In University settings, the support worker must ensure they undertake CPD and relevant training annually, covering as a minimum:
- relevant professional development in their specialist role(s)
- updating skills in new practices
CPD and personal training records must be maintained and made available for audit.
Note: For roles where support workers are required to be registered with a professional body like NRCPD, evidence of CPD is not required.
The CPD requirement for Electronic Notetaker Support Workers is to have carried out at least 1 piece of structured* CPD, relative to the support role being provided, within the last 12 months.
- Equality and diversity
- Mindfulness
- Communication
- Sighted Guide
- Mental health awareness / first aid
- Autism awareness
- SpLD awareness
- Dyslexia awareness
- Safeguarding
- Minute taking
- Prevent
- Manual handling
- Safety at work
- Assistive technology awareness
- Disability awareness
*Structured CPD
Structured CPD includes all CPD which has learning as the primary objective and which is measurable and verifiable.
There are two forms of Structured CPD - directed study and self-directed study.
1 Directed study
This includes formal programmes designed with learning as the primary objective and requires at least one of the following;
- Physical attendance at group learning activities, for example lectures, presentations, or participation in technology-assisted learning activities (including online, CD, audio or video training courses), or
- Independent assessment of learning, for example, the submission of assignments, research papers or examination. Directed Study can be measured in terms of the hours spent on the learning activity and can be verified through attendance records, examination results etc.
2 Self-directed Study
This includes independent study with learning as the primary objective, including various forms of self-directed learning such as research (with published outputs), writing of articles, lecturing and, in specific circumstances, significant on-the-job training. In all cases, this form of study must have measurable outputs which can be verified by an independent and competent source.
The self-directed study can be measured in terms of the hours spent arriving at an outcome that can be assessed and verified by an independent and competent source.
Unstructured CPD
Unstructured CPD can be defined as any form of informal learning or development of day to day working skills achieved through self-study and/or informal training.
Unstructured CPD can be measurable but is not verifiable.
The following is categorised as Unstructured CPD:
On-the-job training which consists of informal briefings carried out by other staff members.
- Technical reading.
- Attendance at Network Groups.