Continuing Professional Development

Fire Engineering is a rapidly developing profession, operating in a society which itself is subject to change.

New attitudes towards education, training and methods of learning are constantly being developed to deal with organisational and technological change.

The acceptance of the need for life-long learning by professions is increasing and most professional bodies are developing schemes which will help keep their members up to date.

Principles of CPD

The Institution supports the concept and practice of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), believing it to be essential to effective performance as a professional in fire engineering or the fire service.

The Institution believes it has a duty to ensure the highest standards of performance in fire engineering and the fire service. CPD creates an ethos in which competence and professional behaviour is expected from its members.

The Institution defines CPD as "The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner's working life".

There are three fundamental reasons for carrying out CPD:

• to demonstrate that existing knowledge and skills are being regularly refreshed, in order to maintain existing competency,
• to acquire new knowledge and develop more skills necessary in order to keep up with developments in fire engineering, and
• to acquire new underpinning knowledge and skills that may be necessary for career development.

CPD is becoming an obligation of membership / registration in most professions, and is often a necessary component of advancement through grades of membership.

CPD Recognition

The Institution recommends that all members undertake CPD in accordance with current advice and guidance, and urges members to request course and event providers to provide accredited CPD points for attendance.