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About CPD

CPD is defined as 'any process or activity that provides added value to the capability of the professional through the increase in knowledge, skills and personal qualities necessary for the appropriate execution of professional and technical duties, often termed competence.' (Professional Associations Research Network)

The Health and Care Professions Council defines CPD as 'a range of learning activities through which health professionals maintain and develop throughout their career to ensure that they retain their capacity to practise safely, effectively and legally within their evolving scope of practice.'

Rapid changes in the evidence base, technology and the skill requirements of the profession make CPD a career long process through which professionals remain up-to-date by augmenting and enhancing their competence. It is an extension of the basic principle in the Society's Code of Conduct (Clause 2):

'Psychologists shall endeavour to maintain and develop their professional competence, to recognise and work within its limits, and to identify and ameliorate factors which restrict it.'

Why do we need CPD?

CPD provides benefits at several different levels. Public accountability is seen as being increasingly important to Professionals. The knowledge that Chartered Psychologists are required to update and develop their knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis, serves to reassure the public - this has benefits for clients as well as the individual psychologist, their employing organisation and the Society.