CPD Planning

1. I am undertaking a qualification which is not related to Emergency Planning but will help me do my job. I have recorded this as a 'Transferable Skill' but how can I link this to the Core Competences Framework?

   As the whole scheme is based on the EPS Core Competences Framework, it has been decided that all development activities should relate to it in some way. This means that Core Competence Framework Areas need to be selected on a 'Best Fit' basis.

   For example, a training or presentation skills qualification undertaken as a transferable skill could be related to the Core Competence areas of 'Acting Effectively Across Your Organisation', 'Cooperating with Other Organisations' or 'Communicating with the Community to Enhance Resilience'.

   Other examples could be IT related skills or qualifications helping to 'Managing Computer Generated Data to Inform Decision Making' or management qualifications relating to 'Acting Effectively Across Your Organisation'.

2. Where do I Begin?

   You have already begun!

   To start planning your CPD, first think about the areas of professional development that you would like to address in the coming CPD cycle. The scheme is related to the sections of our Core Competences Framework and you should plan your CPD relating to those sections. By starting the planning of your CPD will earn you points towards to the total required for the cycle you are in.

CPD Recording

1. Can I add my own Activities?

   
   Yes, if the activity you have undertaken is not an EPS approved or accredited activity then you can still claim CPD points for it, although you will be required to provide us with a little more information about the activity and some contact details so that we can verify your attendance during the CPD Audit function.

2. Can you explain in more detail about the credits?

   Each CPD cycle will span 3 years. This allows for members who wish to upgrade their membership, as the new progression cycle for upgrading from Associate to Fellow will take no less than 6 years. To provide a basic development profile and seek to establish evidence of competency you should claim 30 points over each three year cycle. To upgrade from Associate to Member a minimum of 40 credits will be required over the relevant 3 year period and to upgrade from Member to Fellow a minimum of 50 credits will have to be claimed over that particular cycle.

   In each 3 year cycle, you can claim up to 3 credits for completing your professional development plan. At the very least you will need a further 27 credits before moving to the next CPD period. As a general rule, therefore, for each of the stated competences you will require a sufficient number of activities to gain the required minimum of credits in that 3 year cycle. Although more than the required credits may be earned, you will be unable to transfer any surplus over to the next CPD cycle.

   A maximum number of credits (75) can be earned in each of the sections of your CPD record and no more than the required number is expected by the Society. The amount of development you feel is required is a question of personal and professional judgement dependant on your own stage of your own career along with your current aspirations. At all times the activities and goals that you have recorded in your plan should reflect this.

   On every occasion that you record credits in a section of your CPD record, this will be reflected in the running total of your development plan and diary entries.

3. How do I distribute credits earned?

   How to distribute your credits is entirely your choice whilst populating your CPD record. If, for example, an activity or event was valuable in maintaining both your core skills and transferable skills then an award of 2 credits could be distributed between the two areas. In this way you could assign 1 credit each to the appropriate areas.

CPD Scheme Information

1. Can I use the scheme to apply for an upgrade in Society membership?

   As the CPD scheme progresses it will be used by the assessors to assist in upgrading membership. Following the first 3 year cycle a complete CPD profile along with an application form should be all that is required, although this will be reviewed as the scheme rolls out. A number of extra credits will have to earned during the relevant upgrade cycle prior to assessment.

2. How can I find out more about EPS-CPD?

   A number of workshops are planned during 2010 alongside Branch upgrade events. Five are already being arranged and will be advertised via the EPS website. The Director of Membership Development along with the Membership Committee is willing to attend any Branch meeting to explain the scheme in full. Please contact Mike Lees (Director M&D) for possible dates. Society staff at Cardiff are well briefed on the scheme and will able to assist with most issues, if you have any further questions, please e-mail Central Office by clicking here.

3. How do I complete my CPD?

   On the completion of your development plan, which is an essential part of the process, you can consider adding deliberations and considerations that amount to a reflection of your professional development and status. It is now the time to consider awarding yourself CPD credits. On completion of any career activity you will need to assess it in terms of what personal learning and development you have gained from it. This personal assessment and your thoughts is how you place a value on CPD credits earned.

   Each activity you complete and reflect upon carries a maximum of 3 CPD credits. There are a small number of exceptions and these are highlighted later. How many credits are awarded following your personal consideration depends on the degree of development you believe has been achieved. The following points provide a general guide:

   • An activity that has provided you with no discernible professional development should not be allocated any credits.  In some cases this may require a degree of honest reflection.
   • A small degree of development accrued will carry 1 credit.
   • An activity that results in a moderate degree of development may be allocated 2 credits.
   • An event that has provided a degree of development which exceeds that anticipated can be allocated 3 credits.

   Typically, you will be expected to award 2 credits per event or activity although how many credits are awarded should be based on the extent to which each activity has contributed to your professional development. It is conceivable that in instances where you have failed to complete an activity to a satisfactory standard, or are disappointed in how you dealt with a situation, you could still accrue CPD credits as having learned from an error or mistake.

4. How do I get started?

   Once you have your log-on details you will find that each section has a help screen that will assist you to progress. An essential starting point will be your personal development plan and an understanding of the Society’s Core Competencies Framework. Each activity you record will be linked into one of the areas of the Framework. A copy of the Framework is available via the CPD and general EPS website. An example of a personal development plan along with case studies are available as references.

5. What happens if I do not participate in the CPD scheme?

   The scheme will gradually roll out during 2010 and all the relevant grades of membership will be required to participate by 1 January 2011. The Society does recognise that there may extenuating circumstances e.g. illness, work events or family commitments that may affect a member’s ability to engage on CPD activities. Such circumstances must be mentioned on the development plan and communicated to Cardiff office. The Membership and Development Committee will take these into account, liaise closely with the member concerned and treat this information as highly confidential. A full range of sanctions have been discussed by the Board for members who do not comply with the requirements of the scheme.

6. When can I join the scheme?

   The scheme will be piloted during the latter part of January and early February and will be open for members to join via the EPS website from mid February. The launch date will be circulated to all members via a newsletter from Cardiff office. It is the intention that the scheme will be fully functional, stress tested, and well piloted prior to release. The flexible launch date will ensure that any last minute issues can be addressed by the development team before members commence any intensive use.

7. Where can I find further information about the scheme?

   A source of general information is available on the EPS website with more detailed information on the CPD site. A useful booklet has been produced which is also available electronically from both site. The Director of Membership Development is always willing to assist with members of the Membership & Development Committee. If you have any further questions related to the scheme, please e-mail EPS Central Office by clicking here.

8. Who should join the scheme?

   All Associates, Members and Fellows, who are currently employed within the civil protection field or closely associated disciplines, will be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken appropriate and sufficient CPD.  In aspiring to Chartered Institute status the Emergency Planning Society will be amending its code of conduct for members and CPD will be seen as a compulsory and the code will also require all members to be competent in any work they do. CPD forms a vital part of achieving or retaining and being able to evidence that competency. CPD will be optional for the new Affiliate grade.

9. Why should I join the EPS-CPD Scheme?

   There is a growing and understandable employer, government, stakeholder and public interest in emergency planning specialists of all disciplines being able to evidence clearly that they have maintained their skills through relevant development and training.  Effective CPD is one of the means by which our professions not only show their enthusiasm, pride and determination to maintain their professional standards but enhances the public’s confidence in their roles.  Experience has shown through a number of high profile incidents and the subsequent responses that the development of professional, academic and emergency management skills is as important in this respect as building up our practitioner skills.

   The Chairman and Secretary of the Society are continuing to visit a number of high profile employers and stakeholder groups to discuss the advantages of recognising the scheme and engaging with their resilience staff for appraisals and skills frameworks.

10. Will my CPD be audited?

    The CPD records will be audited by members of the Society’s Membership and Development Committee at any time and a number will be selected randomly at regular intervals. By this principle of random audit the Society can determine the types of CPD members are undertaking, ensure that the scheme retains credibility and development value along with evidence of compliance. The scheme allows feedback to members following any record check and you will be informed prior to any audit.