It is now readily accepted and indeed expected that all professionals in whatever field of expertise or industry commit themselves to a CPD programme.

It is realised in today's world that people are considered to be more competent through extending their knowledge by following a programme of development and updating.

In line with this thinking the Institute has, and will follow this course to enable members to be considered and accepted as taking the professional way forward. This will also maintain their standards and competence levels.

The new CPD Programme has been endorsed by the Board of Directors and is mandatory for members to maintain their level of membership. The July 2007 points system has been significantly revised and made easier to accrue the required points. It has also been aligned with other Professional Bodies, Institutes and Learned Societies.

Up to date CPD records will be required for all members who are seeking upgrade of their membership status.

Revised tables of point accreditation

How the CPD system works

Members will be required to achieve a minimum of twenty four points accrued over a fixed three year period. i.e. Jan 2010 – Dec 2012. This means that every three years the system will be reset.

The programme will be managed through the Administration Office and all questions or queries can be answered by contacting the staff. Members will be sent a record sheet and guide on accruable points with their subscription form. Forms will also be downloadable from the website.

Note - there will be members who are semi retired or retired who wish to maintain their membership but, are unable to accrue adequate points.

Dispensation will be awarded on submittal of a written application. Each application will be reviewed by the Director of the Professional Assessment Committee and considered on individual merit.

Recording Process

Year 1

Members will complete the record sheet during the year and submit the completed document at the end of the first year. HQ will log the accrued points. Members recording a "Nil" result or who do not return their results will receive a reminder from HQ that they must participate.

Year 2

Members submit their record sheet at the end of year . The points are then tallied and it is expected that a minimum of 16 points should have been accrued at this stage.

Those members scoring less than twelve points will be sent a reminder letter alerting them to the shortfall that they must do more to ensure compliance with the programme.

Year 3

Members who have not attained the required twenty four points i.e. more than sixteen but less than eight points will be sent a warning letter that they must do more to ensure continual development during the forthcoming "monitoring" year.

Score 6-11 These members will be issued with a warning letter that if they do not achieve the minimum eight points in the coming year their membership status will be reviewed and could possibly lead to demotion.

Score 0-5 Those members who score less than eight points will be advised that if they do not achieve a minimum of eight points in the coming year their membership of the Institute will be terminated.

CPD Is the responsibility of the Director of the PAC committee and the Director's decision on all matters concerning CPD is final.