In our previous article, we delved into the strategic world of planning your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Now, let's navigate through the equally important voyage of recording your CPD activities and reflections. Effective CPD recording isn't just about ticking boxes; it's your compass to professional growth.
If you haven't had the chance to explore our previous blog on CPD planning, we highly recommend checking it out HERE. It provides the foundation for the insights we'll discuss here, focusing on the crucial aspect of recording individual CPD events and unstructured learning.
The Benefits of Recording CPD While It's Fresh
Recording your CPD activities immediately after they happen carries a multitude of advantages. It's all about capturing the essence of your learning experience while the details are still vivid in your memory.
Using the Reflective Log Template
To make the process of recording CPD activities and reflections more accessible, we're thrilled to offer you a free downloadable CPD log template ( which is compliant with NRCPD and can be uploaded as your evidence) (Download HERE) This template complements NRCPD requirements while providing a user-friendly structure that can be completed on or offline.
Simply keep this log on your device, and when it's time for revalidation, you can conveniently upload a copy to NRCPD. The provided questions and sections in this template have been crafted to help you easily record unstructured learning experiences and maintain your reflective accounts. Below you can find our guide to completing the document with some examples of suggested content.
1. Details:
What? Start by documenting essential details of the CPD event: the training, reading, discussion, or assignment. Include specifics like the participants, the topic, and the context in which the learning took place.
*Example*: "I attended a seminar on medical interpreting with BSL Interpretations, focusing on medical terminology and ethical considerations. The seminar included a panel discussion with experienced interpreters and healthcare professionals."
2. Why I Chose This CPD:
Reflect on why you selected this specific CPD activity and how it relates to your personal development and/or your current CPD plan.
*Example*: "I chose this CPD because I wanted to enhance my skills in medical interpreting, a field I'm passionate about. I believe that understanding medical terminology and ethics is crucial for providing the best service to my clients."
3. Learning Points:
This is the section where you can dive into the key takeaways from your CPD event or unstructured activity, including both high and low points. Discuss any dilemmas you encountered / lightbulb moments and what you learned from them.
*Example*: "One of the high points was learning about best practices in medical interpreting, such as the importance of maintaining confidentiality. A low point was realisng I need I to improve my knowledge of medical terminology. I also faced a dilemma regarding patient privacy, which prompted me to consider the ethical aspects of my work which led me to think about …….
4. Reflections:
Reflect on the consequences of your actions, justify your choices, and think about how you would approach similar situations in the future.
*Example*: "The seminar deepened my understanding of the impact interpreters have on patient care. I now see the importance of speaking up when patient privacy is at risk. In the future, I will proactively seek resources to improve my medical terminology knowledge by doing ………
5. Action Points:
Identify specific actions for your future development based on your CPD experience. Consider what you need to work on or maintain.
*Example*: "I plan to attend an interpreting in medical settings CPD course to address my knowledge gap. I will also continue participating in medical interpreting seminars and engaging in discussions with experienced interpreters. In addition, I will also…..
6. Measuring Success:
Assess whether your CPD activity aligns with your development plan and how it contributes to charting your progress.
*Example*: "This CPD activity directly aligns with my goal of becoming a proficient medical interpreter. It has helped me better track my growth in this specialised field, making it easier to identify areas of improvement. I plan to track my progress in this area by …..
The NRCPD Revalidation Process
As a reminder, NRCPD, SRLPDC and RBSLI require registered professionals to engage in CPD to maintain their registration. The revalidation process usually involves providing evidence of your CPD activities and demonstrating how they have contributed to your professional development.
By effectively recording your CPD experiences using our provided template, you'll be better prepared to meet revalidation requirements and maintain your status as a registered BSL interpreter or translator.
Effective CPD isn't just about the learning experience itself; it's also about the reflective process that follows. By recording your CPD activities while they're fresh in your mind, you not only ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, but also empower yourself to take control of your professional development journey. Download our free CPD log template and start recording your growth today. Your future self will thank you.