Claiming CPD when training others

Preparing and delivering training can support evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), even for trainers with a technical qualification who may not practice in advisory or managerial roles.

For Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals, activities like delivering induction training, training workers, or running toolbox sessions are valuable for CPD because they involve the application of current knowledge, skill development, and professional engagement.

Here’s how these experiences can support CPD.

• Keeping up-to-date with industry standards: To deliver effective training, trainers need to stay informed about the latest standards, practices, and regulations, especially in technical or OSH fields. Documenting how they have updated materials or refreshed content to reflect new guidelines can count as CPD evidence.
• Application of knowledge: Trainers often need to translate technical or regulatory knowledge into practical steps for learners. By recording the training topics, any challenges faced, and adaptations made to suit the audience, they can demonstrate the ongoing application of their expertise.
• Skills development in training delivery: Every training session is an opportunity to refine communication, instructional, and interpersonal skills. Feedback from sessions and personal reflections on how training techniques were improved or tailored can also contribute to CPD.
• Learning from feedback: Trainers often receive feedback from participants, which they can use to refine future sessions. Incorporating this feedback and detailing how it has shaped training approaches or content can be valuable CPD evidence.
• Documenting tool and resource development: Preparing materials, whether it’s creating slides, handouts, or guides for toolbox talks, involves research and creative thinking. Trainers can track the resources developed, showing a commitment to making training relevant and engaging for their audience.
• Reflective practice: Reflecting on each training session—what went well, areas for improvement, and knowledge gained—serves as a powerful CPD activity. These reflections can help demonstrate commitment to personal and professional growth.

In summary, by carefully documenting these activities and reflecting on the impact, trainers who may not be directly practicing in technical or managerial roles can still build a robust CPD portfolio.

For more information, read Duncan Spencer's article in the latest issue of IOSH magazine.