Core CPD Framework
Summary of principles
Your CPD
The RTPI defines Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as
'The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skill and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioner’s working life.'
Planners work in an ever-changing environment and need to keep abreast of present and future challenges.
The work you do is for – or affects – the public and environment. CPD demonstrates your commitment, competence and professionalism, and sets you apart from non-members.
The RTPI Code of Professional Conduct requires Members to plan, undertake and record 50 hours of CPD in each two-year calendar period. It is expected that members will undertake 25 hours of CPD per calendar year (January to December).
RTPI commitment to you
To support you to meet your CPD obligations, the RTPI will:
- Adopt ‘Core CPD Framework’ guidelines for your professional learning.
- Signpost a range of high-quality sources of CPD.
- Provide you with tools to plan, record and reflect on your CPD.
- Audit a sample of Member records to assess compliance with the RTPI code.
- Undertake regular reviews of the learning needs of the profession.
- Work with employers and stakeholders to champion the importance and the value of CPD for professional planners.
Core CPD Framework
This framework provides RTPI Members with an overview of the key topics for CPD and identifies a programme that covers the key professional skills and areas of planning knowledge to meet current and future planning challenges.
Professional Skills
- Championing Planning
- Business Planning and Management
- Diversity, Inclusion and Professional Ethics
- Digital Planning
- Placemaking and Design
Planning Knowledge
- Development and Infrastructure Planning
- Health and Wellbeing
- Housing
- Climate Change and Environmental Planning
- Planning Law and Process
Recommended sources of CPD
Structured CPD
- CPD Masterclass
- Conference
- Briefing/workshop
- Seminar/lecture
- Online learning
- Secondment or work shadowing
Self-directed CPD
- Reading relevant news articles or research
- Podcasts or blogs
- RTPI policy and research publications
- The Planner/Planning Theory and Practice Journals
- RTPI online learning
- Library or book study
- Social media posts
CPD Role-model
- Deliver a training session
- Write or blog about planning
- Mentor students or graduates
- Become an APC assessor
- Get involved in your local RTPI group or Network
- Volunteer for Planning Aid
- Become an RTPI Ambassador
What’s in it for you?
A structured approach to your own professional development with the RTPI will help you:
✓ Enhance your professional reputation
✓ Learn new skills and keep up to date
✓ Improve your performance in your current role
✓ Gain a competitive edge and future employment
✓ Demonstrate your commitment and competence
The RTPI Core CPD logo is a quality assurance mark to demonstrate that the CPD offering has clear learning outcomes, measurable results, and covers one or more of the 10 Core CPD Framework topics.
CPD email: cpd@rtpi.org.uk
CPD tel: 0370 774 9494