Continuing Professional Development Policy
| Continuing Professional Development Policy | ||
| Version Number | IBS/CPDP/2026Apr/V001 | |
| Member of Staff Responsible | Jonathan Liu | |
| Record of Revisions to Policy | ||
| Date | Details | Approved by |
| Apr 2026 | Published | Board of Directors |
| Apr 2026 | Reviewed | Board of Directors |
| July 2023 | Reviewed | Board of Directors |
| Date of Current Policy | April 2026 | |
| Next Review Date | April 2027 | |
| Review to be approved by | Board of Directors | |
Related IBS Policies
- Academic Regulations and Assessment Policies
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments Policy
- Data Protection Policy
External Reference Points
- UK Quality Code for Higher Education (QAA, 2024)
- Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory Framework
- Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018
1. Purpose of the Policy
1.1 The International Business School (IBS) is committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth. This policy sets out IBS’s approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for students and participants undertaking CPD‑designated courses, modules, or learning activities.
1.2 The policy ensures that CPD provision:
- meets high academic and professional standards;
- is delivered fairly, transparently, and accessibly; and
- aligns with Office for Students (OfS) expectations, including Condition E1 (fair treatment of students).
2. Scope
2.1 This policy applies to:
- all students enrolled on IBS CPD courses, short courses, micro‑credentials, and professional programmes;
- non‑award‑bearing learners undertaking CPD provision offered by IBS;
- academic and professional staff involved in the design, delivery, assessment, or administration of CPD provision.
2.2 Where CPD provision is delivered in partnership with external organisations, equivalent standards and expectations apply.
3. Definition of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
3.1 CPD refers to structured learning activities undertaken to:
- develop professional knowledge, skills, and competencies;
- enhance employability and career progression; and
- maintain professional standards or regulatory requirements.
3.2 CPD at IBS may include, but is not limited to:
- short courses and workshops;
- professional certificates;
- online and blended learning modules;
- employer‑focused or bespoke training programmes.
4. Principles Underpinning CPD at IBS
IBS CPD provision is guided by the following principles:
4.1 Quality and Relevance
CPD provision is academically robust, current, and aligned with industry or professional practice.
4.2 Accessibility and Inclusivity
CPD opportunities are designed to support diverse learner needs and comply with equality legislation.
4.3 Transparency
Information on CPD content, learning outcomes, assessment (where applicable), fees, and completion criteria is clear and accessible.
4.4 Learner Responsibility
Participants are responsible for engaging fully with CPD activities and taking ownership of their professional development.
5. Admission and Enrolment to CPD Provision
5.1 Entry requirements for CPD courses are proportionate and aligned with the learning outcomes of the provision.
5.2 IBS will provide clear information on:
- eligibility criteria;
- application and enrolment processes;
- any prerequisites or professional experience required.
5.3 Enrolment onto CPD provision does not automatically confer student status on award‑bearing programmes unless explicitly stated.
6. Learning, Teaching and Assessment
6.1 CPD provision may be assessed or non‑assessed, depending on the course design.
6.2 Where assessment is included:
- assessment criteria will be communicated clearly in advance;
- assessment processes will be fair, transparent, and proportionate;
- reasonable adjustments will be made where required.
6.3 Academic integrity standards apply to CPD learners in the same manner as other IBS provision.
7. Recognition and Certification
7.1 On successful completion of CPD activities, participants may receive:
- a certificate of completion; or
- formal recognition aligned to professional or regulatory standards, where applicable.
7.2 Certification will be issued only where participation and completion requirements have been met.
8. Learner Support
8.1 IBS provides appropriate academic and administrative support for CPD learners, proportionate to the nature of the provision.
8.2 Support may include:
- academic guidance;
- access to learning resources;
- advice on progression routes or further study.
9. Complaints and Appeals
9.1 CPD learners may raise concerns or complaints about CPD provision in accordance with the IBS Student Complaints Policy and Procedure, adapted as appropriate for CPD learners.
9.2 Where assessment forms part of CPD provision, learners may request a review in line with published CPD assessment procedures.
10. Roles and Responsibilities
10.1 IBS is responsible for:
- ensuring CPD provision meets regulatory and quality expectations;
- maintaining accurate records of CPD participation.
10.2 Academic and Professional Staff are responsible for:
- delivering CPD provision to agreed standards;
- supporting learners’ professional development.
10.3 CPD Learners are responsible for:
- engaging actively in CPD activities;
- meeting participation and completion requirements;
- adhering to IBS policies and codes of conduct.
11. Monitoring and Review
11.1 CPD provision is monitored through internal quality assurance processes.
11.2 This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure ongoing compliance with OfS requirements and sector good practice.
12. Data Protection and Confidentiality
12.1 Personal data relating to CPD learners is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
12.2 Information is shared only where necessary for the administration, quality assurance, or certification of CPD provision.
13. Alternative Formats
13.1 This policy is available in alternative formats upon request.