Physical Activity as CPD

One of the objectives set by my leadership this year was to do something to improve our health and wellbeing, whether that be take up a hobby for pleasure, go to the gym or just read a book. One aspect I choose was to do more regular structured exercise, rather then the sporadic exercise I was doing.

Being involved in looking at others CPD and giving some feedback, it strikes me that I should actually be reporting this personal development activity as CPD. CPD is essentially what you make of it, so I see no reason why learning a new exercise routine doesn't count as CPD. I certainly can reflect on that activity. How many of the exercise hours I would claim as CPD, is a different question.

However, a couple of things come to mind. For IET CPD we need to classify the activity into the TWAVES concept. So which does it fall under? The initial learning of how to use the equipment possibly falls under Training. The review sessions with the trainer is receiving coaching, so work experience. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

To throw a different curve ball, the Engineering Council CPD training I went on earlier this year stated that they would like to see CPD allocated to the UK-SPEC competence categories, even after you have achieved professional registration. This is because they feel a broad range of CPD is covering multiple UK-SPEC competence categories. I'm not sure that physical training fits into any category.

I'd be interested to read others thoughts...

Thanks,

Mark

Parents
  • Hi Mark,

    I think you highlight an interesting point on the subjective nature of CPD - I always suggest members focus less on the hours of input and more on the reflection of what learning they got out of it and i think this is reflected in Andy's comments as well.  If, on reflection, you gained some learning from it that relates to your career development you can count it as CPD.

    If you think about UKSPEC it covers a lot more than just engineering, and also covers Management, Communication skills and wider commitment such as safety, ethics, risk management etc.  I think this is fairly broad and is why we recognise such a range of CPD activities - I'm not sure if physical activity counts as CPD but as it's up to the individual it's worth considering how it might if you wanted to include it but I'm certain most engineers are doing more CPD than the recommended 30 hours without including their time at the gym or playing Sunday League.

    Regards,

    Kathryn

Reply
  • Hi Mark,

    I think you highlight an interesting point on the subjective nature of CPD - I always suggest members focus less on the hours of input and more on the reflection of what learning they got out of it and i think this is reflected in Andy's comments as well.  If, on reflection, you gained some learning from it that relates to your career development you can count it as CPD.

    If you think about UKSPEC it covers a lot more than just engineering, and also covers Management, Communication skills and wider commitment such as safety, ethics, risk management etc.  I think this is fairly broad and is why we recognise such a range of CPD activities - I'm not sure if physical activity counts as CPD but as it's up to the individual it's worth considering how it might if you wanted to include it but I'm certain most engineers are doing more CPD than the recommended 30 hours without including their time at the gym or playing Sunday League.

    Regards,

    Kathryn

Children
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