CPD

What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
CPD is often considered a bureaucratic ritual required by professional institutes to demonstrate that members are up-to-date and remain eligible for membership. At its most effective, CPD is far more than that. From an organisational perspective it can improve staff motivation, assist succession planning and demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. For the individual manager it can lead to new opportunities, greater job satisfaction and also help to secure promotion.

BIFM’s CPD Policy

The Institute’s policy on CPD in accordance with Industry guidelines ‘Construction Industry Council – Best Practice Guidance for employers/professionals’ (please see documents below), is that it should be a self-reflective process, which is self assessed (placing trust in the individual practitioner). It is up to the individual to decide what they need to do and to understand they are working within a development cycle – i.e. setting and working towards their own targets. BIFM supports an output, rather than input, based approach to CPD i.e. consider the learning gained rather than the amount of time spent.

BIFM requirements and links to use of Post-nominals

The BIFM encourages all members to undertake CPD and for Member, Fellow and CBIFM grades, use of post-nominals is linked to active commitment to CPD on a regular basis.

How can CPD fit into the busy life of an FM?
For the majority of FM’s, finding time to do CPD is an issue. Despite this challenge, there are plentiful opportunities to undertake CPD such as attending BIFM Group events and short courses, reading journals, visiting exhibitions, and volunteering. In fact most FM’s do CPD without even realising it.

Members will, also, have access to a wealth of development opportunities within their own organisations and personal lives. Activities such as participating in company training programmes, mentoring or undertaking voluntary work can all help to develop skills which are valued and respected in the workplace.

Benefits of CPD
Regardless of where you are in your career, undertaking CPD can help you:

· develop a personalised career plan

· enhance employment opportunities

· improve career satisfaction

· track prior learning

· show you are up-to-date with the requirements of your job

· contribute to your CV

· demonstrate your commitment and value within your organisation

· prepare for promotion, job-hunting and interview situations

How can the BIFM help?

The Institute encourages all members to commit to CPD and offers a wide range of activities to benefit individuals and their employing organisations. The BIFM offers Members a wide range of CPD events (the majority of which are free) throughout the year via their Group Events. As well as attending events, members can also participate at regional and committee level, both providing excellent opportunities to display and develop personal strengths and qualities. Opportunities for involvement in Institute activities are described on various pages of the BIFM website, including Events, Groups, CPD News and Forums.

BIFM Training offers a comprehensive programme of FM courses, which has been mapped against the BIFM competences. For full details of their course programme please go to the BIFM Training website.

To demonstrate your commitment to CPD and maintain a permanent record of your activities the BIFM offers you an online CPD framework. For more information on CPD and the Institute’s CPD framework, please click here.