GUIDE TO CPD We have created a beginner’s guide for any newly qualified OTs or anyone who just wants a refresher on how to tackle the important job of recording your CPD. This will ensure you are prepared if this is the year you are called on by the HCPC for an audit
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ontinuing professional development (CPD) is vitally important for occupational therapists. It is more than just a requirement to ensure you can retain your registration as an OT: it is a key tool that keeps you as an OT at the top of your area of the profession and encourages you to reach your potential as an OT. The profession of occupational therapy is constantly evolving and a career as an OT is a lifelong journey of learning. We take a look at the key components set out that registrants must adhere to for inclusion in their CPD portfolio and explore some helpful tools in maintaining this throughout the year.
CPD GUIDELINES An occupational therapist must complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD each year, adhering to the following points: 1 Registrants must maintain a continuous, up-to-date and accurate record of their CPD activities 2 They must demonstrate that their CPD activities are a mixture of learning activities relevant to current or future practice 3 They must seek to ensure that their CPD has
GAINING CPD
There are a variety of different ways that you can gain CPD, both online and in person. The most important thing to do is to make sure the training and development you are participating in is relevant to your practice and will grow your skills and learning as an OT. Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities available to you to gain CPD.
contributed to the quality of their practice and service delivery 4 They must seek to ensure that their CPD benefits the service user 5 Upon request, they must present a written profile (which must be their own work and supported by evidence) explaining how they have met the standards for CPD.
ATTENDING EVENTS
...a career as an OT is a lifelong journey of learning
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-magazine.co.uk
Granted these have been in short supply over the last two years, but the gradual increase of physical events this year have been welcomed greatly. The OT Show ended the year on a real high as OTs were delighted to be reunited in a space that offered a packed programme of seminars and workshops, CPD was available in gallons for OTs working in every facet of the profession. Online events have their place and have been critical over the course of the pandemic, but there is something very special about the networking opportunities and learning opportunities at physical events.
