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Continuing professional development (CPD) is an integral part of developing your career.

CPD is a structured and purposeful way to maintain and improve the knowledge, skills and personal qualities needed to do your job effectively and develop your career.

CPD demonstrates your professional integrity and expertise to employers and clients and shows that you are committed to developing your career by keeping your knowledge, skills and experience up to date.

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Benefits of CPD

Stay relevant, and impactful

To stay professionally relevant, you need to keep your skills, knowledge and experience up to date, record what you learn and apply this in your work.

Demonstrate professionalism and integrity

You are likely to have many opportunities to keep your professional competence up to date, from briefings and publications to conferences and training events. Using a structured approach to CPD shows your commitment to enhancing your career and upholding professional standards in your work.

Meet expectations

Many employers and stakeholders (clients among them) want to know you’re qualified and competent to undertake work for them. Evidence of CPD will demonstrate a professional, well-structured commitment to maintaining knowledge of the current regulations, specialist knowledge, skills, methods and techniques, and effective practice in your field.

Grow your network

Much of the CPD you complete will be learning with and from others. Engaging in a wide range of CPD, and keeping in touch with those you’ve learnt with, will help to grow your professional network and open doors to new opportunities.

Develop your practice, and your career

Whether you are just embarking on your career, or an experienced professional, CPD helps you to spot the skills, experience and qualifications you need to keep your career moving. Engaging in the CPD cycle -- identifying your development needs, planning activities, and reflecting on what you have learned -- will demonstrate your commitment, knowledge, experience, and suitability for future work roles.

Boost your confidence

Taking time to reflect on what you’ve achieved through CPD helps you to become more self-aware, innovative and creative about what you are able to tackle next. Use that confidence boost to take on new challenges!

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Further resources

• Chartered Geographer requirements for CPD

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