Why You Need to Do CPD for Social Work (Plus Examples)

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Continuing professional development (CPD) is integral to being a social worker here in England. Indeed, CPD is essential to maintaining being registered with Social Work England, with the organisation requiring a minimum of two pieces of CPD per year, one of which has to include a peer reflection component.

A commitment to CPD is one of Social Work England's six professional standards (Standard four: "Maintain my continuing professional development"). In this article, we'll unpack why CPD is so crucial for social workers and some examples of CPD you might conceivably undertake. Without further ado, then, let's get stuck in.

Why is CPD Necessary for Social Workers?

​Besides ensuring you can stay registered with Social Work England, CPD helps practitioners not only maintain their practice but improve upon it, too. The reflection and learning activities that make up CPD are conducted by social workers throughout their careers and not just early on. All registered social workers in England must undertake (and record) CPD.

By carrying out routine CPD, social workers can keep up with a complex and ever-changing field of work. Whether it's the latest social work theory, ethics, or legislation developments, CPD helps social workers stay updated with their practice. In doing so, they provide better overall care to service users and deliver more favourable outcomes.

What's more, engaging in CPD showcases accountability and robust ethical principles. Not only does it demonstrate to service users that you're committed to them and their progress, but it also reassures colleagues and society more broadly that professional growth is at the forefront of your mind as a social worker.

Examples of CPD

There are many CPD opportunities out there for social workers, ranging in style and scope. They include:

• Self-directed learning and reflective practice. Social workers can read the latest materials and textbooks on social work theory or engage with any other kind of relevant educational materials, to learn in a self-directed manner. 

• Structured courses and workshops. Alongside self-directed learning, you can also participate in a structured learning course or workshop. An example of this might be a dementia awareness course, for instance, or an LGBTQ+ awareness course. 

• Peer learning. Social workers can engage with their peers in both formal and informal learning setups. This knowledge exchange strengthens social workers' practice and fosters greater bonds between colleagues and peers. 

• Supervision. Supervision provides a structured environment for reflective practice, allowing social workers to constructively criticise (and be constructively criticised) other colleagues and thus foster a deeper understanding of their work and how it can be improved.  

• Teaching and training. Delivering training sessions, lectures, or workshops to peers, students, or other professionals. This contributes not only to the CPD of the social worker but also to the professional development of others.

Note: this list isn't exhaustive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do You Record Your CPD?

Social Work England lets you easily record and track your ongoing CPD through their online portal. You can find a link to it here.

What are the CPD Requirements for Social Work England?

To stay registered with Social Work England, at least two CPD entries are required annually.

What Happens if You Don't Do CPD?

You must carry out the requisite CPD each year to be able to renew your status as a Registered social worker with Social Work England. If you're not registered, you can't practise in England.

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