CPD

Freelancers in business for themselves do not have the corporate infrastructure to support technical development in their chosen trade or profession. Continuous Personal Development (CPD) enables the individual to identify those skills critical to business success. It helps you to establish:-

  • Where you are now.
  • Where you wish to go.
  • How to get there.
  • How you know you have achieved your goals.

Why do you need to consider CPD? As freelancers we are interested in staying in Contract when and for however long we want; this is all the more difficult in an expanding, fast moving market place. Each year we should look to increase our charge out rates, commensurate with our increased experience, qualifications and knowledge. To do this you need to keep abreast of changing technology, increase your standing within our peer groups and the industry in general and expand your spheres of influence, your networks. IFA provides you with virtually all of the tools you need to achieve this; but only you can map out your business destiny.

By following CPD guidelines, you will be able to develop your own plan, and when required, talk to CPD professionals who will guide you through the process or assist you to develop your own plan.

If you are a member of a professional institute, they may have tailored schemes which you can use as your basis, but every freelancer is an individual and so you may well have what you consider to be unique aspirations.

As part of your CPD assessment and development you will need to consider key topics like:-

  • Technical Training
  • Business Training
  • Management Training
  • Work Experience

The following are useful links to learn more about CPD:-