The CPD learning cycle

Effective CPD is the production of a structured learning plan which leads to increased and improved performance.

The cycle is in four stages, outlined over these pages:

1. Appraisal
2. Planning
3. Development
4. Reflection

The pages take you through all the necessary steps to assess your current situation and identify your learning needs, set your learning objectives, find and participate in suitable activities and reflect on your progress.

The framework asks the basic questions:

• Where am I going?
• How am I going to get there?
• What will I need for the journey?
• How will I know when I have arrived?

Your answers to these questions should produce the six critical elements of an effective personal development plan:

• A clear statement of where you want to be at the end of a specified period
• The specific knowledge and skills you will need to get there
• The actions you will have to take to acquire the knowledge and skills you will need
• The resources and support you will require to attain your goal
• The criteria by which you will determine whether or not you are still "on course"
• The intermediate stages with dates for completion and/or review.

You may choose to download the Personal Development Planner as a working document to jot down any ideas before you register your learning activities online.

The framework is simply a means of helping you apply a systematic approach to your learning.

Think in broad terms about your experience and qualities. Do not limit yourself to technical skills alone, take time to consider other "transferable skills" such as business and management, information technology or learning another language.