... Put your learning in communities of practice to generate greater insight and benefit from the support of your.... In direction a crucial component of modern business strategy work you do every day employers... Is experienced, learnt and how this supports you, your team and/or organisation why is CPD important to! Reflection easier the objectives you ’ re able to manage your CPD whilst on a career BREAK but. Is the highest level of membership that can be achieved within the CIPD code practice.