Guidance on Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The Institute's CPD scheme has two alternative approaches; one is assessment-based and the other is time-based. The assessment-based scheme differs from the original CPD system in that it follows a reflective cycle of review, planning, development and assessment. The assessment-based approach conforms to current recommended advice for professional training. The time-based approach requires a member to complete 50 hours a year of development and educational activity. The time-based approach avoids the assessment/development cycle and many IMA members already use it.

The choice is entirely yours whether you use the assessment-based scheme or the time-based recording form. Alternatively, you may use your employer's forms for recording your CPD activities if this is more appropriate. As a member, you are not compelled to keep a CPD record but we strongly advise that it is in your best interests to do so. Many members find that they are already active in professional development but have not acquired the habit of writing it down. This is particularly true if you include day-to-day learning in the workplace and not just formal courses.

How to take part in CPD
Choose either the assessment-based scheme or the time-based scheme.

Acceptance/Approval
In the past, the Chair of the Institute's Professional Affairs Committee (PASA) approved every CPD record. With the growth of CPD, this personal attention is no longer practical. In future, Secretariat staff will acknowledge records for receipt only and place a copy on your file. The committee will take a sample (around 25%) for detailed scrutiny to ensure they meet the Institute's CPD requirement. If committee members ask questions or request further information, we will approach you for clarification and, if necessary, put a revised version on your file.

Remember that somebody may be assessing your CPD record at some stage. Would they understand from your entries what the activities consist of? This is particularly true of the time-based scheme. Consider providing brief supporting notes or other material if you think it would help.

Chartered Scientist
If you hold the Chartered Scientist designation and wish to revalidate after 5 years, the Science Council expects you to provide a CPD record that describes your development activities in terms of the relevant professional competences. Please see our advice and the options open to you on CPD for revalidating Chartered Scientist.

Why does the Institute have a CPD Scheme?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is part of the Institute's mission. The Institute expects all its members in practice as mathematicians to maintain the standards required for admission to their membership grade. The knowledge, skills and expertise gained at an early stage in a career require renewal, development and enhancement to maintain professional status and competence.

What counts as CPD?
You will find that many opportunities for learning occur once you get into the habit of recording them for your CPD report. Here are some suggestions:

Learning on the job	Writing reports and articles for publication
Peer guidance and discussion	Coaching and mentoring colleagues
Structured reading	Research activities
Work shadowing	Open/distance learning
Promoting mathematics in schools (for those who are not teaching)	Learning from the Internet
Secondment to industry (for those who are teaching)	Courses, conferences, seminars and workshops
Delivering presentations

Other Examples of CPD
CPD can also include training on IT packages relevant to mathematics related work and participation in the organisation of conferences and meetings and lecturing outside the normal course of employment.

CPD may also include non-mathematical activities such as general management training such as business skills, project management, foreign languages etc. These activities may be important for career development but their contribution to overall CPD is limited as the main objective of the Institute's CPD scheme is to maintain competence as a professional mathematician.

The Institute will not grade or rate specific courses, meetings or events. Events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Institute may have a statement in the notification that attendance may contribute towards meeting the Institute's CPD requirements.

How does the Scheme relate to my employment?
Members should inform their employers of their involvement in the CPD scheme. Other professional groups have or are in the process of introducing CPD schemes and for some regulatory professions e.g. accountancy these schemes are compulsory. By informing their employers, members will establish their credentials alongside other professional staff and demonstrate their commitment to their career and the maintenance of their scientific and technical standards. Employers are more likely to provide in-house training, pay course fees and allow absence from immediate work commitments to staff that are committed to a formal CPD programme and are devoting some of their own time and possibly money to meeting the requirements.

Members should seek the advice of their employers about appropriate and relevant training. Members must be aware that lifetime commitment to employment no longer exists on either side and that current projections are that they will have four key employments during their career with one or more moves being for reasons other than personal choice. Selection of CPD activities should take into account possibilities for future career development. This is particularly important where current employment is in a specialist area where identical employment activities may not exist elsewhere. A comprehensive career logbook and a CPD record will form a sound base on which to seek new career opportunities.

CPD is particularly relevant during periods of career break, perhaps due to family reasons or unemployment. Financial support from employers may no longer be available but time to attend meetings or participate in distance education may be more easily available.

FAQs
Answers to some frequently asked questions.