What do points make???
"You can't teach an old dog new tricks" - that's a phrase that keeps bouncing around my head. And after 10 years in local government communications I definitely feel old.
Yet if ever there was a time to get on board with new ideas, refresh skills, and ultimately stay at the top of your game, then that time is here. So sit up straight and pay attention!
That was the kind of talking to I gave myself after realising that I was overseeing yet another reorganisation of communications in yet another organisation - and each left me seeking the best from an ever increasing group of people pushing to keep their roles, against new, fresh faces coming into the industry.
I'll be honest and admit that I was looking at a bit of a rest from learning, after all I gained my CIPR Diploma, with merit back in 2006, having made the move from local journalism to local government. Since then I have attended several CIPR courses, as well as inhouse training, peer group training, evaluation, etc etc, as I've worked to improve skills and keep abreast of new developments, particularly as I've moved up the career ladder.
But with the pressures I found myself facing last year, added to the effects of the Coalition Government and its gaze turned upon less spend and more productivity in communications, the message has been hammered home that knowledge and indeed creativity, really is power.
So I feel fortunate that last year I was enticed by the CPD, or Continuous Professional Development offered by the CIPR. It's seductive powers lie in its practical approach - I find it hard to spare a day for training but CPD allows you to focus on identifying and planning your skills and development needs around your everyday work. For example, I read a lot around the subject of PR (who doesn't?) and that can be recognised as part of your CPD.
The true beauty of CPD points (you need to acquire 60 per year, for three years) is that they can be accumulated in many different ways, including formal training and events, self-directed learning and collaboration, pro bono work, study and mentoring or advising others.
There's now an online system for recording your points that was recently launched. Although it's clear the CIPR is still getting to grips with it but I am sure that once the kinks I've reported have been worked out it will be fine!
Just in case you get stuck for ideas there are plenty of examples of how to award points on the CIPR's CPD website. But remember points are awarded for learning and development - not for simply completing tasks.
Points I've already accumulated include reading guides and skills cases from the CIPR's website on creativity and crisis management from which I've gained some great advice to help with situations such as the English Defence League wanting to march through the town centre, coaching sessions I receive which are helping me with my personal development and a free workshop I attended on social media which has unravelled some of the mysteries of Facebook and enabled me to set up my council's first pages!
So what do points make? Prizes of course and in this case three years, totalling 180 points gains you Accredited Practitioner status and a clear message that you are committed to keeping your professional skills and knowledge up to date and continually developing and broadening your horizons.
And if you want to keep Accredited Practitioner status you have to keep those points building - forcing you to keep refreshing and updating. This means I have an easy way to keep on top of my game, whilst receiving recognition for it....... the learning may never stop!
For full details on CPD visit the CIPR training and development here.
Yana De Silva. MCIPR
Group Manager, Communications, Buckinghamshire County Council