The IMechE and the Engineering Council’s approach to CPD is focused on learning outcomes achieved through activities and experience, rather than the time spent on activities. For this reason, the IMechE does not currently follow a traditional input-based system of recording CPD. This means there is no requirement to track hours, accumulate points, or maintain a collection of attendance certificates.

Rather, the IMechE encourages its members to consider what they have gained from each activity recorded. Consider and record how each experience has expanded your knowledge and skills and how you plan to apply this new knowledge. If an activity did not meet your expectations, reflect on why this was and how you can avoid similar experiences in the future. Also consider if the experience has revealed additional development needs or if it has given you cause to reassess your career objectives. Update your CPD plan as needed to reflect these insights.

What is Reflection and how do I do it?

Reflection on an activity is personal and should demonstrate critical analysis. The aim is to understand what you have gained and whether the activity helped you make progress towards reaching your short-term goals. Based on this, you can adjust or expand your goals and decide which areas to develop next.

The Borton Model can be used as a framework for reflective practice. It encourages deeper analysis through answering three key questions:

• What? – What did you learn?
• So what? – How is it relevant to you?
• Now what? – How do you make it more relevant?

Reflecting on each completed activity is a critical part of the CPD process. Done well, it greatly increases your chances of achieving your goals in a timely manner.

If you are registered as a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), reflection is especially important in demonstrating how your CPD supports your environmental responsibilities.

In line with our licensing requirements, 10% of our CEnv registrants are included in our CPD sample each year. Maintaining clear, reflective records is essential.

Learn more about the CEnv designation and how it supports your professional development.

Recording your CPD Activities

There is no prescribed method for recording your CPD activities. What matters most is ensuring the following details are clearly documented for each recorded activity:

• A brief description of the activity (3-4 sentences) - What?
• A Summary of the most valuable things you gained by completing the activity - So What?
• Honest and candid answers to the reflective feedback questions – What next?

You can record your CPD activities using a simple narrative document, a spreadsheet of your own design, the CPD tools Activity Log or using the IMechE sample spreadsheet. Any tool used should include provision for reflection. Many employer CPD records do not provide an opportunity for you to reflect on the activity. Consider whether you need to supplement your employer’s records with your own reflection records.

Examples of Common Audit Feedback

The IMechE has identified common feedback from recent CPD record reviews. Consider these suggestions when recording your CPD to ensure you maximise the benefits from the process:

• Make sure to reflect on all your CPD activities.
• You are probably doing more that counts as CPD than you realise; what else can you record?
• CPD is not just formal training courses.
• Don’t forget to consider what you have learnt from your day job when recording your CPD. On the job learning is perfectly acceptable CPD and should not be overlooked as learning models indicate this is where most development occurs.
• CPD comes from various sources; it doesn’t just have to be work-related.
• Try to align your CPD with your interests to make it more beneficial and rewarding.
• Review your CPD goals on a regular basis; make sure to check progress towards medium and long-term goals.
• Make sure to include an appropriate balance of technical and non-technical CPD.