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What counts as CPD for Speech and Language Therapists?

11 Aug 2021Resource

Whether you are just beginning your speech and language therapy career or are a seasoned professional, you will most likely be aware your CPD must include a mixture of different types of learning. HCPC requires you to carry out at least two different types of learning activity, although in practice you will most likely do much more than this.

The types of CPD can include:

  • Work-based learning - e.g. reflecting on experiences at work, considering feedback from service users, or being a member of a committee.
  • Professional activity - e.g. being involved in a professional body or giving a presentation at a conference.
  • Formal education - e.g. going on formal courses or carrying out research.
  • Self-directed learning - e.g. reading articles or books.

But what does this look like in reality? There could be many things you are already doing day-to-day that can count towards this mixture of activities, so here are just a few suggestions to get your CPD juices flowing.

Reading tweets by any relevant associated bodies

For example, The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice - ASLTIP.

Following industry influencers on social media

Such as Rachel Moses (@AHPLeader).

Reading new research papers posted by relevant research bodies

For example, papers like those made available on City Access Resources for Aphasia (CARA).

Listening to podcasts

For example, The Speech and Language Therapy Show.

Watching any relevant TV documentaries

On Netflix right now, for example, you can watch ‘My Broken Brain’, a 2014 documentary film about the life of 34-year-old Lotje Sodderland after she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and the resultant loss of her ability to read, write, or speak coherently.

Listening to a topical debate or documentary on the radio

On BBC Sounds, at the moment you can access ‘Lost for words’, where David Shariatmadari explores the science of language, dementia and ageing, which is a good example of relevant resources in the media.

Watching live and pre-recorded videos on YouTube or other video sharing platforms

Many webinar providers will make their presentations available for viewing after the event, so keep an eye out for these great free resources.

Exploring the many online training courses available through health boards, trusts and universities

For example, RCSLT Events.

Reading a newspaper article or blog

Topical news stories often give opportunities for reflection on your own practice.

Reflecting on your experience after being involved in some industry campaigning

Such as from your experiences when taking part in a campaign like Giving Voice.

Being mentored or mentoring others

Find out more from RCSLT.

Improving your day-to-day skills

This could include things like enhancing your IT and digital skills.

Reflecting on an article published in RCSLT’s Bulletin magazine

The Bulletin comes out quarterly, so can be a good way to keep up to date on industry topics and trends.


Where will your CPD journey take you next?

If any of these have jogged your memory, or inspired you to start consciously tracking your development activities, then make sure you diarise some time to log and reflect on them.

Whether that’s in a fancy notebook, a spreadsheet, or a CPD tracking app like Julia, by capturing what you are doing regularly, your CPD history will build up in no time!

Please let us know on Twitter if you have any additional suggestions for activities and resources and we’ll update our list so everyone can benefit.

Please note that Julia is not affiliated with any external content nor is it endorsing any particular resources as successful CPD practice.


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