Continued Professional Development (CPD)

new methods of working. These changes demand ever-evolving knowledge, skills and understanding and an increasing demonstration of commitment to continuing professional development. All professionals are assumed to be technically competent and managerially capable. Indeed, in our knowledge-intensive world some have argued that the only real source of sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to recognise and adapt to these changes faster than the competition. The commitment to keeping up to date is growing in significance as an increasing number of people recognise the benefits of adopting a planned and structured approach to post-qualification learning. Commitment to CPD is also an acknowledgement that becoming professionally qualified is not an end in itself - it is merely the beginning. Updating skills and knowledge on a continuing basis is essential to career progression, particularly given the passing of the 'job for life' and rigorously-defined career path cultures. We serve the public interest by helping to raise the effectiveness of professionals through the promotion of CPD as an important and integral element of lifelong learning.