Feature / Skilling up

Learning does not end once those final exams are over, as Seamus Ward explains

In recent years there has been more and more interest in continuing professional development (CPD), as CCAB bodies revamp their compulsory schemes to boost ongoing learning and ensure the profession’s standing remains high.

HFMA chairman Bill Shields calls on NHS finance staff to stay ahead of developments in the field. ‘Finance staff must take CPD seriously ?if we are to build a world class finance function,’ he says. ‘Qualified accountants must stay abreast of developments in the NHS and maintain and develop their skills so we can serve patients better and produce ?new generations of finance leaders.’?

The accountancy institutes also back CPD. CIPFA says it is vital for demonstrating competence and encourages members to shape their careers. ‘CIPFA council believes participation in its CPD scheme is a practical way for members to demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest levels of service,’ it says.

Tony Osude, ACCA’s head of professional development, adds: ‘For an accountant there is an enormous amount of regulation and change. You almost have to run to stand still to keep up with the technical aspects of the job, to remain employable and to take in broader areas such as communication and report writing.’

While there is a lot of agreement between the institutes on the need for CPD, their requirements vary considerably. One approach is to prescribe the number of hours of CPD. ACCA requires 40 hours a year, 21 of which must be verifiable, while CIPFA members must complete 120 hours over three years.

Others prefer an outputs-based approach. CIMA asks members to work through its professional development cycle. This helps members assess their needs, design a programme and evaluate whether it has met their objectives or further training is needed. All require annual CPD statements.

The institutes do not lay down the law on what is acceptable as CPD, though they say it should be relevant to members’ current and future roles.  David Harris, a technical consultant to CIMA, says CPD can be almost any activity – voluntary work for a charity, reading journals or attending courses. He adds: ‘But if you are building a career in the NHS your CPD is going to be NHS-specific.’

An ICAS spokesman says: ?‘Our framework is based on an output process with the emphasis on useful learning experiences and practical impact on a member’s levels of skills and expertise from their CPD activities.’

Failure is rare but the institutes do not move swiftly to disciplinary action. They seek to help members achieve requirements and report that often members are doing CPD activities without realising. ‘Sometimes members think CPD is a lot more onerous than it is,’ says Debbi Francis, ICAEW policy and regulation manager.

CPD can encompass a wide range of activities. Congratulations – in the few minutes it has taken to read this article you have completed a little bit more.

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