Getting started with your CPD

What do I need to learn, and how should I go about it?

Start by identifying what your development needs are. You can do this by reviewing yourself against the CIPD Profession Map standards, using the self-assessment tool on the CIPD Learning Hub.

The self-assessment will give you highly tailored learning recommendations to meet your development needs. You can then use My Learning Plan to create your own, bespoke learning plan.

Don’t forget: your professional development doesn’t come just from formal or course-based learning. It comes from any experience that helps you change and improve your practice.

Taking part in learning experiences

This is where you participate in learning experiences that improve or develop your professional practice. These may be planned experiences that you’ve actively sought, or unplanned experiences that happen in the flow of work.

Examples of planned learning could include:

• Attending a network event
• Going to a workshop
• Taking part in mentoring
• Reading articles, factsheets or guides
• Listening to podcasts
• Attending courses or other learning events
• Speaking at conferences and events

Examples of development opportunities that could occur in the flow of work include:

• Knowledge sharing sessions with colleagues
• Taking part in a project
• Working in a new role
• Project review sessions
• Working with new people
• Meetings and workshops with colleagues and peers
• Looking up how to do something and applying that learning straight away
• Learning how to do something new or in a different way

You can access factsheets, guides, podcasts, research, case studies and more in our knowledge hub. If you’re a CIPD member then you can access free learning courses on our Learning Hub.

You can join our online community, or access our mentoring platform.

Too much to choose from, and want somewhere to start? We've gathered some resources and ideas.

What did I learn and what will I do differently in future?

Reflecting on and recording your CPD is a way to embed what you’ve learned, and improve your professional practice.

The My CPD Records tool on our Learning Hub provides an online space to reflect on and record your learning. You’ll be asked questions that mirror the CPD cycle and take you deeper into your understanding of your learning;

• What is the learning experience you’re reflecting on?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• How does this change the way you’ll work in the future?
• What else have you done - or what will you do - for this learning experience to have a wider positive impact?

These questions enable you to consider how you’ve developed and changed as a result of your learning, which is part of everyone's continuing professional development. Record your CPD.

What can I do, now?

If you haven’t already, now is the time to start applying your learning. Find opportunities to revisit and embed what you’ve learned. This could be by:

• starting a new project at work
• taking on new challenges outside your comfort zone
• seeking feedback from people you work with.

Learning is often a social experience, and it doesn’t end once you’ve applied it. Sharing learning is a great way to collaborate with others, build networks and exchange ideas. By sharing, you don’t just promote learning, you lead it:

• You help shape a culture of continuous learning in your team.
• You spark new ideas and conversations that can lead to innovation.
• You build your network and grow your influence as a trusted voice in your field.

You could share within your teams and your organisation, through your networks, and through your blogging or learning platforms. A great way to great started is by joining in our CIPD Communities.