CPD examples
Your CPD should be personal to you and your practice. These examples should not be viewed as best practice.
CPD examples
Examples of CPD recorded by registered social workers
Following last year’s CPD review (previously called ‘validation’) we asked social workers if we could publish anonymised versions of their CPD records.
These CPD records were reviewed by a team of 10 independent CPD assessors. We’re sharing them to demonstrate what a CPD record might look like. The examples should not be viewed as best practice. They illustrate a few of the activities which you could record as CPD to help you learn, improve and reflect on your practice.
Read more about what CPD you could do.
Example 1: Podcast
This is an example of CPD recorded by a social worker who listened to a podcast about language, jargon and the barriers this can create.
The social worker referenced research, other webinars and how it related to their practice. This CPD record reflected on the impact language has on those they support, demonstrated an open learning culture through sharing with team members and considered how they will change their practice as a result.
Example 2: Reading and reflecting on articles
This is an example of CPD recorded by a team manager who reflected on the key themes of articles they had read. They have provided a thorough response to the reflection question, with clear examples of how they will apply their learning to practice.
View example 2: Reading and reflecting on articles
Example 3: Feedback/complaint
This is an example of CPD recorded by a social worker who used supervision and personal reflection to consider negative feedback received from a colleague.
The social worker referred to articles about challenging conversations and reflected on the situation and other’s perspectives. As a result, they have adapted their approach and changed their practice.
View example 3: Feedback/complaint
Example 4: Reflective piece on practice and learning from degree
This is an example of CPD recorded by a social worker working with asylum seekers.
The CPD record used the unstructured form and contained a reflective piece on how the social worker applied learning and social work theory from their degree, to offer better support for those they work with. The record contained clear evidence of reflection and impact on their practice.
Example 4: Reflective piece on practice and learning from degree
Example 5: TedTalk
This is an example of CPD recorded by a social worker who watched a TedTalk on the importance of being vulnerable.
In this succinct CPD record, the social worker used feedback and supervision to develop a learning needs plan. It acknowledged the importance of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.
Example 6: Designed and delivered a CPD workshop for social workers
This is an example of CPD recorded by a social worker not in direct practice. For example, they do not directly offer social work support or have a caseload.
Using the unstructured form, the social worker reflected on delivering workshops to other social workers, making use of evaluation forms to better understand participants’ perspectives. They described how they used reflective supervision with a manager to understand the feedback, build their confidence in the role, and improve their future teaching.
View example 6: Designed and delivered a CPD workshop for social workers
Your CPD should be personal to you
Depending on your practice and the number of standards being covered, each CPD entry will look different in terms of content and length. Your CPD should be personal to you and your practice. It is important that your learning is relevant to your role and that it is about the application of your learning in practice. We want to see how you have reflected on your learning and how the CPD has had a positive influence on your practice.
Support
If you have any questions about CPD, you may want to view to our guide CPD: what you need to know. You can also view our detailed CPD guidance.