In the Limelight: Mandatory CPD

One of the main aims of the CIOB’s Corporate Plan (2020 to 2023) is to lead a cultural shift towards professionalism in construction. This has resulted in the establishment of a Working Group within the Professional Standards Committee whose remit is to develop a mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy, with a specific focus on ethical behaviour. Having met on a number of occasions throughout 2021 and 2022, we are currently in the process of finalising this policy, with an expectation that it will be in place for January 2023.

For any occupation, applying ethics in practice is the hallmark of a true professional. This means that ethics should inform your decision-making in everything you do in the workplace. Therefore, any occupational or technical learning or development activities must include ethical consideration for best practice. This mandatory CPD policy will require members to undertake learning activities to build upon their ethical practice through a process of reflective learning. Undertaking regular CPD will benefit members, employers, clients and, more importantly, the general public as users of the built environment. In addition, it will enhance the image of our industry and will drive the industry towards a more professional standing.

Both formal and informal CPD activities will count towards the mandatory CPD and a points-based system is being developed by the Working Group to reflect the value of these various activities. For example, a greater value will be placed upon undertaking an academic qualification, as opposed to attending a lunch and learn presentation. However, the real value of any learning undertaken will be in what the individual has gained and how it has informed their professional practice. Members will be required to maintain a record of any CPD relating to ethical practice and will be required to reflect upon its impact on their work. In line with current governance practices, a representative sample of members will be audited throughout the CPD cycle in each subscription year.

As educators, our role in this area is two-fold. Firstly, it is imperative that we prepare our students to become lifelong learners, who take stock of their abilities and their limitations, who seek to continually develop and refine their competence, and who can reflect upon their varied learning experiences. Secondly, we must ensure that ethical behaviour and professionalism is embedded throughout our teaching and learning activities. No longer is it enough to be bolted on to our courses; it must be integrated into areas such as leadership and management; building technology and engineering, procurement, legislation; social, environmental and economic sustainability; promoting health, safety and well-being.

This mandatory CPD policy represents a significant development for the CIOB and its members.  Whilst the Rules and Regulations of Professional Competence and Conduct have recognised the importance of ethical practice, this new CPD policy now places such practices to the forefront of member’s lifelong learning activities on an ongoing basis. In the context of elevating professional standards across the global construction sector, such a development is timely and very much welcome.