FM CAREERS - TRAINING
JULY 2022 49
CONTINUOUS
PROGRESSION Stuart Gilby, Operational Training Manager at Develop Training
Continuous Professional
Development (CPD) is o en
underestimated in its value
to both recipients and employers.
Though a worthwhile pursuit in any
field, it is in constantly developing
sectors such as facilities management
where this upskilling practice provides
immediate, and consistent value.
CPD can be broadly defined as the
ongoing learning activities professionals
engage in to further develop their skills
and competency. This can include a
range of activities, from independent
learning to studying advanced
certifications, however the onus of
the process is always on an individual
perpetually developing their abilities.
WHY DOES CPD MATTER FOR
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT?
The framework of many industries is
subject to the constant changes of
regulation, and though for some this can
mean minor alterations to pre-existing
systems, in fields such as facilities
management, changing regulation
can mean the creation of entirely new
systems. For this reason alone, it is
immensely valuable for delegates to
demonstrate their relevant aptitude in a
changing field through CPD.
This demonstration of competency can
be of equal value to both employers and
delegates alike. For employers, CPD can
be an e ective method of future-proofing
a business by upskilling its workforce. For
example, placing employees on relevant
courses in safety, new technology,
management and hygiene can enable
workplaces to stay ahead of tightening
regulations and develop good practices
in line with shi ing industry expectations.
For delegates, practising CPD will
not only enable them to keep up
with industry expectations, but also
enable them to remain competitive
in a landscape where an increasing
number of individuals are gaining surplus
professional qualifications.
It’s for this reason in particular that
deciding what type of CPD to pursue
should be high priority - while all CPD
is of benefit, within certain industries
attaining access to the right training tools
is essential.
WHAT DOES THE RIGHT TYPE OF CPD
LOOK LIKE?
A reliable place to start looking for a
productive method of CPD is in the
pursuit of professional accreditation,
for facilities management this likely
means identifying courses, or training
programmes accredited by boards such
as Water UK, EU Skills, City and Guild,
the CITB or any other relevant to the
individual’s area.
Within that, selecting a course which
not only develops new skills but
potentially compounds upon old ones is
an excellent method for finding e ective
forms of CPD. Though independent
learning and keeping track of one’s
progression is valuable in itself, choosing
an accredited, trusted course provider
is the most reliable way to demonstrate
CPD.
All of our courses are not only
accredited by boards such as these, but
each is designed with CPD specifically
in mind. Through our Continuous
Learning Loop, which is the foundation
of our course structures, we are able to
o er Post-Course Assessments to give
learners the chance to further reinforce
and develop the certifications they
receive from our training programmes.
Keeping up to date with the changing
landscape of facilities management will
always be a task for both employers and
workers alike, which is why seeking out
the right type of CPD is so important and
something we are passionate about.
THE TRUE BENEFITS OF CPD
Practising CPD will amongst many
things, ensure upkeep with the highest
safety standards, the benefits of which
are immediately obvious. However,
it’s important to also consider that
unsafe practices are being noticed and
subsequently punished in the industry
now more than ever. In particular,
constantly shi ing understandings of
bacteria, waste and other biohazards
can quickly compound to a shortfall in
modern safety understanding, leading to
potential fines and sanctions.
Though safety will always be the
priority of any workplace, and is largely
where newfound regulation stems from,
the reality is that in a rapidly changing
landscape, regulation is now also
guided by newfound environmental
considerations, mental health and
wellbeing practices as much as e iciency,
safety and other traditional motivations.
Developing an awareness of these
newer considerations, such as emissions,
emotional intelligence, self-reflection
and stress has become integral to an
individual’s career progression. Pursuing
CPD can help navigate the leading
thoughts amongst these areas, whilst
also compounding and reinforcing
pre-existing skills, allowing individuals to
reach the forefront of their fields.
CPD can be seen as the route to
achieving one’s optimal career potential.
Whatever the motivations that may
be behind its implementation, it is an
empirically valuable practice for any
worker – and particularly those within
the vast world of facilities management.
Many businesses and individuals alike
already practice CPD without being fully
aware of it, which is exactly what makes
highlighting the practice essential. Its
imperative is already interwoven into the
mindset of every motivated worker, from
those on the ground to the CEO behind
them – it’s simply yet to be fully realised.
explains the value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
and how its benefi ts uniquely relate to facilities management
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL JOBS