Continuing Professional Development
Welcome to the online guide to continuing professional development (CPD) produced for members of the Society of Archivists by the Continuing Development Sub-Committee. This suite of pages will demonstrate what CPD is, and guidance on how to introduce it into your working life.
No one would assert that they stopped learning the minute they finished their initial professional training, the learning process continues throughout our careers. With CPD our learning and development can take place in a more focussed, structured and effective way.
What is CPD?
- Continuing: Learning is a continuous process which never stops regardless of age or seniority
- Professional: Relates to your competencies in a professional role
- Development: Ultimately enhances your own personal development and career progression
Many professional bodies have recognised the principles and value of CPD and encouraged their members to pursue it in order to promote and maintain the highest standards of competence.
Participation in CPD, as outlined in this guide, is not mandatory, but is recommended by the Society of Archivists. Their commitment to CPD can be further evidenced by the introduction of the Registration Scheme in 1996 and their joint support for the PAC-R Accreditation Scheme. Individuals on either of these schemes may also find the advice offered in this guide helpful.
CPD must not stop at Registration or Accreditation. CPD extends to all members and should be regarded ultimately as a means by which you can enhance your future employability whilst actively seeking to improve your performance. CPD can be of great benefit to the individual, employer and the Society of Archivists. It is about continuously updating your professional and personal knowledge, skills and competencies throughout your working life and is therefore relevant to all members at all stages of their careers.
The text version of the leaflet Developing Excellence is available in MS Word (76kb) and PDF (40kb) formats. This contains case studies from practioners which demonstrate the benefits of CPD and outlines the support you should expect from your employer, the Society of Archivists and other professional associations.
Other useful websites
There is a lot of information on CPD available on the internet. The following organisations publish useful guides and information online.
www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk
The Campaign for Learning website has sections devoted to workplace learning and about your learning.
www.tuc.org.uk/learning
The Trade Union website has a learning services section.
www.iipuk.co.uk
The Investors in People website has useful links to training providers and explains their assessment process.
www.cipd.co.uk
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
www.ngfl.gov.uk
www.icsa.org.uk
Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators
www.pacr.org.uk
The Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers (PACR) scheme implements standards for the care of our cultural heritage across a range of disciplines.
Last modified 10/04/2009
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