What is CPD?

It stands for Continuing Professional Development.

Why is it important in mediation?

One of the primary purposes of the UK College of Family Mediators is to set high standards, in the training and professional development of mediators, in order to ensure mediators provide high quality service. It does this partly by auditing the standards of the foundation training. It also does it by approving continuing education and professional development for mediators, and determining the amount of such further training and development which each mediator must undertake each year.

Why is it really important?

To ensure that members remain informed and that their mediation skills are up-to-date. Members must complete the required CPD to gain the relevant CPD points for membership renewal. The current requirement is 10 CPD points - a point usually represents one hour. Members will probably wish to discuss their training and development needs with their professional practice consultant before attending any courses.

So how do members get the CPD points?

There is usually one CPD point for every hour of UK College approved training.  Approved CPD providers offer training with CPD points. Members should check that the trainer keeps records or gives a certificate that can be forwarded to the UK College if necessary.  The College posts a schedule of all approved providers on the College web-site; details are also sometimes posted to members.  Members can also agree with their professional practice consultant on other activities or events which will be suitable for a part of their annual CPD requirement.

Do other professional association CPD points count towards the UKC CPD scheme? Can the same course count for CPD for different professions?

Members should check before going on a course whether it has UK College approval. But courses can sometimes be approved for different organisations. For example, some courses approved for Law Society CPD are also approved for UK College CPD.

How many CPD points are given for teaching and training?

Trainers can count double points for the first time they deliver a course to cover preparation time. For any further times they deliver the same material, they only get CPD points for the delivery time.

Courses are expensive. I am a practice manager and I need to get CPD for all my mediators but this will cost a lot. I want to run in house seminars for an hour or so monthly. Can I and how will these count?

If an Approved Body recognises the course for mediators, then so will the UK College. Other organisations can also be recognised as CPD providers.

Who do I contact for CPD information?

Courses will be posted on this web site as well as circulated by approved CPD providers. For extra information, contact the College office.

Can I renew if I do not have the right number of CPD points?

Members are normally allowed to delay training into the following year only in exceptional circumstances, so there is a risk of losing UK College membership and associated benefits if points are not acquired by the end of the year. But members should write to the College explaining their situation if they do not have enough CPD points; it may be possible to make special arrangements to delay the acquisition of the missing points.

How can I find out more?

By reading the CPD scheme requirements document; download it by clicking the link.