In these extraordinary times the integrity of professionals who provide robust, credible advice has never been more necessary.
More and more, the Institute and its members are expected to publicly demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development. It is why the commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) lies at the heart of maintaining a member’s chartered status.
Our members’ commitment to lifelong learning is a vital element in improving professionalism within our sector and the Professional and Educational Standards Committee (PESC) is pleased to report that 98% of chartered members were compliant with their CPD obligation last year.
Last month the Committee met to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions on members’ obligation to undertake and record appropriate levels of CPD in 2020. The Committee acknowledged that the Institute, and others, have swiftly embraced various digital platforms and provided members with a variety of high quality CPD opportunities. These online offerings – a mixture of free and paid events – may be undertaken live, or often reviewed at a later date when it is perhaps more convenient for the individual. It is for this reason that PESC does not feel the need to relax our members’ obligation to undertake and record professional development. All practising Fellows and Professional Members are therefore still required to undertake and record a minimum of 100 hours of CPD in every three-year period in order to remain chartered.
Notwithstanding, the Committee is sympathetic to members struggling with the impact of the pandemic restrictions and in addition to normal exemptions – retired members and some non-practicing members – the committee would be happy to consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis for those members currently unable to meet their obligations. If you feel this may apply to you in 2020, please inform Ben Summers-McKay, Members Services Officer – ben.summers-mckay@charteredforesters.org – of your particular circumstances and the Committee will consider your request in due course.
Jim Waterson MICFor
Chair of the Professional and Educational Standards Committee
