Continuing

professional
development
FAQs
Continuing professional development (CPD) FAQs
Is CPD mandatory?

IOSH’s CPD programme is mandatory for all Chartered Fellows, Chartered Members,
Graduate Members and Technical Members. Your professional status is dependent on you
keeping an up-to-date record.

We strongly recommend Affiliate and Student Members use the programme to enhance their
career, but this isn’t essential.

Why should I complete my CPD?

There are many benefits to completing your CPD. It keeps you up to date with current
developments in the health and safety profession and helps you build the skills and
knowledge needed to grow in your role and career.

If you are an IOSH Technical, Graduate or Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow, CPD is
mandatory, and you’ll need to record 30 hours annually. Chartered Members and Chartered
Fellows are also required to pass or maintain the IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning
and Assessment.

Why do I have to complete an IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and

IOSH’s Code of Conduct commits members to our vision for a world of work that is safe,
healthy and sustainable. It provides an ethical foundation for members working towards this
vision. Completing the IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and Assessment will provide
members with up-to-date and relevant content on ethical considerations that affect
organisations and the OSH profession in the widest sense.
This is mandatory for Chartered Fellows and Chartered Members, as we expect them to lead
the profession by demonstrating the highest standards of professional conduct. But we
would encourage all members to take the assessment.

How do I record my CPD activity?

You should record your CPD using Blueprint. Please do this on a regular basis, as and when
you have completed any learning. IOSH undertakes regular CPD audits and it’s possible you
will be selected as part of the audit. So, it’s important you keep your CPD record up to date.

What is the minimum recordable time limit for a CPD activity?

If CPD is a requirement of your grade, you must undertake a minimum of 30 hours in a 12-
month period. We recommend you update your personal development plan and CPD activity
at least once every two months in Blueprint.

As a guide, you should spend at least 30 minutes on any individual CPD activity.

30 hours seems a lot to ask, how does this compare to other chartered bodies?

Our benchmarking research indicates that the CPD time commitment for other bodies
ranges from 20 to 50 hours per year. Every organisation structures it slightly differently but
we believe 30 hours is a suitable commitment to ensure continuing professional
development.
What counts as CPD?

CPD is any activity that helps you work towards your professional development. Your
development requirements are unique to you and depend on your personal experiences, so
it’s important you choose activities that address your needs.
Almost everything that improves your knowledge and skills is considered CPD. Here are just
a few example activities:
• taking a course or attending a training session
• reading an article in IOSH Magazine
• reading an update on the Health and Safety Executive website
• attending and taking part in an IOSH Branch event
• taking a qualification
• doing voluntary work related to your professional field
• taking on a new task at work
• receiving coaching or mentoring
• reviewing and learning from something that has gone wrong.
You might find it helpful to think about your learning in the following three categories:
• knowledge
• skills
• personal development.
For each activity you do, make a reflective statement that considers how this new learning
has contributed to your professional development.

Does IOSH have specific courses in mind for different levels of membership?

No. CPD is a lifelong process of improvement through recognising, recording and reflecting
on learning experiences. Relevant CPD will be different for all members. We offer a range of
free CPD resources to support our competencies, many of which are available through
Blueprint.

How can IOSH membership help me with my CPD?

IOSH offers an array of free resources and guidance to help you upskill. These can be
logged on your CPD record.
• Technical guides are available to help you upskill in many areas of health and
safety.
• IOSH Magazine includes articles, opinion pieces and news updates on industry best
practice and regulatory changes.
• IOSH Career Hub is packed with interactive tools and resources that focus on both
business and softer skills to help you get ahead of the competition.
• IOSH Mentoring provides you with the opportunity to join a safe, secure platform to
connect and build relationships. Join as a mentee to learn from an experienced OSH
professional or join as a mentor to support someone newer to the profession.
• Our webinars, run by IOSH or our Branch and Group volunteers, cover a wide range
of OSH topics and give you the chance to network and ask questions
• Our CPD courses are a fantastic way to keep your knowledge up to scratch, plus
you’ll receive discounted prices as an IOSH member.
Who is IOSH CPD for?

CPD is open to all IOSH members. Technical, Graduate and Chartered Members and
Chartered Fellows are bound by the IOSH Membership Standards to complete 30 hours of
CPD annually. But we encourage Student and Affiliate Members to take advantage of our
programme.

This is because CPD helps you keep pace with changes in the workplace and maintain and
improve your competence levels, to help you move forward and progress in your career.

Whether you’re studying, working full- or part-time or having a career-break, CPD supports
your professional journey. It demonstrates your commitment to the OSH profession and
provides evidence to others that your knowledge and skills are up to date.

How is IOSH’s CPD recognised for Chartered Members and Chartered Fellows?

IOSH Chartered Member and Chartered Fellow status is only available to members with an
up-to-date CPD record and IOSH Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and Assessment. CPD
is central to IOSH membership recognition, highlighting the importance placed on
professional development.

Can CPD help me achieve Chartered membership of IOSH?

Yes. By undertaking a minimum of 30 hours’ CPD in the previous 12 months and recording
this in your Blueprint record, you will have met one of the criteria for becoming a Chartered
Member.

I already have a CPD record with another organisation. Do I have to complete IOSH
CPD as well?

Yes, all Technical, Graduate and Chartered Members and Chartered Fellows are required to
complete IOSH CPD to maintain their membership status.

Do I need to use the IOSH online CPD tool Blueprint to record my CPD?

Yes, you are expected to use Blueprint to record your CPD.

Do I need to supply evidence to support my activities?

You are welcome to provide evidence to support your activities and can upload Word, PDF,
PowerPoint and video files and weblinks.

Will my CPD record be audited?

Possibly. IOSH selects a random sample of members to check they are maintaining their
CPD to the expected standard on a quarterly basis, so we may audit your record.

Do I need to maintain my CPD during a career break?

For a variety of reasons, members with mandatory CPD requirements may choose, or need,
to take a career break, eg due to maternity/paternity leave, illness or unemployment. In
these circumstances, members should email [email protected], who may apply a
CPD waiver at their discretion.
The length of the waiver will depend on individual circumstances. The PDS team will contact
the member towards the end of the waiver to see whether their CPD requirements can be
reinstated.

Members will be required to provide evidence of their career break if selected for a CPD
audit.

Members may also be eligible for a CPD waiver for other personal circumstances. Again,
they should email [email protected]. Requests will be considered on an individual
basis.

IOSH is committed to ensuring all its members have opportunities for professional
development, so where members have long-standing conditions that impact their ability to
meet CPD requirements not covered in ‘CPD waivers’, IOSH can make reasonable
adjustments.

Remember that there are numerous types of CPD activities, including opportunities to keep
in touch with the profession, eg attending Branch and Groups events and webinars. Reading
the latest professional journals and using web-based resources, such as e-learning, can be
especially helpful for those looking to re-enter the profession. And return-to work inductions
also count towards your CPD.
IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With over 48,000
members in more than 130 countries, we’re the world’s largest professional health
and safety organisation.

We set standards and support, develop and connect our members with resources,
guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession and campaign on
issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.

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