CPD: what you need to know
You must record CPD on your online account as part of your registration.
CPD: What you need to know
- What is CPD?
- How much CPD you should do
- Peer reflection
- Where to record CPD
- Who should do CPD?
- CPD resources
- More support
What is CPD?
Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential reflection and learning activity. You do CPD throughout your social work career to maintain and improve your practice.
The professional standards set out what you must know, understand, and be able to do. Standard 4 is about CPD. There are 8 parts of the CPD standard, which outline the different things you should aim to do as part of your CPD. This includes reflecting on feedback and using research, theories and frameworks.
Read more about each part of the CPD standard:
- Standard 4.1 - Feedback
- Standard 4.2 - Supervision
- Standard 4.3 - Research, theories and frameworks
- Standard 4.4 - Subject knowledge and awareness of current issues
- Standard 4.5 - Open and creative learning culture
- Standard 4.6 - Reflection
- Standard 4.7 - Recording your learning
- Standard 4.8 - Values and ethics
CPD can be any number of activities which help you to learn, improve, and reflect. The most important thing about CPD is that you:
- reflect on your learning, and
- explain how it has, or will, impact your practice.
Read more about types of CPD.
You may also want to look at these examples of CPD.
How much CPD you should do
You must record a minimum of 2 different pieces of CPD per registration year. Recording CPD is a requirement for renewing your registration every year.
You can record CPD at any time and up to the renewal deadline of 11.59pm on 30 November. But we encourage you not to leave recording to the last minute, as this can result in rushed or poor-quality CPD that would not meet our requirements. If you are unable to record CPD at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, you could risk losing your registration.
Peer reflection
You must include a peer reflection with at least one of the pieces of CPD. Record what you have learnt from discussing your CPD with a peer. You do not have to record a peer reflection with every piece of CPD.
Read more about peer reflection.
Where to record CPD
You must record CPD on your online account. When you have logged in to your account, select ‘CPD overview’ in the 'Your CPD' section. You can then add a new CPD record using the CPD form. Read more about:
You must anonymise your CPD when you record it, removing any details that could identify people. This includes names, addresses, or contact details. When you include peer reflection in your CPD, you should not name the peer, but include their job title.
Who should do CPD?
All registered social workers should do and record CPD. This includes people who are (either of the following):
- on extended leave (for example maternity, paternity, adoption or long-term sick leave)
- not currently working
- in non-caseholding roles (for example managers, educators and commissioners)
Read more about doing and recording CPD during extended leave.
Many regulated professionals must evidence their CPD to their regulator. For example, doctors, lawyers and dentists. Evidencing CPD is an essential part of demonstrating your fitness to practise.
Read more about CPD for non-caseholding social workers.
CPD resources
We offer online CPD workshops on a regular basis. These workshops are free and will:
- give you an overview of CPD
- explain the changes to the CPD requirements
- explore how you could meet these requirements
More support
If you have any questions about CPD, please read our detailed CPD guidance. If you cannot find the information you need or need specific advice or support, please email the CPD advice team at enquiries@socialworkengland.org.uk