Finding the time to record different types of CPD alongside a full-time job, social life, family commitments and more can be incredibly daunting. Still haven’t completed your requirements for this year? Don’t wait till the last minute to cram it all in, you don’t want to rush it and run the risk of it being of poor quality. We are here to make this process easier by providing a list of some great ideas that you can use towards your CPD record.
The CPD requirement has recently changed, which means you must now record a minimum of 2 pieces of CPD before you renew your social work registration with Social Work England (SWE) by the 30th of November. Remember, at least 1 piece of your CPD must include a peer reflection. To record your CPD, log into your SWE account and go to the section named ‘Your CPD’ to fill out a CPD form.
Independent learning can save you time
Independent learning is a great way to do something you enjoy while also recording your CPD. It is also usually more time effective for Social Workers with busy schedules or family commitments. Social Work England has categorised independent learning as things like:
- listening to social work-related podcasts
- watching a Ted Talk
- watching a documentary
- reading a book, journal, or article
A lot of these learning forms are all things that you can do while on your commute, cleaning the house, or winding down before the weekend. Take away some of the stress of completing CPD by choosing options that adapt to your routine and give you more time to focus on things you enjoy. Social Personnel are proud to have a great podcast that you can listen to called ‘Upfront about Social Work’ about real life stories on how to survive the world of Social Work, which counts towards your continued professional development, and is accessible on multiple streaming platforms for free. Click here to listen now https://socialpersonnel.com/podcasts/.
Feedback is your friend
Recently received feedback from your manager or a service user? Whether it is positive or negative, you can write a reflection piece on this that will improve your future practice. The feedback could be in the form of a complaint, letter, meeting or even an informal discussion. This is another easy way to record CPD using easily accessible options that you already have in your arsenal, that save you time and stress.
Learning from a case = increased confidence
If you have completed a recent home visit, dealt with a case or simply had an interaction with someone that you support, these all present the opportunity to be worked into a piece of CPD. Day-to-day, Social Workers have a variety of cases to work on that they feel comfortable dealing with. However, the nature of the job means that there are usually experiences that are challenging or present the opportunity to learn and develop a new skill set. Remember a recent case that you found difficult? Think about what went positively or negatively, what you learned and what will you do in your future practice or during a similar situation as well as giving yourself recognition of the skills that you used and why they worked so well. This process is also incredibly helpful for your motivation and confidence in your abilities, so if you are feeling burnt out, stressed or have imposter syndrome, this particular form of CPD can be really helpful.
Don’t forget your degree!
For recent Social Work graduates, you can write a reflective piece on how you’ve applied social work theories from your degree to your practice and the impact of that. You could also use portfolio work from any formal social work qualifications or certifications that you are working towards, such as the ASYE programme.
Peer reflection is easier than you think
The new SWE requirement for CPD ensures that at least one piece needs to be with a peer reflection. For many who struggle to balance the time for CPD requirements, it can seem like just an extra task, however, it is very likely that you already do peer reflection regularly, when you have informal conversations with colleagues, reflective team meetings or supervision sessions with your manager. You can use these opportunities to discuss your CPD in these non-judgmental , safe spaces. Remember, this is not just a way to address challenges, it is also an opportunity to learn and develop your understanding of good practice. Suggest talking about how the CPD activity has had a positive experience on your role, colleagues and practice as a whole.
Remember your CPD must be personal to you, your role as well as your practice. Ensure that you thoroughly reflect on each piece of CPD and implement your learning into your practice.
If you need more guidance on CPD, click here to visit the Social Work England website and if you’re looking for a new role within social work, get in touch with us now! Email us at [email protected]or click here to view our latest vacancies.
Finding the time to record different types of CPD alongside a full-time job, social life, family commitments and more can be incredibly daunting. Still haven’t completed your requirements for this year? Don’t wait till the last minute to cram it all in, you don’t want to rush it and run the risk of it being of poor quality. We are here to make this process easier by providing a list of some great ideas that you can use towards your CPD record.
The CPD requirement has recently changed, which means you must now record a minimum of 2 pieces of CPD before you renew your social work registration with Social Work England (SWE) by the 30th of November. Remember, at least 1 piece of your CPD must include a peer reflection. To record your CPD, log into your SWE account and go to the section named ‘Your CPD’ to fill out a CPD form.
Independent learning can save you time
Independent learning is a great way to do something you enjoy while also recording your CPD. It is also usually more time effective for Social Workers with busy schedules or family commitments. Social Work England has categorised independent learning as things like:
- listening to social work-related podcasts
- watching a Ted Talk
- watching a documentary
- reading a book, journal, or article
A lot of these learning forms are all things that you can do while on your commute, cleaning the house, or winding down before the weekend. Take away some of the stress of completing CPD by choosing options that adapt to your routine and give you more time to focus on things you enjoy. Social Personnel are proud to have a great podcast that you can listen to called ‘Upfront about Social Work’ about real life stories on how to survive the world of Social Work, which counts towards your continued professional development, and is accessible on multiple streaming platforms for free. Click here to listen now https://socialpersonnel.com/podcasts/.
Feedback is your friend
Recently received feedback from your manager or a service user? Whether it is positive or negative, you can write a reflection piece on this that will improve your future practice. The feedback could be in the form of a complaint, letter, meeting or even an informal discussion. This is another easy way to record CPD using easily accessible options that you already have in your arsenal, that save you time and stress.
Learning from a case = increased confidence
If you have completed a recent home visit, dealt with a case or simply had an interaction with someone that you support, these all present the opportunity to be worked into a piece of CPD. Day-to-day, Social Workers have a variety of cases to work on that they feel comfortable dealing with. However, the nature of the job means that there are usually experiences that are challenging or present the opportunity to learn and develop a new skill set. Remember a recent case that you found difficult? Think about what went positively or negatively, what you learned and what will you do in your future practice or during a similar situation as well as giving yourself recognition of the skills that you used and why they worked so well. This process is also incredibly helpful for your motivation and confidence in your abilities, so if you are feeling burnt out, stressed or have imposter syndrome, this particular form of CPD can be really helpful.
Don’t forget your degree!
For recent Social Work graduates, you can write a reflective piece on how you’ve applied social work theories from your degree to your practice and the impact of that. You could also use portfolio work from any formal social work qualifications or certifications that you are working towards, such as the ASYE programme.
Peer reflection is easier than you think
The new SWE requirement for CPD ensures that at least one piece needs to be with a peer reflection. For many who struggle to balance the time for CPD requirements, it can seem like just an extra task, however, it is very likely that you already do peer reflection regularly, when you have informal conversations with colleagues, reflective team meetings or supervision sessions with your manager. You can use these opportunities to discuss your CPD in these non-judgmental , safe spaces. Remember, this is not just a way to address challenges, it is also an opportunity to learn and develop your understanding of good practice. Suggest talking about how the CPD activity has had a positive experience on your role, colleagues and practice as a whole.
Remember your CPD must be personal to you, your role as well as your practice. Ensure that you thoroughly reflect on each piece of CPD and implement your learning into your practice.
If you need more guidance on CPD, click here to visit the Social Work England website and if you’re looking for a new role within social work, get in touch with us now! Email us at [email protected]or click here to view our latest vacancies.