Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD can be defined as 'the process through which an individual maintains and extends the knowledge and skills necessary for life long professional competence'.

The importance of keeping up to date is particularly necessary in today's demanding society, which expects high standards and accountability from all. CPD is a useful tool for achieving and demonstrating such ability and competence.

As the professional body for biologists, we recognise that a diverse range of knowledge, skills and attributes are required by bioscientists working in numerous and varied professions. 

Our framework for CPD is based on a learning cycle of 'think, plan, do, review'. Individuals take charge of their own learning and can establish CPD objectives relevant to their needs by considering their present situation and identifying goals.
 
Through its structured and unstructured elements it will assist members in:

• acquiring new skills, broadening contexts in which competencies are held
• putting into good practice skills and knowledge relevant to aspects of their career, aiding career progression and opportunities

• maintaining employment marketability, reputation as a professional biologist and a competitive edge. 

Following the scheme: what is involved?

Our CPD scheme is designed to provide recognition for those activities that you undertake already as part of professional development and not add to your workload.
 
The minimum required by you is to complete an Annual Summary Form. This outlines the CPD activities you have done in the past year that have helped you develop professionally. Various types of activities count for various numbers of credits and a minimum of 50 credits must be achieved to pass the year.
 
You would then submit the form to us for assessment. If you have completed enough CPD to 'pass the year', you will be issued with a certificate and letter confirming that you have been working to maintain and expand your professional competence. This confirmation will then be useful in showing your peers and employers that you have been striving towards continuing excellence and competence at this stage of your career.
 
We also provide an 'Analysis and Planning' form and a 'Review and Reflect' form. These are optional tools for use before and after you complete a period of CPD activity. They are not required for submission but will aid a structured approach to your CPD.
 
If you are a Member (MSB), you can apply for Chartered Biologist status after completing 2 years' CPD.

To submit your CPD summary form or for more details contact Natasha Neill