The CPD scheme provides a professional approach to personal development within the burial and cremation workplace. The scheme can be used by all levels of staff and can even link directly to performance appraisals thus becoming an important management tool.

ICCM CPD is a way of keeping up to speed and proving Professionalism through Specialism

Participation in the scheme requires each member to register at the start of each 12 month period (registration can take place at any time during the year). The completion of a Professional Development Plan and a Learning and Development Record (available in the pane below) is advisable to ensure targeted activities and the maintenance of verifiable evidence. At the completion of the 12 month period members should submit their Portfolio of evidence to the National Office for verification. Once verified a CPD certificate will be presented to each qualifying member.

The Professional Development Plan details information about what skills and knowledge you wish to develop in order to fulfil your current and possible future roles, and what activities you plan to undertake to develop the desired knowledge and skills. A few minutes of thought prior to commencement can help you achieve your planned objectives.

The Learning and Development Record requires the following information:

• Type of CPD activity completed, e.g. work place training, outside courses etc.
• The date the activity was completed e.g. 6 June 2009
• The points allocated for the activity
• Reference to a piece of evidence to verify the activity was undertaken e.g. Certificate of Attendance, photocopy of an article produced, copy of a course handout etc.

You are also asked to share your reflective comments about the usefulness of the activity, what you have learnt, how you will use the acquired knowledge or skill in the future, and how far it has met your objectives.

The Portfolio of Evidence provides supporting material to demonstrate that you have undertaken the activities listed on your Learning and Development Record. Examples of evidence are:

• Certificates of Attendance
• Joining Instructions
• Delegate Lists
• Minutes of meetings
• Emails
• Diary entries
• Worksheets
• Course evaluation sheets
• Terms of Reference for projects

Full details of the scheme including application, Professional Development Plan Learning and Development Record forms can be downloaded from the pane below or requested from the National Office.