Learning is a lifelong practice that supports a professional's work and the influence they can exercise. Having the right development opportunities and a meaningful structure for keeping track of those learning activities makes staying current simple and stress-free.
That is why IEMA has updated its approach to identifying relevant continuing professional development (CPD) and way of recording learning and development activities.
The benefits map launched last month helps members find the right learning opportunities and updates, while the new CPD form, which became available for use on 1 September, ensures members can quickly and effectively log their learning. When the skills map, benefits map and updated CPD form are used together, they can help members create a powerful, personal path of learning.
Members can use the benefits map to search by topic and type of activity. From there they are directed to all the relevant events, webinars, downloads, listings and resources. Although all visitors to the IEMA website can explore the map, access to the activities and resources suggested are exclusive to members.
Once members have accessed and completed their activity, they can record their learning using the new CPD form. This allows space for factual recording of all learning and development and uses a self-selection of how many points the individual member would allocate to each activity, based on the value they gained from it. The form also prompts members to set objectives and reflect on their learning.
The new tools follow changes to the membership structure, which went live in June and supports the requirement for all professional grades to submit an annual CPD record in order to retain their status and suffix. ‘The benefits map has been specially designed to make finding and accessing all available learning opportunities easier than ever. Together with the skills map and the new CPD form, this package makes recording learning much easier, more valuable and certainly more meaningful,’ said Claire Kirk, head of professional development at the institute.
‘I would like to see members start using the form right away to set their objectives for the coming year and send that section back to IEMA. That will give us a clear idea of what type and topic of activities members need for the next 12 months and we can plan programmes accordingly,’ said Kirk.
Go to iema.net to explore the new benefits map and begin recording your CPD using the new form.
If you have any questions about CPD requirements, contact [email protected].