CPD can take place through formal and informal learning opportunities. A range of courses are facilitated by IASLT each year.

Informal learning can occur on the job through ‘day to day experiences, performance reviews, journal clubs, peer discussion, in-service training, critical reading and personal reflection. “CPD is more than attending courses and undertaking postgraduate study” (French & Dowd’s, 2008; 192). Price et al (2008;127) report that “case based, reflective, interactive sessions" can impact practice.

A previous survey of the profession indicated that while members acknowledged that work based and self-directed learning are components of CPD they are not recorded and not valued in the same way as formal CPD. 

Do I identify my CPD needs and plan how to meet them? Do I have a Professional Development Plan?

Do I have specific learning objectives?

Do I fully understand the components of CPD? Do I evaluate my CPD?

Do I consider CPD to be attendance at formal courses only? Do I reflect on my practise?

Lets consider each of the categories.

• Is there anything I could do differently?
• Were there areas I did not consider to be CPD but will include next time?
• How could I focus my CPD a little better?

• Ensure you plan a CPD programme based on the identification of your learning needs and the appropriate methods to meet those
• Ensure your CPD is relevant to your learning needs and your scope of practice.
• Evaluate and reflect on your CPD and consider how it has improved the quality of your practice and benefitted the service.

It is a requirement that you document your CPD activities and collate them on an ongoing basis within your CPD Log. This will help you to demonstrate and reflect on skills learnt and identify future learning needs. Barclay (1996) tells us that reflection is important “because learning by reflection converts informal and accidental opportunities into more efficient learning opportunities”. A CPD log allows reflection which leads to improved self awareness, professional and personal development. You will also have concrete evidence of your commitment to CPD and its application to practice to fulfil the requirements for IASLT membership and for audit should you be one of the chosen few!!!

*Read the IASLT CPD Standards document (2018, edited 2023) for further information.

• The IASLT Professional Development Manager works with the IASLT CPD Administrator and the IASLT CPD Committee to explore and respond to your professional development needs. 
• We work to ensure that the quality of speech and language therapy education meets the present and future needs of SLTs and their clients.
• The IASLT submits proposals to the National HSCP Office annually for funding to support the delivery of CPD.
• The IASLT CPD Portfolio is available for members to plan and record their CPD. 
• There is now the option available to members to record their CPD using the IASLT CPD Audit template form.
• Details of the vast CPD offering are available at member rates to attend CPD events including the IASLT biennial conference. 
• You can register for events through the IASLT website and receive a certificate detailing CPD hours on completion. 
• CPD events are advertised on www.iaslt.ie by email and social media.
• IASLT plans its CPD programme around members' needs and requests, in line with IASLT strategy and current evidence base. The IASLT carries out an annual survey of training needs of members and departments nationally.
• The IASLT welcomes any queries that you might have regarding your professional development needs - professionaldevelopment@iaslt.ie .

Since January 2010 the IASLT has carried out audits of the CPD records of members.

IASLT currently carries out an audit on a small percentage of Full Members every two years.

The most recent audit took place in 2024, with 3% of membership randomly selected to participate in the audit process.

Perhaps the word ‘audit’ instills feelings of fear or possibly it feels like an added burden on top of already busy schedules. Let us consider audit, why it’s necessary and how audit can benefit us personally and professionally.

• It ensures a high standard of professional
• It ensures we, as a profession, are keeping up to date with evidenced based clinical approaches and current thinking on best
• The evidence will have to show that the CPD an individual has undertaken has contributed to the quality of their practice and demonstrates that it benefited the service user.

“The purpose of CPD is to develop the abilities of the individual and, through this development, change and improve practise and service provision”. (O’Sullivan 2003; 118). Audit of our CPD Logs merely provides the evidence that this is happening and proves beyond doubt our committment to providing a high quality, accountable service.

No. CORU will only accept the CORU audit record template available on their website.

Yes, 30 hours is the minimum amount required to reach the criteria of your CPD requirements. 

This is the case for both IASLT and CORU audits. 

Regardless of the amount of hours that you work per week, you are still required to maintain a high standard of CPD. 

No. Some membership categories are not eligible for audit, including New Graduate Members, Retired Members, Non-Practicing Members for example.