The CQI CPD scheme

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  • What is CPD?
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Council has issued a policy which provides the framework for the CPD activity of CQI's members. The scheme is obligatory, in as much as the code of conduct states that: 'Members shall take all reasonable steps to develop their own professional competence and maintain themselves abreast of current thinking and developments in their professional field.'

Members are reminded that they have a 'moral obligation to keep up-to-date with the broad spectrum of quality knowledge and to maintain a detailed understanding of developments in their own specialist field.'

The number of key development objectives to include over a three year period will depend on the maturity and aims of the individual. Members at the start of their career may wish to take on more objectives than members nearing the end of their careers. As a general rule, members are advised to aim to achieve three or four key objectives over a three year period. A CPD development objective may be a new skill, eg use of spreadsheets, competence in interviewing or new knowledge as represented by a relevant or worthwhile qualification or completed course.

To participate in the scheme a member should declare their intention to participate to the CQI Membership Department via e-mail. On request the Membership Department will issue the participant with a certificate of CPD participation valid for a period of three years. The participant then undertakes their CPD activities for the three year period and, when it is completed, signs and submits the three year plan (excluding their personal planning and activity record sheet) to participate in the next three year period.

A participant's mentor, peer or supervisor should countersign the three year plan.

As the scheme is self-validating, CPD records do not need to be submitted to the CQI for review. However participants should submit a copy of their personal planning and activity record sheet to the Membership Department for the purpose of grade transfer from associate to member or from member to fellow.

The scheme is not an hours/points based scheme but the following advice is provided for members seeking guidance. Members who choose the CQI scheme as their sole or principal scheme are recommended to set aside 40 hours each year to their CPD activities. Some of this time is likely to be in structured activities, some in semi and some in unstructured.

Of the total CPD effort it is recommended that at least one quarter be attributable to development activities specifically related to quality. The remainder should be achieved by personal development activities that broaden the individual's ability to contribute successfully in their role.

It is recognised that some members of the Institute also belong to other professional organisations that operate CPD schemes. CQI would not expect members to follow the detailed requirements of two schemes in full but to opt for the one most suited to their needs as their main scheme. However, if they choose to use the scheme of another Institute, they would also be expected to undertake a minimum of ten hours of activity related to quality each year. It is to be expected that this will also count towards the CPD schemes of other enlightened institutes.

It is recognised that certain classes of members, such as retired individuals, may feel that their own personal development needs have significantly reduced below the scheme's requirements. This may be so, but the general point that we can always continue to improve ourselves still holds good, and any members still actively involved in business, consultancy or Institute work should recognise their CPD obligations.

Council will ensure that appropriate resources are made available, including provision of executive staff resource to monitor the scheme. It will support the qualifications board in the provision of:

• practical assistance to branches through CQI's regional structure by encouraging them to include appropriate activities in their programmes
• publicity for the scheme to other institutes, representative bodies and relevant organisations
• assistance in the identification of suitable mentors for less experienced members

CPD records

Well kept records are the basis of a successful CPD scheme and participants are required to maintain records of CPD.

The key to a successful CPD scheme

Participants should:

• own their CPD scheme
• plan their activities
• understand and assess what they have achieved
• validate their own scheme using mentor, peer or supervisor endorsement
• take pride in their achievements

The scheme should be driven by their personal goals.