How can the CPD Framework be used?

Please find a list below of potential projects:

• Using the CPD tools in the induction and training of new staff
• Mapping individuals’ current and future CPD activity to the professional behaviours of the Framework as part of performance development reviews
• Aligning sessions at a staff development event or a series of training events with the relevant professional behaviours of the Framework
• Using the professional behaviours as a basis for activities at a team away day to encourage reflection on own and other behaviours and how it affects the team
• Using the Framework to support the creation of CPD (e)portfolios
• To support and map against existing frameworks and internal structures
• Mapping the Framework against existing staff development qualifications

Real life examples...

These examples have been supplied to provide further information as to how the CPD Framework has been implemented for various requirements. Please note that the Framework has been designed to be used flexibly so that individuals, teams, department and institutions can tailor it to their needs - if you would like to discuss how the Framework can be used for your own project, please do not hesitate to contact AUA.

Using the Framework to inform a professional development programme
Context: a staff training and development programme
Numbers of people involved: delivery team- 5; delegates- 300+ staff members

The Staff Training and Development Unit offer a range of professional development training courses throughout the academic year. One of the strands of courses is for clerical and administrative staff and we decided to use the professional behaviours from the AUA CPD Framework both to shape the content of the training and events programme and to provide an overarching ‘theme’ for those wanting to take a number of CPD activities.

For each of the existing training courses we mapped the content to the professional behaviours and used the behavioural ‘buttons’ to clearly identify to delegates which behaviours the course most closely aligned with. We had a number of other courses in development and we were able to embed the Framework into the content of these from the start. We also provided delegates with the Record of CPD Activity form with their post-course questionnaire to encourage them to reflect on their learning.

We are now investigating whether the training courses can be credit-bearing so that those completing a set amount of CPD courses can receive an award or qualification to recognise their contribution to their professional development. 

Staff Induction, Training and Review
Context: a departmental administrative team
Numbers of people involved: 4

We are a small department of only four administrative staff and whilst we can access the University’s induction and training programme I wanted to develop something specific to our department. I looked into various options but the AUA CPD Framework seemed an excellent vehicle for developing our small-scale staff development provision.

Induction
We have a low level of staff turnover but do regularly have short-term secondments working with us on specific projects. I asked new staff members to complete the Self-Assessment Form and Personal Development Plan as part of their induction activities. My aim was to encourage reflection on their behaviours, skills and development needs from the start so that I could help them with their development during their time with us. I had good feedback from this activity with staff members feeling that their own development needs were being taken into consideration as well as those areas the department wanted them to develop.

Team away day
For the ongoing training and review of staff I initially used the professional behaviours as a basis for discussions at our team away day. I had asked staff members to complete the Self-Assessment Form in advance and on the day I focused on how as a team we had areas of strength and areas for development and we focused on how we could more effectively work together as a team. We also discussed the examples of behaviours that indicated a further development need (from the main Framework document) and how these types of behaviours could damage the team.

Training and review
For ongoing training purposes I asked staff members to complete and save the Record of CPD Activity when they had completed a course or development event. I also asked them to complete the CPD Summary Record to form part of our annual review and appraisal procedure. This proved an effective way for staff to focus on their ongoing development needs and activities and helped us to identify ways we could develop them further.

All in all we have had a good reception to the Framework and its tools and are going to continue using it in the future.

Mapping the Framework against a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice
Context: an academic qualification
Numbers of people involved: c.160 students

Objectives:

1. To identify links between the reflective/professional development aspects of the Postgraduate Certificate and the professional behaviours of the Framework;
2. To use the Framework tools and templates in the course provision;
3. To encourage students to reflect on the professional behaviours in their professional portfolio;
4. To use the professional behaviours as the basis for a reflective assignment.

Progress to date:

1. All elements of the programme have been mapped against the Framework and matrices produced to identify the links. The professional behaviour ‘buttons’ have been made visible on relevant course documentation and promotional material to encourage students’ regular engagement with and reflection on the behaviours;
2. A tools audit was carried out to review the existing CPD tools provided to students and the Framework tools and templates. Duplicates and overlaps were identified and the relevant Framework templates have been included in the course provision for the next academic year;
3. A review of the guidance on the portfolio is being carried out;
4. Different options for a reflective assignment have been devised and discussed and will be added to course documentation for the next academic year.