Continuing professional development (CPD) is changing. In the past, CPD focused mainly on teachers and external training but it now involves all staff and increasingly takes place within the school. The CPD leader should be a member of the senior leadership team and take a strategic view of the school’s development.
The role requires an understanding of how professional development needs can be identified through performance management and school improvement planning. CPD leadership requires knowledge of the different forms CPD can take and how it can be organised and evaluated.
Key changes to CPD
| From | To |
|---|---|
| CPD coordination as an administrative role | CPD leadership as a strategic role |
| A focus on teaching staff | A focus on the whole school workforce |
| Dependence on external provision and courses | Utilising a range of methods, focusing on what the school can provide |
| Needs identified in a range of ways | Needs identified through performance management, balancing individual and school needs |
| Ad hoc evaluation of the immediate impact of CPD | Monitoring and evaluating the short- and long-term impact of CPD on staff and pupil performance |
Supporting CPD leadership
We are working with a number of local authorities (LAs) across the country to explore what support – both local and national – already exists for CPD leaders in schools, as well as to develop and enhance their support for CPD leadership. A report of the second phase of this work, Making a Difference: Promoting and Supporting the Leadership of CPD is available for download from this page.
We have also conducted national research into the responsibilities of CPD leaders and the challenges and barriers to effective CPD leadership. The report from this research examines the individual roles and responsibilities of CPD leaders, their experiences in leading CPD and the support they receive, or would like to receive. In addition, the report explores links between CPD leaders' work and other key areas in schools – for example, performance management and school improvement succession plans. The report is available to download from this page.
