Recording and submitting CPD
It is important that you keep your CPD records up to date and safe.
The introduction of the Enhanced CPD Scheme 2018 means you now need to make a compliant CPD statement every year. Even if you have not completed any CPD hours in any given year, you still need to make your annual CPD statement. In these circumstances, please submit a zero hours, when completing your CPD statement.
The Scheme also requires you to complete and keep a personal development plan (PDP) and an activity log to record the CPD you have completed. These documents should be retained with your other CPD documentation, such as your CPD certificates, for a period of five years following the completion of a CPD cycle.
At the end of your five-year CPD cycle, you will be asked to submit an end of cycle CPD statement. Both annual and end of cycle CPD statements need to be submitted within 28 days of the end of the relevant Annual Renewal period.
You may be asked to send us your CPD record, this documentary evidence will need to include your personal development plan (PDP), activity log and CPD evidence (e.g. certificates), which you should completed at the end of each year.
You can log your CPD hours and make your annual statement at any time using your eGDC account. You must keep all of the documentary evidence you receive for the verifiable CPD you undertake, as we may ask to see it. Please retain for five years after completing your CPD cycle. You should only send in your CPD record we ask you to do so.
Please note, you will not be routinely asked to provide your CPD record, or evidence, when making your CPD statements. We will request your records if you have not met the requirements of the Scheme, if you have failed to make one of your statements, or if you are randomly selected as part of our regular sampling to check that requirements are being met.
If, for any reason, you are unable to access your eGDC account, we will accept a written annual or end of cycle CPD statements. Please see the relevant FAQ below, for further details on how to make your CPD statement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CPD statement and a CPD record?
- The number of CPD hours you have completed during the year, or if you have chosen not to complete any CPD during the year, please record zero-hours completed.
- That you have read and understood the CPD requirements.
- That the hours recorded have been undertaken during this CPD year.
- That you have kept a ‘CPD record’ (see below), including a personal development plan (PDP).
- That the CPD undertaken (where applicable) was relevant to your field(s) of practice.
- That the information contained in your statement is full and accurate.
- A personal development plan (PDP) detailing the CPD you plan to undertake, the development outcome(s) you are aiming to meet and the timeframe for completing the CPD. Your PDP should be created at the start of your CPD cycle, and adapted throughout, as your needs change.
- An activity log of the CPD you completed, including the date it was undertaken, the number of CPD hours gained from each activity, and any reflections you would like to record about the CPD activity completed.
- Evidence (e.g. certificates) that you completed verifiable CPD.
- Also be sure to map the development outcomes against all planned and completed CPD activity in your PDP, activity log and evidence (e.g. certificates).