IPEM CPD Scheme
The IPEM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme was re-launched in January 2006 to bring it in line with the Health Professions Council (HPC) CPD framework that became mandatory for all registrants in July 2006.
The emphasis of the HPC framework is on the continued ability of the individual to maintain skills and develop them within their scope of practice so that they can keep their skills and knowledge up to date and are able to work safely, legally and effectively. To do this registrants are required to maintain a continuous, up to date and accurate record of their CPD activities that covers a mixture of different learning methods (see annex 1of CPD guidance notes). Most importantly, individuals should choose CPD activities that contribute to the quality of their practice and service delivery and benefit the service user, be it patients, colleagues or students. These potential benefits should be recorded following CPD activities as part of your CPD record.
A further feature of the new scheme is its flexibility. Although it has been designed to meet the requirements of the HPC, the scheme can be used by all members of the Institute whether scientists, engineers or technologists, in academia or industry, as well as in the health service. It should be regarded simply as a vehicle to record developmental activity.
Members of the Institute who are regulated by the HPC are reminded that it is compulsory to maintain a record of CPD. Every two years from 2009 onwards the HPC will be auditing a sample of CPD records from Clinical Scientists on their register.
Starting on the Scheme
To join the scheme applicants must complete the CPD registration form (Form A) and return it to the CPD registrar at the IPEM office.
Following this, participants should use the CPD information/guidance document to develop a CPD strategy suitable for their job role. This should include an annual action plan. A template of a suitable action plan is provided for those members who require it (Form C3). The method of recording CPD is left entirely up to the member. However, templates of a suitable CPD summary sheet (Form C2 in PDF format - see below for Word format) and a more detailed CPD record (Form C1) are provided for those who need it. At the end of each calendar year those registered on the CPD scheme must return the CPD declaration form (Form D) to the York office. A paper copy of this is sent out by the Institute in December of each year.
Part II Trainees
Part II trainees are automatically entered onto the CPD Scheme. They send an annual Form D declaration as normal but will not be auditted as the training scheme is already evidence of performing CPD.
Annual Audit
CPD scheme registrants accept that the Institute will audit a percentage of CPD summaries each year. Audits are undertaken both to enable advice and guidance to be given to individual registrants and enable evidence of good practice to be promulgated throughout the profession.
2010 Audit Report
2009 Audit Report
Example of an acceptable Form C2.
Form C2 in Word format