CPD

Continuing Professional Development

The IFE supports the concept and practice of CPD believing it to be essential to effective performance as a professional fire engineer. The IFE defines CPD as:

"The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner's working life."

All members of the IFE are encouraged to undertake and record CPD. The entry requirements to the Member grade include a requirement that the applicant must demonstrate that they have undertaken CPD for a specified period.

The IFE places most emphasis on the outcome of any CPD activity, rather than meeting any fixed "quota", however, as a guide an applicant would be expected to provide evidence that they have undertaken and recorded at least 25 hours of CPD per year, in the 2 years preceding their application.

It would be expected that the record would include a mix of formal (lectures, seminars, branch events, etc) and informal (structured reading, personal development activities in voluntary work, observation and analysis of events). Formal activities would be expected to form at least 12.5 hours of each year and informal activities a further 25 hours (Informal CPD is credited on a "two hours for one" basis).

It is not necessary to provide copies of CPD certificates; rather more value is placed on a personal record of CPD, in which some analysis of the content value and future use of the development activity has been carried out. The method of recording is a matter for individuals, however, it should be structured around providing information which:

  • Identifies what has been done, including the time spent on the activity
  • Describes what was learned by the individual
  • How the development can be used in the future

Full details of the IFE's policy on CPD, together with a useful guidance on how to identify needs, plan and record CPD may be found here.

Organisations wishing to apply for IFE approval of CPD

Organisations can apply for IFE approval of CPD. Successful applicants will receive an IFE CPD logo for use on publicity material, delegate certificates, etc. Assuming time allows, events may also be publicised in the events section of the IFE website.

Visit the Professional Development pages in order to download an application form.