CPD Standards

Continuing Professional Development

Guidelines for maintaining a continuous, up-to-date, accurate and reflective record of CPD activities

CPD Standards

We have adopted a set of standards for Continuing Professional Development. These are similar to those adopted by other science based professional bodies, including members of the Science Council and the Health Professions Council. The CPD Standards are: A registrant must maintain a continuous, up-to-date, accurate and reflective record of their CPD activities and be able to provide supporting evidence if requested. A registrant must demonstrate that their CPD activities are a mixture of learning activities relevant to current or future practice. A registrant must seek to ensure that their CPD has benefited the quality of their practice and reflect upon this. A registrant must seek to ensure that their CPD has benefited the users of their work (employee, customer, student etc.) and reflect upon this.

CPD Learning Activities

Types of Learning Activities

A balanced portfolio of CPD activities should include a selection of activities in at least 3 of the following categories

Work-based Learning

Learning activities that take place within the work environment

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Professional Activity

Involvement in the activities of a professional body, learned society or trade association

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Formal/Educational

Participation in activities that lead to gaining academic/professional qualifications

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Self-directed Learning

Learning that takes place when the individual takes the initiative in diagnosing learning needs

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Other Learning

Activities that help develop transferable skills and experiences

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CPD Tips and Requirements

Further information on CPD, including helpful tips, is available here: Five steps to perfect CPD. CPD requirements will vary depending on your register. The following are the total hours required for the registers on a yearly basis: 35 hours of CPD for Chartered Scientist (CSci), Registered Food Safety Manager (RFoodSM), Registered Food Safety Principle (RFoodSP), Register of Professional Food Auditors and Mentors (RPFAM), and Registered Professional Sensory Scientist (RSensSci). 25 hours of CPD for Registered Food Safety Practitioner (RFoodSPrac) and Registered Scientist (RSci). 10 hours of CPD for RSciTech.