Navigating HCPC's CPD audit with confidence
This article was first published in OTnews in August 2025. It has been recreated here to support all occupational therapists going through HCPC's CPD audit process.
It's a reflection on our webinar with HCPC and CPDme. You can find more CPD audit support on our CPD audit webpage.
As we enter the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration renewal period, many of us are preparing for the possibility of being randomly selected for a CPD audit – something that can feel daunting.
As an occupational therapist and HCPC registrant myself, I understand how this might feel, which is why we recently hosted a webinar to demystify the CPD audit process and equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate it successfully.
We were joined by Natalie Berrie, HCPC's Registration Manager, and Andrew Ormerod, Founder and Director of CPDme, who shared their expert insights.
I wanted to share my reflections and thoughts following the session, and what the occupational therapists who attended say they plan to do next.
How ready are you for CPD audit?
We kicked off the session with a quick poll: imagine you've just received the email or notification that you've been selected for audit, how ready do you feel on a scale of one to five?
The responses were varied, but one thing was clear – you're not alone.
From confident to unsure, there was a mix in the room, but the majority of people rated themselves at a one or two at the beginning of the webinar, with most moving up two places on this rating scale by the end of the session.
While our anxiety can push us into suddenly trying to cram loads in, it's important to remember that meeting the HCPC CPD standards is expected of us always, not just something we think about when audit rolls around.
Whether you've been aware of it or not, you've been doing CPD all year, this is just the perfect time to refresh our understanding of what CPD can look like, the standards expected and reflect on our CPD habits.
What you need to know
First, it's not a test. Natalie emphasised that the audit is a chance to showcase your learning and development. HCPC is here to protect the public and the CPD standards help ensure practitioners maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills to deliver safe and effective practice, in a continually evolving professional landscape.
Second, we're all human. HCPC has a supportive approach and Natalie explained that 'being selected for a CPD audit sometimes comes at a difficult time.' She said: 'If you're facing circumstances like maternity leave, long-term illness, bereavement, or caring responsibilities, you can request a deferral. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis.'
While being busy with work or projects won't be considered as a reason to defer, please contact HCPC if you need support.
Finally, there's always the chance to improve. There's a common myth to bust, you won't be removed from the register for submitting an imperfect CPD profile. If there are shortfalls, HCPC's assessors will provide feedback and give you the chance to improve. Work with us and HCPC to get it up to standard.
Making the most of your CPD portfolio
Next, we turned our attention to the CPD portfolio, available to all members. This is a way to record your CPD, reflections and evidence in one place, and you can use it to make the CPD audit process easier.
It's the first time we've had the CPD portfolio for an audit cycle, and members in the chat told us:
So glad I started using CPDme, makes the process seem less daunting'
CPDme is a game changer-love it!'
RCOT support is here for you
We want you to feel informed, reassured and supported. Through RCOT Communities, where you can connect with peers through regional, practice and professional networks, we've set up an audit peer support group for members who've been selected for audit.
Join the audit peer support group
This will be open until Friday 31 October 2025.
Whether you're submitting a deferred audit or supporting others through the process, this space is for you.
In addition, we have:
- a dedicated CPD audit support webpage with FAQs and useful links
- access to webinar recordings on a variety of topics
- our Professional Advisory Service for expert guidance.
Reflect
Whether you attended the webinar live, or you watch it back, take a moment to reflect.
What's one thing you're taking away?
Whether it's a new understanding of the audit process or a commitment to better CPD habits, every insight counts. Remember to record a diary entry in your CPD portfolio.
What next?
There are a few actions you can take straight away:
- explore HCPC's webpages on CPD and audit
- if you're a member, activate your RCOT website account to access your CPD portfolio
- if you're not a member yet, consider joining us to access all the benefits and resources that support our members through audit
- update your list of CPD activities from Wednesday 1 November 2023 onwards
- if you're selected for audit, join the audit peer support group in RCOT Communities (member benefit)
- think about the CPD habits you can put in place for the next cycle.
Things to remember
Don't forget, HCPC registration for occupational therapists runs from Friday 1 August to Friday 31 October 2025.
If you're among the 2.5% selected for CPD audit, you'll be notified by email and via your HCPC online account in early August.
Renew your registration first, then focus on preparing your CPD profile if selected.
Final thoughts
We hope the webinar leaves you feeling informed, reassured and supported. CPD is a vital part of our professional journey, and the audit process is a chance to celebrate that growth.
If you're still feeling worried or overwhelmed, let's keep the conversation going. Share your reflections, connect with peers and make the most of the tools available to you.
You've got this!