A message for employers of the occupational therapy community
While CPD is an individual responsibility, we strongly encourage employers to actively support and facilitate CPD opportunities.
Supporting occupational therapists in engaging in effective CPD to keep their knowledge and skills current has far-reaching benefits. It directly contributes to safe and effective practice, high-quality service delivery and the development, growth and retention of your workforce.
You play a crucial role in helping your employees recognise that CPD encompasses more than just formal courses and doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. You can make a significant impact by fostering a culture where CPD activities are integrated into daily professional life. This may include:
- embedding opportunities for reflection
- a focus on professional development during supervision conversations
- highlighting everyday learning experiences
- addressing CPD in team settings to reflect on strengths, learning and development needs.
We want all employers to create an environment where CPD is a shared and supported activity, where teams feel connected through learning and service users experience the benefits.
This is in line with Principle 1 of the Principles for continuing professional development and lifelong learning in health and social care.
Exploring CPD in teams
Want to know more about how you can support CPD in teams?
Check out our CPD in teams activity.
This is based on the Career Development Framework and guides you to reflect on strengths, learning and development needs with colleagues across the four pillars of practice.